The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the agency will soon be removing its boating docks located along the Mohawk River.

The docks are removed annually after Columbus Day to prevent damage from lowered water levels as part of the seasonal management of the canal. Boaters who use the docks are advised to plan accordingly. The removals will take place on a rolling basis, and some docks may still be in place after Oct. 14, but boaters should not expect them to remain in place throughout the fall and winter. For questions about the docks, call Regional DEC fisheries Manager Chris VanMaaren at (607) 652-2620. The Nelliston dock has already been removed. The docks affected by the removals are:  

• Amsterdam at Quist Road;
• Amsterdam at Lock 10;
• Canajoharie;
• Ft. Plain; and
• Freeman’s Bridge

The Mohawk River’s water levels are managed by the New York Power Authority/Canal Corporation to prevent flooding and aid boat navigation. Heavy snow pack and/or spring rain have a direct impact on the canal levels. Opening of the navigation season is dependent upon these natural conditions. Once the gates are dropped at each section of the dam, water level rises to allow safe boating. The navigation buoys are installed first, then the boat docks are installed. DEC plans to install the boat docks by Memorial Day, depending on weather and other factors. Official notice of the canal’s opening and closing dates will be announced by Canal Corporation, usually in May. For more information about boating along the canal and other canal regulations, visit the Canal Corporation website.