Lighthouse Damaged on New York's Hudson River

According to Hudson River Lighthouses, there are seven remaining lighthouses still on the Hudson River. And while mariners don't rely quite as heavily on these lighthouses for guidance as they did in the past, the structures still serve as a glimpse into the area's rich history, as well as the efforts to preserve them in the present day.

However, law enforcement says that one of these historic lighthouses was struck Wednesday morning, leaving behind "significant damage", according to CBS.

CBS reports that authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Greene County Sheriff’s Office at (518) 943-3300 ext. 509.

Lighthouse Damaged on New York's Hudson River In Possible Hit-and-Run

CBS reports that law enforcement continues to investigate a suspected hit-and-run at the Hudson Athens Lighthouse. Officials say that a preliminary investigation suggests "that an unknown vessel struck the lighthouse dock and stairs". WNYT reports that the impact occurred sometime between April 29 at 3 PM to April 30 at 7 PM.

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office says that they are using sonar equipment to see if the vessel could have possibly sunk after hitting the structure. Deputies from both Columbia and Greene counties are also helping with the investigation.

These Hudson River Towns Offer Amazing Backdrops For Selfies!!

New York's famous Hudson river, known as "America's Rhine," is one of the pretty places in the United States. There are dozens of small hamlets, towns, and villages on the route from approximately Albany down through to New York City. The Hudson River Valley is a tourist's delight! Here is a short selection of towns in the valley that offer beautiful and special places along the waterfront. There is no better road trip in the Empire State than a three day trip along the Hudson, stopping and enjoying every view, museum, restaurant, and historic site along the way. And if you have been a frequent user of New York's Amtrak, you already know this. The rail route hugs the water all the way down. Be sure and get a window seat!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

What is New York State's Largest Freshwater Fish?

According to the New York State DEC, the lake sturgeon is one of state's largest freshwater fish. Mature adults average between three to five feet in length, though some can grow as large as over seven feet and over three hundred pounds.

The DEC says that lake sturgeon are usually found in freshwater lakes and large rivers in the Northeast, but can also be found in the Hudson Bay and the St. Lawrence River.

Experts say that lake sturgeon have been found locally in the Niagara River, Oswegatchie River, Grasse River, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, and in the Seneca and Cayuga canals.

The American Fisheries Society says that the lake sturgeon as has been listed as threatened in all the states.

Population decline could be attributed to several factors have been blamed such as, "high demand for their eggs (or, caviar) and smoked flesh, the "construction of dams that cut off spawning and nursery areas", and even pollution to the water, says the DEC.