BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

WADDINGTON — Folks looking to fish at Brandy Brook can happily do so at night again, as has been the case for many generations, after Park Department officials met with fishing organizer Bob Giordano.

Following a misunderstanding with Park Police, Giordano said he had a productive meeting with Waddington Mayor Mike Zagrobelny, State Parks Director Peyton Taylor and Assistant Parks Director Mark Spalding that helped clarify the misunderstandings.

“Everyone is allowed to fish from shore at Brandy Brook without issue. Folks can fish at night, whether it’s on shore or from a boat. Everyone also has access to the boat launch at all times, just as before,” he said.

Parking at night is also not an issue anymore, as many people frequent the area to fish for bullhead at night.

The confusion came after a brief conflict with a Park Police officer who ticketed Giordano for holding a fishing tournament without a permit back in May.

After multiple delays, the charge was dismissed in Waddington Town Court on Aug. 18 when a St. Lawrence County Assistant District Attorney requested the charge be tossed.

Giordano also said all parties involved, from the Town of Waddington to the Parks Department and New York Power Authority all plan to work together in the future to help promote tourism and fishing in and around Waddington, while ensuring an open line of communication to avoid any potential issues in the future.

“The Parks Directors, the mayor and Legislator (Rita) Curran all did a great job working on all of this, meeting behind the scenes to sort everything out and to get everyone on the same page. It honestly was a very positive, productive end to all of this,” Giordano said.