DEC Reopens Dunkirk Fishing Pier

DEC Reopens Dunkirk Fishing Pier
Upgraded Pier Improves Public Fishing Access to Lake Erie
Repair work and accessibility improvements to the Dunkirk Fishing Pier in the City of Dunkirk, Chautauqua
County, are now complete. Enhancements to the pier now offer improved access to one of Lake Erie’s most
popular fishing sites.
The Dunkirk Fishing Pier is located in Dunkirk Harbor and provides exceptional, year­round fishing opportunities
in an urban setting. It is a favorite Lake Erie fishing destination among Western New York anglers for trout,
bass, panfish and walleye.
Improvements to the pier include:
An upgraded design to create greater accessibility for all users
Repair work to ensure the pier’s structural stability
Reconstruction of the existing wooden fishing pier above the existing steel substructure
Replacement of a portion of a concrete sidewalk to improve accessibility
Installation of accessible railings and benches
Aesthetic improvements
Construction activities were funded through the NY Works program.
DEC publishes a weekly updated fishing hotline for Lake Erie on DEC's website, or by calling (716) 855­FISH.
Black Bear Activity in the Adirondacks
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 07/21/2016 01:41 PM EDT
Due to the dry conditions black bears have been more active than usual throughout the Adirondacks. You can
take steps to prevent problems with nuisance bears.
NEVER feed bears. It is prohibited by regulation and is unsafe for humans and the bear. Nuisance bears that
have become habituated to obtaining food from humans can be become aggressive, requiring DEC to
euthanize them.
At Home
Do not feed birds during the summer and keep all garbage secured in a manner that bears cannot obtain it.
Bird feed and garbage are the two biggest attractants for bears around homes.
At Campgrounds
Store all food in coolers and other containers that are placed in the trunk of your vehicle.
Dispose of all garbage before the end of each day.
Keep your site clean of food, food waste and garbage
In the BackCountry
Use bear­resistant canisters to store ALL food, toiletries and garbage (Use of bear­resistant canisters is
required in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness and encourage elsewhere).
Outside the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness if you don’t us a bear­resistant canister store ALL food, toiletries
and garbage in a food (aka bear) hang.
Bears are most active in the evening, cook, eat and clean up before dusk.
DEC Invites Public to Comment on Draft Management Plans
for Lands in the Adirondacks
Public Comments Accepted Through August 12
A draft Amendment to the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Unit Management Plan and a draft Unit
Management Plan for the Horicon Boat Launch are available for public review and comment, the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today.
Both the draft UMP for the Horicon Boat Launch and the draft UMP amendment for the Vanderwhacker
Mountain Wild Forest contain proposed management actions that are located within the Schroon Recreational
River Area. Pursuant to Part 666 of Title 6 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the
State of New York­also known as the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers regulations a public hearing is
required.
The public hearing will be held at 1:00 p.m. on July 27 at the DEC Region 5 Warrensburg Office at 232 Golf
Course Road, Warrensburg. The hearing will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more on the
proposed management actions and to provide comment on the proposals. The meeting facility is wheelchair
accessible. Please provide any requests for specific accommodations to 518­897­1361 at least one week in
advance.
Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest
The proposed amendment to the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Unit Management Plan will allow for
improved access for hikers, paddlers and others. The amendments proposes:
Construction of a parking area and hand launch at Palmer Pond for people with disabilities;
Replacement of a foot bridge over the Boreas River near Lester Flow;
Construction of a 5­car overflow parking area near the Moxham Mountain trailhead; and
Expansion of the parking area at Balfour Lake.
The 91,854­acre Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest in the Eastern Adirondacks expands across Essex,
Hamilton and Warren counties. This rugged, mountainous and forested area also contains many lakes, ponds,
rivers and streams. The lands and waters provide an abundant variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
The Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Draft Management Plan is available to view or download on DEC's
website. Copies of the Draft Plan are also available on CD at the DEC Region 5 Office in Warrensburg.
Public comments should be sent by August 12, 2016 to Rob Ripp, Senior Forester, NYSDEC Lands & Forests,
232 Golf Course Road, Warrensburg NY, 12885 or e­mailed to R5.UMP@dec.ny.gov.
Horicon Boat Launch
The proposed amendment for the Horicon Boat Launch and Schroon River Area Management Plan will improve
efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering or leaving Schroon Lake.
The amendment proposes to create a 20' x 40' gravel pad for a boat washing station, and to re­open a gravel
lane to provide access to the boat washing station from the Town highway.
The Horicon Boat Launch is located in town of Horicon, Warren County just above the dam at the south end of
Schroon Lake.
The Horicon Boat Launch Draft Management Plan is available to view or download on DEC's website. Copies of
the Draft Plan are also available on CD at the DEC Region 5 Sub Office in Warrensburg.
Public comments should be sent by August 12, 2016 to Rob Fiorentino, Biologist, NYSDEC Lands & Forests,
232 Golf Course Road, Warrensburg NY, 12885 or e­mailed to R5.UMP@dec.ny.gov.
Statewide Invasive Species Awareness Week to be Held July
10 ­16
A Call to Action for all New Yorkers to Learn about and Help Stop the Spread of Invasive
Species
New York's third annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) will be held Sunday, July 10 ­ Saturday, July
16, 2016, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and state
Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced today. In observance of ISAW,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a proclamation urging all New Yorkers to exercise environmental
stewardship to protect lands and waters from infestations that can be devastating to habitats, agriculture,
tourism and human health.
"Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity to highlight the environmental and economic threats
invasive species can pose and raises awareness of the many ways that all New Yorkers can help protect
against unwelcome species in their communities," said Commissioner Seggos.
"Prevention is the most cost effective strategy and through the Environmental Protection Fund and other
funding sources, New York is making significant investments in the fight to addresses their spread. In the height
of the outdoor summer season ­ whether you are camping or boating or hiking or fishing ­ everyone can help
keep invasive species from spreading."
State Agriculture Commissioner Ball said, "Invasive species can have a costly impact on agriculture, the
environment, and our economy. It's important that we all do our part to keep invasive species out of our
communities and away from our natural resources. During Invasive Species Awareness Week, I encourage all
New Yorkers to learn what they can do to help eradicate these pests and prevent them from spreading."
Invasive species cause harm because of their ability to reproduce quickly, outcompete native species, and
adapt to new environments. Because invasive species did not evolve with the other species in their new
location, they often do not have natural predators and diseases that would normally control their population
within their native habitat. Economists estimate that invasive species cost the United States more than $120
billion in damages every year.
During ISAW, the Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs), iMap Invasives, Cornell
Cooperative Extension, DEC, and additional state and local partners will host activities to inform citizens how to
identify, survey, map, report or manage invasive species. Those attending will be able to help remove invasive
species from public lands, join experts on the trails or on the water to see invasive species firsthand, attend
presentations to learn more about what can be done to help fight these threats, and more.
In addition, all citizens are asked to consider how their everyday activities may affect the spread of invasive
species and use the following best management practices: clean, drain and dry watercraft and gear after
boating and fishing; use non­invasive plants in gardens and landscaping; use local firewood; and learn about,
look for and report invasive species.
New York is working persistently to fight invasives such as emerald ash borer, which has spread across the
state on wood packaging and firewood, threatening to kill millions of ash and cause a negative impact on the
timber industry in the millions of dollars. This includes baseball bat manufacturers and bats used in Major
League Baseball. Hemlock wooly adelgid is another threat, killing thousands of acres of hemlock in the lower
Hudson Valley and Catskills. Shade provided by hemlock is important for maintaining cool water temperatures
for New York's many trout streams.
Oak wilt, first discovered in 2008, has cost NYS approximately $500,000 to control. Some midwest states spend
over $1 million a year to control it but NY has kept costs down by aggressively surveying and eradicating
infestations quickly while they are small. Oak is an important species because of the wildlife (deer and turkey
among others, big for hunting) that depend on the acorns.
NY Invasive Species Awareness Week is one component of a larger invasive species education campaign "Stop
the Invasion: Protect NY from Invasive Species" coordinated by the Invasive Species Council, Invasive Species
Advisory Committee and PRISMs. The goal of the campaign is to inform citizens about the threats of invasive
species and to enlist their assistance in helping to stop their spread. Some invasive species, such as Eurasian
watermilfoil, purple loosestrife and Japanese beetles have been present in NY for decades, while others are
more recent arrivals, such as emerald ash borer, hydrilla and plum pox virus. New or old, all invasive species
have serious impacts on recreation, environmental quality and the economy.
The Invasive Species Prevention Act was signed into law in 2012 to prohibit or limit the sale and transport of
known invasive plants and animals that threaten our communities and natural areas and last year the Governor
signed a law to prevent the spread of disease­carrying, aggressive Eurasian boar to protect our farms and
fields. The DEC is also implementing important regulations that restrict the movement of untreated firewood, as
well as emerald ash borer quarantines, which prevent the spread of potentially infested materials, and new
regulations for controlling the spread of aquatic invasive species at DEC­owned boat launches, fishing access
sites, and waterbodies.
Additional information and a complete list of events are available on the NY Invasive Species Awareness Week
website. (link leaves DEC's website)
As part of Invasive Species Week, DEC and State Parks will co­host a film screening titled "The Hemlock Woolly
Adelgid: A Film About the Loss of an Ecosystem." The event will take place at the Madison Theater in Albany on
Thursday, July 14, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with exhibits from local conservation organizations in the lobby. The
film starts at 7 p.m. with an opening message from filmmaker Chris Foito.
NY Invasive Species Advisory Committee, Chair:
Meredith Taylor, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Invasive Species Biologist,
metaylor@dep.nyc.gov, (845) 340­7856
2016 ISAW Planning Committee Chair:
Megan Phillips, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, megan.phillips@dec.ny.gov, (518) 402­
8871
Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), Coordinators:
Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, Brenden Quirion, bquirion@tnc.org, (518) 576­2082
Capital Mohawk, Laurel Gailor, lrg6@cornell.edu, (518) 885­8995
Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership, John Thompson, jthompson@catskillcenter.org, (845) 586­
2611
Finger Lakes, Hilary Mosher, mosher@hws.edu, (315) 781­4385
Long Island Invasive Species Management Area, Steve Young, steve.young@dec.ny.gov (518) 402­8951
Lower Hudson, Linda Rohleder, lrohleder@nynjtc.org, (201) 512­9348
St. Lawrence and Eastern Lake Ontario, Robert Williams, rwilliams@tnc.org, (315) 387­3600
Western New York, Andrea Locke, lockeas@buffalostate.edu, (716) 878­4708
To view the New York State's Invasive Species Awareness Week proclamation (PDF, 639 KB) (link leaves DEC's
website), visit the Governor's website.
DEC and NY Sea Grant Announce $192,000 in Grants for
Great Lakes Basin Projects and Request Proposals for New
Projects
Funding will Help Great Lakes Basin Communities Increase Resiliency and Improve Water
Quality
In partnership with New York Sea Grant, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced $192,000 in grants for nine projects that will help Great Lakes
coastal communities enhance their resiliency and protect water quality.
"Improving water quality is essential to enhancing coastal resiliency and the local economies in the Great Lakes
region that depend on clean and healthy waterways," said Commissioner Seggos. "These grants advance local
solutions to build stronger, more resilient communities in the face of climate change and ensure that water
quality is protected for people, fish and wildlife, and I look forward to watching these innovative projects move
forward."
"New York Sea Grant is pleased to administer these awards and work with the recipients to ensure that the
results, products, and lessons learned are shared with all of our Great Lakes communities and stakeholders,"
said New York Sea Grant Associate Director Katherine E. Bunting­Howarth.
Coastal and inland communities throughout New York's Great Lakes region are vulnerable to impacts of storm
surge, flooding, shoreline erosion, excessive nutrient loads, harmful algal blooms and many other challenges
related to community resiliency and water quality.
To address these risks, and improve resiliency and water quality in the Great Lakes region, grants will be
awarded to the following organizations:
City of Rochester: $25,000 to develop a Green Infrastructure Design and Maintenance Manual to
encourage and guide the proper use and installation of green infrastructure technologies with an emphasis
on retrofit and redevelopment projects;
Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council: $25,000 to provide outreach and education to
municipalities to promote enrollment in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System
(CRS), which focuses on reducing risk and building resilience;
University at Buffalo: $25,000 to quantify nutrient fluxes from representative urban and agricultural
subwatersheds in Western New York to better understand the sources and timing of these fluxes and their
impacts on the nearshore areas of NY's Great Lakes;
Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District: $25,000 to assess, research, and complete
geographical, fisheries, and wildlife surveys to aid in the establishment of an action plan to restore Port Bay's
East Barrier Bar;
Onondaga Environmental Institute: $24,998 to enhance the resiliency, water quality and aquatic habitat
value of Onondaga Creek by increasing riparian buffers, improving bank stability, and removing invasive
Phragmites;
Finger Lakes Institute: $20,112 to develop a water quality monitoring program that works with citizen
scientists to determine levels and sources of nutrients and bacteria in the nearshore area of Cayuga Lake;
Clarkson University: $18,630 to measure high resolution water quality parameters in the nearshore zone of
the St. Lawrence River that will assist water resource managers in assessing risk, uncertainties, and
changing conditions related to water level and water quality management in this region;
Center for Transformative Action: $15,000 to create and distribute 20 CurrentCast (60­second syndicated
radio series and podcast) segments that educate the public about issues and activities related to topics such
as stormwater management, shoreline protection, flooding and erosion protection, riparian restoration,
wetlands protection, and green infrastructure; and
Owasco Lake Watershed Inspection Program: $14,183 to develop the Tributary Adoption and
Identification Pilot Program resulting in simple, public­friendly information management tools focused on
enhancing local public awareness, involvement, and understanding of watershed issues and concerns.
New York's Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program is made possible by the NYS Environmental Protection
Fund and Article 14, "Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Act," of the state's Environmental
Conservation Law. Grant projects support the goals of an Interim New York Great Lakes Action Agenda (GLAA),
a plan for applying ecosystem­based management to complex environmental problems in order to conserve,
protect and enhance our irreplaceable Great Lakes natural resources.
The New York's Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program is in its second year of successfully funding projects
that achieve goals of the GLAA, as identified by basin­wide stakeholders. New York Sea Grant and DEC are
pleased to announce that a third year of funding is available for 2017­2018 projects that meet natural resource
and resiliency goals. More information is available below:
New York Sea Grant and DEC Requesting Proposals for Small Grants Program for projects
that serve to benefit the environment and economy of New York's Great Lakes basin
Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded for projects that implement Goal #5 and/or Goal #7 of the GLAA.
Respectively, these goals are to:
"conserve and restore native fish and wildlife biodiversity and habitats to achieve and sustain resilient
ecosystems and vibrant economies" and
"enhance community resiliency and ecosystem integrity through restoration, protection, and improved
resource management"
Project planning, design, and/or implementation, information management tool development, demonstration
projects, and targeted outreach and education initiatives are eligible. Projects must be located within or be
directly related to the Great Lakes basin region of New York.
To help not­for­profit organizations, local governmental and public agencies, and public and private educational
institutions apply for grants, New York Sea Grant will offer informational webinars on July 11, 2016 at 12 p.m.
and July 25, 2016 at 12 p.m. Those interested in attending may register at Cornell's website. (link leaves DEC
website)
For questions or more information, please email Heather Weitzner at hw528@cornell.edu.
Proposals will be due by September 23, 2016. Grants will be announced the week of October 31, 2016. Full
request for proposals and application guidelines are online at Sea Grant Proposal page (link leaves DEC
website).
For more information on the Interim NYS Great Lakes Action Agenda, visit DEC's website. For information on
the current grant projects, go to Sea Grant website (link leaves DEC website).
Invasive Species Awareness Week at Five Rivers
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center will mark Invasive Species Awareness Week­July 10­16, 2016­with
programs focused on invasive species present on the property at 56 Game Farm Road in Delmar.
Water chestnut, an invasive aquatic plant that crowds out native flora, is taking over the surface of some of the
ponds at Five Rivers, most notably, Beaver Pond. An infestation can cause changes to the water chemistry and
composition of the ponds.
Water chestnut removal is a labor­intensive process, requiring many hands. On Monday, July 11, and Tuesday,
July 12, visitors may come between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM to take part in a water chestnut pull. If you would like
to assist in the effort, bring your own kayak or canoe, personal flotation device, paddle and gloves. Those
without watercraft can assist with disposal on land. Participants will get wet and dirty and must be at least 18
years old or accompanied by an adult to be on the water. Insect repellent is strictly prohibited for those who will
be on or near the water. A hat and sunscreen are suggested. Participants should meet in the parking lot of the
NYSDEC Wildlife Resources Center at 108 Game Farm Road, a short walk from the infestation sites.
A presentation on invasive species which are affecting our forests will take place on Tuesday, July 12, at 6:30
PM. Join us to learn more about the emerald ash borer, Asian long­horned beetle and the hemlock woolly
adelgid. The program will start with an indoor presentation about the background and biology of these invasive
species. Afterward, we will visit a trail to see firsthand the signs and symptoms of an infestation and learn what
is being done to manage these pests at Five Rivers.
On Saturday, July 16, both our morning and afternoon programs will highlight invasive species. At 10:00 AM, the
aliens are coming. Actually, they are already here. Invasive species (known as alien) are common here at Five
Rivers and likely near your home as well. What effects do they have on the health of our forests, fields and
ponds? Take a walk around the property to see some of what wasn't here before and look at what may be
disappearing.
At 2:00 PM, we will repeat the Tuesday evening program on invasive species that are impacting forest health.
Please call Five Rivers at 518­475­0291 for more information.
Monday, July 11, 9:30 AM and Tuesday, July 12, 9:30 AM Invasive Species Awareness Week: Water Chestnut Pull Water chestnut, an invasive aquatic plant, is taking over the surface of some of the ponds at Five Rivers. It
crowds out native flora and can result in changes to the water chemistry and composition of the ponds.
Removal is a labor­intensive process, requiring many hands. If you would like to assist in the effort, bring your
own kayak or canoe, PFD, paddle, and gloves. Those without a watercraft can assist on land with disposal.
Expect to get wet and dirty. To be on the water, participants must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an
adult. Insect repellent is strictly prohibited for those who will be on or near the water.
Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 PM Citizen Science: Invasives
Join us to learn more about the emerald ash borer, Asian long­horned beetle and the hemlock woolly adelgid.
The program will start with an indoor presentation about the background and biology of these invasive species.
Afterward, we will visit a trail to see firsthand the signs and symptoms of an infestation and learn what is being
done to manage these pests at Five Rivers.
Saturday, July 16, 10:00 AM Guided Walk: The Aliens are Coming! Actually, they are already here. Invasive species (known as alien) are common here at Five Rivers and likely
near your home as well. What effects do they have on the health of our forests, fields, and ponds? Take a walk
around the property to see some of what wasn't here before and look at what may be disappearing.
Saturday, July 16, 2:00 PM Citizen Science: Invasives
(Repeated from Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 PM)
Invasive Algae Found in Western New York Waterway
DEC Seeks Help from Anglers in Preventing Spread
The invasive algae didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) was recently confirmed in Clear Creek, a popular trout
fishing stream in Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties, New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) reported today.
"This is the first documented finding of this aquatic nuisance species west of the Catskills in New York State,"
said DEC Region 9 Director Abby Snyder. "Clear Creek is one of our region's most popular wild brown and
rainbow trout streams. Given its connectivity to Cattaraugus Creek and proximity to other nearby trout streams,
we ask anglers to be especially vigilant in helping to prevent this species from spreading."
Samples taken and examined by DEC recently confirmed the algae's presence in Clear Creek at Jones Road in
the Cattaraugus County portion of the steam. The finding was confirmed after a concerned angler contacted
DEC with a potential sighting.
Didymo, also known as "rock snot," can produce large amounts of stalk material that form thick mats on stream
bottoms. During blooms, these mats may completely cover long stretches of stream beds. Its growth can alter
stream conditions, choking out many of the organisms that live on the stream bottom. The resulting disturbance
to the stream's food chain can negatively impact trout and other fish populations.
Once introduced to an area, didymo can rapidly spread to nearby streams. Wading anglers and other water
recreationalists such as kayakers, canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can easily and unknowingly spread didymo
by transporting the cells on boats and other gear, especially if moving from one waterway to another in a single
day.
DEC strongly encourages all anglers and boaters in the region to play a role in preventing the spread of didymo
by following the precautions below:
Check ­ Before leaving a river or stream, remove all obvious clumps of algae and look for hidden clumps.
Leave them at the affected site. If you find any later, do not wash them down drains; dispose all material in
the trash.
Clean ­ Treatment varies depending on what needs to be cleaned. Be sure that the solution completely
penetrates thick absorbent items such as felt­soled waders and wading boots. Felt­soles, due to their ability
to absorb didymo cells and to stay damp for prolonged periods of time, are a major vector in spreading
didymo and require special treatment (prolonged soaking in disinfectant).
Dry ­ If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to the touch, wait an additional 48 hours
before contact or use in any other waterway. Check thick, absorbent items closely to assure that they are dry
throughout. Equipment and gear can also be placed in a freezer until all moisture is frozen solid. NOTE: If
cleaning, drying or freezing is not practical, restrict equipment to a single water body.
DEC Fisheries staff will monitor Clear Creek and nearby waterways throughout the summer to check for the
spread of this algae, and encourages anglers to report any potential didymo sightings and locations. For more
information on didymo, visit DEC's website.
Cleanup Action to Begin at General Motors IFG Site OU2,
Availablity Session Announced
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 07/01/2016 05:40 PM EDT
Cleanup Action to Begin at General Motors Inland Fisher Guide Site;
Public Availability Session Announced
A link to the fact sheet follows. If you have trouble viewing the fact sheet, it will soon be available online
at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/37558.html under the heading General Motors ­ Inland Fisher Guide Site ­
734057
New York State Bald Eagle Conservation Plan Completed
New Yorkers Are Reminded to Avoid Human Disturbance at Bald Eagle Nests
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced a new,
comprehensive conservation plan to manage New York's population of the bald eagle. The Conservation Plan
for Bald Eagles in New York State describes the historic status, restoration efforts and current status of the bald
eagle in the state and provides guidelines for future management actions.
A draft of the plan was released in February 2015, inviting the public to comment. More than 120 comments
were received, and the final plan addresses the comments and input received.
"New York State has been a leader in the restoration and recovery of the bald eagle in the northeast United
States," Commissioner Seggos said. "We recently confirmed that New York has been home to the longest living
wild bald eagle on record in the United States. With bald eagles nesting within New York City on Staten Island,
they now occur statewide. This confirms that New York's rivers, lakes and forests are being maintained at a
level capable of supporting our Nation's symbol. This plan will help guide the perpetuation of the bald eagle and
ensure a healthy population in the state."
The bald eagle, currently listed as a threatened species in New York, continues to make a remarkable recovery
across the state. The Conservation Plan serves as a guide for landowners, resource managers, local
government agencies, and other stakeholders to manage and perpetuate the bald eagle and its habitat in New
York. This plan also informs the public of actions recommended to achieve the goal of a sustainable, healthy
bald eagle population, including its essential habitat and the ecosystems it depends upon.
Avoiding human disturbance at bald eagle nests is important to protecting the species. Some bald eagles are
very sensitive to human activity and disturbance, especially at nest sites. Motor traffic, approaching too close on
foot, frequency of visits or nearby tree removal can result in nest failure, nest abandonment, or abandonment of
the nesting territory altogether. Any repeated disturbance by humans is unlawful under the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and under the Environmental Conservation Law of New York.
Motorized activity such as jet skis, motorized boats, vehicles, manned and unmanned aircraft (e.g. drones),
ATVs and snowmobiles, as well as non­motorized activities, such as hiking, hunting, bird watching, camping,
fishing, photography and paddling, should all take place outside a minimum 330­foot buffer zone unless birds
have demonstrated a tolerance for these activities. In some cases, the NYSDEC may recommend a 660­foot
buffer or larger. Additionally, any air traffic should be restricted to no closer than ¼ mile from and at least 1000
feet above ground level at the nest site. Eagles are particularly sensitive to disturbances from above.
Human disturbance may lead to opportunistic predation of nests, nest abandonment, or may cause young
eaglets to fall from or to leave the nest prematurely. Young eaglets that fledge prematurely may be vulnerable
to predation by a variety of mammals while on the ground. Observations at bald eagle nests should be made
quietly, at a distance (outside of a minimum 330' buffer), using binoculars or a spotting scope.
Violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, as amended in 1972, increased civil penalties for
violating provisions of the Act to a maximum fine of $5,000 or one year imprisonment with $10,000 or not more
than two years in prison for a second conviction. Felony convictions carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or two
years of imprisonment. The fine doubles for an organization. Rewards are provided for information leading to
arrest and conviction for violation of the Act. Violators may be subject to additional fines under New York State
Environmental Conservation Law.
The Bald Eagle Conservation Plan establishes objectives for bald eagles in New York and lays out actions to
accomplish those objectives. Key objectives include:
Maintain a statewide average breeding bald eagle population of at least 200 breeding pairs; and
Maintain protection of our significant wintering bald eagle population.
Key actions to meet these objectives include:
Consult with landowners, developers, business and industry to ensure that proposed projects occurring near
eagle nesting and wintering locations avoid or minimize impacts to bald eagles that may result from the
potential impacts of:
Land clearing;
Increased human disturbance;
Collisions with cars, trains, electric lines, wind turbines and other structures; and,
Environmental contaminants including lead and PCBs.
Work collaboratively with landowners to limit human disturbance, address the risk of predation and gather
information on the status of nests by building partnerships between landowners, DEC, local land trusts,
environmental groups, and volunteers.
Discourage the intentional feeding of bald eagles to avoid potential exposure to contamination and disease.
Collect dead eagles for necropsy to determine cause of death and assessment of exposure to heavy metals,
toxins, and disease before sending along all eagle carcasses to the National Eagle Repository.
Monitoring the distribution and abundance of breeding and wintering bald eagles in New York State at a level
suitable to ensure objectives are met, incorporating volunteers where possible.
The Final Plan and additional information on bald eagles can be found on DEC's web­site at
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/74052.html.
On Monday, June 20, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo proclaimed American Bald Eagle Day in the Empire State,
recognizing the eagle's strong and impressive comeback into the skies of New York. The proclamation commits
to secure a sufficient suitable eagle habitat and limiting human disturbances within these habitats, allowing the
species to continue to live and expand in New York State. To view the American Bald Eagle Day Proclamation
(PDF, 651 KB) (link leaves DEC website), visit
https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/AmericanBaldEagleDay2016.pdf.
DEC Announces Motor Vehicle Access to Forest Preserve and
Easement Lands in the Northern Adirondacks
Beginning Friday, July 1, the public may once again use motor vehicles and bicycles on Madawaska Road to
access the eastern portion of the Santa Clara Tract Easement and Forest Preserve lands in the Madawaska
Flow­Quebec Brook Primitive Area, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner
Basil Seggos announced today.
"Paddlers, birders and other outdoor enthusiasts who have anxiously awaited the reopening of the road can
now once again access Madawaska Pond, Quebec Brook and the thousands of acres of surrounding forest
preserve and conservation easement lands," said Commissioner Seggos. "We are pleased to open this access
in time for the Fourth of July and Canada Day Holiday weekends which signal the start of the summer season."
Madawaska Road is located in the towns of Duane and Santa Clara in Franklin County. The road extends six
miles from State Route 458 to a parking area and trailhead for a hand launch onto Madawaska Pond. Paddlers
can paddle the picturesque 228­acre pond and more than two miles of Quebec Brook above the pond to the
boundary between Forest Preserve lands and private lands.
Public use of the road ended in 2012 when the landowner of a strip of land along State Route 458, through
which Madawaska Road passed, refused to allow any further public access. More recently, a client on behalf of
The Molpus Woodlands Group, LLC purchased the land, which began negotiations for a right of way for public
use on Madawaska Road. An agreement has been finalized allowing the road to be open for public access.
Madawaska Road is located on private lands which are actively managed for timber. Drivers should expect to
encounter logging trucks, skidders and other logging equipment. Drive slowly while watching and listening for
trucks and equipment. The road will continue to be closed to public motor vehicle traffic during the winter
months, as it's a critical connection in the Franklin County snowmobile trail system. The road will reopen in the
spring once the road has dried out from the mud season and any needed maintenance and repairs are
completed.
Directions, maps, descriptions of all access and outdoor recreation facilities, and other information are available
on our Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement webpage.
Proposed Changes to Part 40, Marine Fish
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/30/2016 09:58 AM EDT
Part 40 Marine Fish ­ Party and Charter Boats
This proposed rulemaking reinstates a provision in 6 NYCRR Section 40.1 that was inadvertently repealed in
2015. Prior to 2015, DEC regulations allowed party and charter boat license holders, while on board their
vessels, to fillet striped bass for their customers.
For more information, please visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/106216.html
DEC Advises Anglers to Be On the Lookout for Lake Sturgeon
in the Great Lakes and Oneida Lake
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded anglers to be aware of
spawning lake sturgeon in New York's Great Lakes waters, Great Lakes connecting channels, and in tributaries
of the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes and Oneida Lake. DEC staff receive numerous reports of
lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) caught by anglers targeting walleye at this time of year.
"Due to ongoing restoration efforts by DEC and our partners, encounters between anglers and lake sturgeon
are becoming increasingly common," said Commissioner Basil Seggos. "We ask for anglers to help protect
these impressive fish during this critical period in their long recovery."
Lake sturgeon are listed as a threatened species in New York, therefore, there is no open season for the fish
and possession is prohibited. Anglers should not intentionally target these rare fish. If an angler catches a
sturgeon, they should move to another area or change fishing gear to avoid catching another. Anglers who do
unintentionally hook one should follow practices to ensure that the fish are returned to the water unharmed
including:
Avoid bringing the fish into the boat if possible.
Use pliers to remove the hook; sturgeon are almost always hooked in the mouth.
Always support the fish horizontally. Do not hold sturgeon in a vertical position by their head, gills, or tails.
Never touch their eyes or gills.
Minimize their time out of the water and return them to the water immediately once they are freed from
fishing gear.
Anglers are likely to encounter sturgeon during the spring when the fish gather to spawn on clean gravel or
cobble shoals and in stream rapids. Sturgeon spawn in New York in May and June when water temperatures
reach 55 to 64°F. Females release as many as 7,000 eggs per pound of fish. Male sturgeon become sexually
mature between eight and twelve years of age and may live as long as 55 years. Females become sexually
mature between 14 and 33 years of age and live as long as 80 to 150 years.
Lake sturgeon populations are recovering as a result of protection and stocking efforts by DEC and several
partners. Several populations in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River appear to be recovering due to
protection efforts. Other populations are supported by stocking. Adult sturgeon are captured in the St. Lawrence
River and their eggs and sperm are collected by DEC biologists and partners from US Fish and Wildlife Service
at the New York Power Authority facilities below the Moses­Saunders Dam. The fertilized eggs are reared in
DEC's Oneida Hatchery and the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Genoa National Fish Hatchery to a size of about
six inches before stocking.
Sturgeon are often tagged as part of ongoing research efforts by state and federal agencies. If a tagged
sturgeon is found, it is important to follow the reporting instructions on the tag or contact a regional DEC office
for assistance. In New York, visible tags have been placed on lake sturgeon in the Genesee River by the
Cortland office of the US Geological Survey and by Cornell University staff from the Shackleton Point research
facility on Oneida Lake. Visible tags have also been placed on lake sturgeon in Lake Erie by DEC and the lower
Niagara River by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additionally, some sturgeon in these areas have been tagged
with large external satellite transmitting tags.
Lake sturgeon are one of three species of sturgeon native to New York. The other two species are shortnose
sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) and Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus) which are found in tidal
portions of the Hudson River and marine waters of the state. Possession of all three species is prohibited and
shortnose sturgeon are listed as endangered in New York State. Atlantic sturgeon are listed as federally
endangered in New York.
Lake Sturgeon are the largest fish native to the Great Lakes, growing up to seven or more feet in length and
achieving weights of up to 300 pounds. Lake sturgeon from New York's inland waters are smaller on average
and may grow to as much as three to five feet in length and about 80 pounds as adults.
While once abundant in New York, commercial fishing, dam building and habitat loss decimated populations.
Lake Sturgeon can still be found in Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Grasse
River, Oswegatchie River, and Black Lake, as well as Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake, Seneca
River and Cayuga Canal.
While sturgeon numbers have improved, populations are still low compared to historical levels both in New York
and the rest of the Great Lakes states. It is estimated that fishing had removed 80 percent of the sturgeon from
Lake Erie by 1900. All three sturgeon species were once prized for their meat and caviar and constituted an
important industry in the state. Their slow rate of maturity and reproduction made them particularly vulnerable
to overfishing.
For further information visit the DEC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service websites links below:
Lake Sturgeon Fact Sheet
Endangered & Threatened Fishes of New York Lake Sturgeon Restoration
Great Lakes Lake Sturgeon Collaboration (link leaves DEC's website)
Proposed Changes to Part 218, Emission Standards for Motor
Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Engines
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/22/2016 04:24 PM EDT
Proposed Part 218, Emission Standards for Motor Vehicles and Motor
Vehicle Engines
The Department of Environmental Conservation is proposing to amend 6 NYCRR Part 218 and 6 NYCRR
Section 200.9 to incorporate California's latest low emission vehicle (LEV III) and zero emission vehicle (ZEV)
standards into New York's existing LEV program.
For more information, please visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/106554.html
NYSDEC and NY Sea Grant announce Great Lakes small
grants
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/20/2016 02:47 PM EDT
New York Sea Grant and New York Department of Environmental Conservation Requesting Proposals for Small
Grants ProgramProposals Due September 23, 2016New York Sea Grant in partnership with the New York
Department of Environmental Conservation is requesting proposals for projects that serve to benefit the
environment and economy of New York’s Great Lakes basin.
Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded for projects that implement Goal #5 and/or Goal #7 of the Great Lakes
Action Agenda. Respectively, these goals are to:
“conserve and restore native fish and wildlife biodiversity and habitats to achieve and sustain resilient
ecosystems and vibrant economies” and
“enhance community resiliency and ecosystem integrity through restoration, protection, and improved
resource management”
Project planning, design, and/or implementation, information management tool development, demonstration
projects, and targeted outreach and education initiatives are eligible. Projects must be located within or be
directly related to the Great Lakes basin region of New York.
To help not­for­profit organizations, local governmental and public agencies, and public and private educational
institutions apply for grants, New York Sea Grant will offer informational webinars on July 11, 2016 at 12pm and
July 25, 2016 at 12pm. Those interested in attending may register at
https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/SmallGrantsProgramWebinars_112.
For questions or more information, please email Heather Weitzner at hw528@cornell.edu.
Proposals will be due by September 23, 2016. Grants will be announced the week of October 31, 2016. Full
request for proposals and application guidelines are online at http://www.nyseagrant.org/proposals.
This small grants program is made possible by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and Article
14 of Environmental Conservation Law.
Interested in learning about deer impacts on forests? Cornell
webinar available tomorrow (Wednesday 6/15) at noon and
7pm
Receive Updates
Interested in learning about deer impacts on forests? Cornell webinar
available tomorrow (Wednesday 6/15) at noon and 7pm
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/14/2016 04:41 PM EDT
Join Dr. Paul Curtis, of the Cornell University Department of Natural Resources, for a webinar presentation of:
Impacts of deer on northeastern forests and strategies for control
Wednesday, June 15, 2016. Live at noon and again at 7PM.
Deer have been shown to cause significant negative impacts to forest regeneration in northeastern forests.
Chronic over­browsing reduces both plant and animal abundance, and these legacy effects can last long after
deer numbers are reduced. Landowners should manage deer numbers on their property at levels the forest can
sustain. Aggressive hunting programs, or in some cases deer damage permits, may be needed to lower deer
numbers and impacts to acceptable levels. There is no quick and easy solution unless deer can be fenced out
of regeneration areas, and this usually is not economically feasible. In many parts of NYS, if landowners do not
manage deer, then successful forest regeneration of diverse hardwood trees is unlikely.
The webinar is part of the Cornell University Cooperative Extension ForestConnect Webinar Series and may be
of interest to many New York hunters, landowners and land managers. Dr. Curtis has been a collaborator with
DEC on a number of projects including testing an integrated approach for managing deer in suburban
environments and the current development of a protocol to evaluate and monitor deer impacts on forests
across New York State. Instructions to register and view the webinar (provided by Cornell):
1. You need a personal registration ID to join this webinar. There is unlimited space for participants, the ID
simply provides you the necessary access code. Obtain your registration ID via: https://cornell.webex.com/cornell/onstage/g.php?MTID=e3b6fff6377c9855770258b58070d1e56 If prompted for a password, use C0rne11F0rest (the word “CornellForest” except the o = zero= 0 and L =
the number 1).
2. On the webpage where the above link takes you, look for the option to “register” to receive your “registration
id” number. 3. Wait for the email that contains your personal “registration id” number (a couple minutes at most usually). 4. Join the webinar via the “click here” button to open into your default web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer or
Firefox). The “click here” button should open into the webinar, or display a page indicating the webinar is not
active. If the webinar is not active, that means the host isn’t connected and you will need to wait until the
host connects. If the page opens into a rather generic “Cisco WebEx” page then your browser may not be
compatible with WebEx and you should copy and paste the full link (see example below, it follows “click
here”) into an alternate web browser. Using an alternate web browser usually solves most connection
problems.
5. Test the sound capacity of your computer by accessing a website with sound (e.g., video clip on a news
website, Youtube, etc.). 6. As you enter the webinar, you may be asked to test your media player. If so, you will need to complete that
step.
7. As you enter the webinar, you will be given the option to download software; you can bypass that step and
enter the webinar directly. I’m not aware of any problems that have arisen from downloading the software
(which streamlines subsequent access, but you should make this decision for yourself.
Experience Fishing Fun at Free Family Fishing Clinics in WNY
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with the Erie County
Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs Inc., will conduct two free Family Fishing Clinics during the month of June.
These family­friendly events will offer people of all ages the opportunity to learn and practice fishing techniques
while enjoying a great day outdoors.
The upcoming Free Family Fishing Clinics will be held on:
Saturday, June 11, 2016 9:30 am to 1:00 p.m.
Tifft Nature Preserve 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo NY To register, call DEC’s office at 716­851­7010
Saturday, June 25, 2016 9:30 am to 1:00 p.m.
Chestnut Ridge Park Orchard Park, NY
To register, call DEC’s office at 716­851­7010
Both events are free, and no fishing license is required to fish during the program. Fishing rods, tackle, bait and
educational materials will be provided. The event is catch and release only. Hands­on educational stations at
the clinics will include fish identification, pond life, casting, plastic baits, knot tying, where to fish and how to fish.
Adult accompaniment is required. Participants will enjoy a free hot dog lunch, and kids under 15 can register for
a drawing to win great prizes.
For more information, contact DEC’s office at 716­851­7010.
Louis Berger Group, Inc. Selected to Conduct Natural
Resource Inventory of the Binnen Kill and Tidal Freshwater
Wetlands
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in partnership with the New England
Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) selected the Louis Berger Group, Inc. of Morristown,
NJ to conduct a natural resource inventory (NRI) of the Binnen Kill tidal wetland complex, DEC Acting
Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. The resource inventory will be conducted along the west shore
of the Hudson River estuary in Selkirk, a hamlet in the town of Bethlehem (Albany County). Louis Berger Group,
Inc. is receiving $94,160 for the project.
The Binnen Kill is a tidal tributary of the Hudson River estuary. It is surrounded by a tidal wetland complex that
includes upland forest, tidal swamp and agricultural fields. The 485­acre study site includes properties that are
either owned by Scenic Hudson or are protected by conservation easements and lands owned by New York
State. Historically, the location included Shad and Poplar Islands which formed side channels of the Hudson
River, which were filled in the early 20th century during construction of the Federal navigation channel.
The purpose of the NRI is to identify ecological communities, including occurrence of rare or endangered
species and other natural features. This information will be used to develop management priorities for the site
which may include conservation, preservation, and restoration. The Louis Berger Group, Inc. will also conduct a
risk assessment of present and future threats to existing natural resources such as sea­level rise and the
spread of invasive species.
DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program, a project of the NYS Environmental Protection Fund, helps people enjoy,
protect, and revitalize the Hudson River estuary. For more information about the Hudson River Estuary
Program, please visit DEC's website.
DEC Announces Angler Outreach Event
Biologists to Update Status of Lake Erie and Niagara River Fisheries
An upcoming free seminar to update the public about the status of the Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River
Fisheries is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Woodlawn Beach State Park's Lodge,
Blasdell (Erie County) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.
The free seminar will begin with informal discussion and poster exhibits and be followed by a series of
presentations on Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River fisheries topics, including an opportunity for angler
input on a variety fisheries management activities. The meeting will conclude with questions and an open
discussion.
"DEC is committed to sound management of Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River fisheries to maintain high­
quality angling opportunities and associated economic benefits," DEC Regional Director Abby Snyder said. "This
event provides an excellent opportunity for anglers to interact with DEC experts who study and manage Great
Lakes fisheries."
Key members of Lake Erie and Niagara River's fisheries management and research community will present on
Lake Erie fisheries management and assessment activities for steelhead, walleye, muskellunge, research
initiatives, and habitat improvement projects. This seminar is sponsored by DEC's Lake Erie Fisheries Unit and
Region 9 Fisheries offices. Anyone interested is welcome to attend this free event and registration is not
required.
The Lake Erie and the upper Niagara River rank among New York State's top fishing destinations, especially for
walleye, smallmouth bass and steelhead. The 2007 statewide angler survey estimated more than 800,000
angler days spent on these waters and the estimated value of these fisheries exceeded $22 million to the local
New York economy.
For further information contact Don Einhouse, Lake Erie Unit Leader, (716) 366­0228.
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Search and Rescue Highlights
Forest Ranger Actions for 5/30 ­ 6/5/16
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue
incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer
search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people from the
backcountry.
"Across New York, DEC's Forest Rangers' are on the front lines helping people safely enjoy the great outdoors,"
said Acting DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Their knowledge of first aid, land navigation and technical rescue
techniques are critical to the success of their missions which take them from remote wilderness areas, with
rugged mountainous peaks to white­water rivers, and throughout our vast forested areas statewide."
Recent missions carried out by DEC Forest Rangers include:
Essex County
Town of Minerva Municipal Land
Injured hiker: On June 1, 2016 at 8:06 p.m., DEC Central Dispatch received a request for assistance from a
34­year­old man from Olmsteadville, NY with a possible lower­leg injury on the backside of the Minerva Lake
Loop Trail. Based on a description of his location DEC Forest Rangers determined it was necessary to take a
boat across Minerva Lake to transport the man back out. Forest Rangers traveled by boat across the lake and
reached the man at 9:30 p.m. Minerva EMS was already onsite administering First Aid. Forest Rangers brought
the man across the lake to a waiting Minerva EMS ambulance which transported him to an area hospital for
additional medical treatment. The incident concluded at 9:50 p.m.
Town of Minerva Vulnerable person: On June 3, 2016 at 1:22 p.m., DEC Central Dispatch received a request for assistance
from New York State Police (NYSP) in locating an 80­year­old woman from Pottersville, NY with memory issues.
The woman was last seen walking down I­87 in the southbound lane near Pottersville. A passing motorist
noticed the woman 300 yards down I­87 near the tree line and called 911. DEC Forest Rangers responded to
the location along with NYS troopers. They escorted her out of the woods and NYSP transported her back to
her family. The incident concluded at 2:30 p.m.
Town of Keene High Peaks Wilderness Lost hiker: On June 4, 2016 at 7:30 p.m., DEC Central Dispatch received a call requesting assistance for a
missing hiker on remote Allen Mountain. Two DEC Forest Rangers responded overnight and were joined at first
light by an additional four Forest Rangers to search drainages and herd paths in the area. At 10:00 a.m. the
next day, Forest Rangers advised Ray Brook Dispatch that the hiker had reportedly signed out of a trail register
and was in route back to his vehicle. At 10:45 a.m. the hiker returned to his vehicle in good health and all units
were clear from the incident. The 58­year­old man from Manlius, NY became lost on Allen Mountain at
approximately 3:00 p.m. on June 4 and wandered up and down a creek bed trying to locate the herd path and
cairn, camping overnight about 30 feet from the cairn. He was able to find the cairn and path in the morning and
came out on his own.
Franklin County
Town of Harrietstown Private Land
Lost person: On June 1, 2016 at 7:35 a.m., DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Franklin County 911
from a 17­year­old man from Saranac Lake, NY lost in the woods outside Saranac Lake. Dispatch directed him
to stay in his current location while DEC Forest Rangers were dispatched. Two Forest Rangers responded to
the GPS coordinates provided by 911 from the young man's cell phone. Rangers located him at 8:53 a.m. in
good physical condition and turned him over to his family. He had traveled into a section of private property with
dense post­logging regrowth and into a wetland adjacent to a section of the Saranac Lake Wild Forest.
Hamilton County
Town of Indian Lake Private Land
Lost hikers: On May 31, 2016 at 6:45 p.m., DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a phone call from a 33­year­old
woman from Cicero, NY and a 52­year­old woman from Syracuse, NY who became lost on private access roads
while attempting to hike the Tirrell Pond area near Blue Mountain Lake. Dispatch directed the women to stay in
their current location while DEC Forest Rangers were dispatched. Forest Rangers located the women in good
health on private property several miles from their intended route. The Rangers provided them with a ride back
to their vehicle. The incident concluded at 9:55 p.m.
Erie County
Town of Persia Stranded river tubers: On June 4, 2016 at approximately 6:30 p.m. a DEC Forest Ranger on patrol in Allegany
County received word from Erie County dispatch of two stranded river tubers, a 40­year­old woman from Grand
Island, NY and a 44­year­old man from Tonawanda, NY, in the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area. One of the tubers
called 911 when their inflatable tube caught on a rock and lost air. The distance remaining in the trip and
inaccessibility out of the gorge caused concern that the tubers would not be able to make it out on their own
before dark. The DEC Forest Ranger coordinated with other rescue teams at the location as he made the long
commute, eventually arriving at the location at 9:44 p.m. After speaking with fire and rescue personnel on scene
he learned that the Gowanda Rope rescue team was already walking to the stranded tuber's expected location
through the river and along the shore through rocky and slippery conditions. A Mercy Flight helicopter assisted
with communication relays between the rope team and command post. The search team reached the tubers at
10:14 p.m. At 11:30 p.m. the Forest Ranger and the Eden rope rescue team met the Gowanda team and the
tubers at the river confluence to relay drinking water and assist with the return trip. The tubers and responders
returned safely back to the command post and 12:20 a.m. on June 5, 2016.
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hiking Safety webpage and
Adirondack Backcountry Information webpage for more information.
Dunkirk Fishing Pier Closes Temporarily for Construction
Work Begins to Improve Public Fishing Access at Popular Lake Erie Fishing Destination
Repair work and accessibility improvements to the Dunkirk Fishing Pier in the City of Dunkirk, Chautauqua
County, are underway, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.
"The Dunkirk pier is a popular Lake Erie fishing destination among Western New York anglers, especially for
trout, bass, panfish and walleye," said DEC Regional Director Abby Snyder. "This project will help to enhance
public fishing opportunities by improving access to one of New York State's top ranked fisheries."
Construction activities started in early June and will include:
Upgrading the pier's design to create greater accessibility for all users
Making needed repairs to ensure the pier's structural stability
Reconstructing the existing wooden fishing pier above the existing steel substructure
Removing and replacing a portion of a concrete sidewalk to improve accessibility
Installing accessible railings and benches
Miscellaneous aesthetic improvements
During renovation work, the pier will be closed to the public. Pier improvements are expected to take about six
weeks to complete and the renovated pier is slated to reopen later this summer. Construction activities will cost
an approximate $56,000 and will be funded through the NY Works program.
The Dunkirk Fishing Pier is located in Dunkirk Harbor and provides exceptional, year­round fishing opportunities
in an urban setting. DEC publishes a weekly updated fishing hotline for Lake Erie, available on DEC's website or
by calling (716) 855­FISH.
Reinstein Woods Offers Summer Institute for Educators
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with Friends of Reinstein
Woods, is accepting registrations for a Summer Teacher Institute to be held August 3­4 at Reinstein Woods
Environmental Education Center in Depew. The Institute is designed for educators of students in pre­
kindergarten to grade 12, and will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
Teachers will learn effective techniques to enhance their teaching in math, English language arts, science and
other subject areas. Hands­on activities that align with Common Core and New York State learning standards
will cover topics such as invasive species, tree and plant identification, geocaching, citizen science projects and
bird­classroom connections. The training includes the Flying WILD curriculum that explores ideas for bird­
related schoolyard enhancements, festivals and more.
Extensive information on environmental education resources available to Western New York teachers will be
included in the program. Participants will receive written materials to enable them to transfer their new
knowledge directly to the classroom.
The two­day program provides 12 hours of instruction for which in­service or continuing education credit may
be available. Participants will receive written materials to enable them to transfer their new knowledge directly to
their school. A materials fee of $40 includes lunch on the second day.
A registration form is available online or by calling Reinstein Woods at (716) 683­5959. Space is limited, so early
registration is recommended. Teachers must register by July 20, 2016.
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center is located at 93 Honorine Drive in Depew, about three miles
from the Walden Galleria mall. For more information, contact Reinstein Woods at (716) 683­5959. DEC, in
partnership with Friends of Reinstein Woods, is accepting registrations for a Summer Teacher Institute to be
held August 3­4 at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in Depew. The Institute is designed for
educators of students in pre­kindergarten to grade 12, and will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
Teachers will learn effective techniques to enhance their teaching in math, English language arts, science and
other subject areas. Hands­on activities that align with Common Core and New York State learning standards
will cover topics such as invasive species, tree and plant identification, geocaching, citizen science projects and
bird­classroom connections. The training includes the Flying WILD curriculum that explores ideas for bird­
related schoolyard enhancements, festivals and more.
Extensive information on environmental education resources available to Western New York teachers will be
included in the program. Participants will receive written materials to enable them to transfer their new
knowledge directly to the classroom.
The two­day program provides 12 hours of instruction for which in­service or continuing education credit may
be available. Participants will receive written materials to enable them to transfer their new knowledge directly to
their school. A materials fee of $40 includes lunch on the second day.
A registration form is available online or by calling Reinstein Woods at (716) 683­5959. Space is limited, so early
registration is recommended. Teachers must register by July 20, 2016.
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center is located at 93 Honorine Drive in Depew, about three miles
from the Walden Galleria mall. For more information, contact Reinstein Woods at (716) 683­5959.
Mark Ruffalo on New York's Environmental Leadership
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/09/2016 03:33 PM EDT
Friends ­ I want you to be among the first to see a new video featuring Mark Ruffalo that celebrates our
accomplishments here at DEC as we continue to make New York the cleanest, greenest state in the nation.
Check it out below.
Best,
Basil Seggos
Acting Commissioner
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
­­­­­­­­­­ Forwarded message ­­­­­­­­­­
From: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Subject: Mark Ruffalo on New York's environmental leadership
Dear New Yorker, Like you, I love the great outdoors, and I want to personally share with you a new video
featuring actor and environmentalist Mark Ruffalo that highlights the historic progress we’re making here in New
York to protect our natural resources. Mark is an enthusiastic advocate for the environment, tackling everything
from fracking to open space conservation – proof that New York, and New Yorkers, are leading the way forward
on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
DEC Announces June Opening of 2016 Recreational Black
Sea Bass Season
New York is One of Several States Forced to Enact Tighter Limits on a Popular Fishery in
Order to Comply with Federal Harvest Limits
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is opening the recreational black sea bass fishing
season on June 27 and reducing daily limits from eight fish to three during the summer to meet the 23­percent
harvest reduction required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), DEC Acting
Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.
The proposed changes will ensure New York's fishery is consistent with federal coast­wide fisheries
management plans for black sea bass.
"The federal government must fundamentally change its management of the popular and economically
important black sea bass fishery," said DEC Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos. "In spite of abundant
populations, DEC is being forced to alter the commercial and recreational fishing seasons in order to meet
federal quotas. By allowing for an earlier June opening, we're trying to strike the best possible arrangement for
the recreational fishing community."
The proposed rule will include a number of changes from 2015:
Increases the minimum size by 1 inch from 14 to 15 inches for the entire season;
Reduces the daily possession limit from eight fish to three fish;
Opens the season 19 days earlier on June 27 with the three fish possession limit through August 31; and
The eight fish possession limit from September­October and the 10 fish possession limit from November­
December will not change.
These changes are being implemented at the urging of the recreational fishing industry to accommodate the
earlier opening of the season. DEC also considered a July 8th opening with a five fish limit, but recreational
anglers opted for the June 27th opening and three fish limit to provide for a longer season.
Strong, anecdotal evidence suggests the black sea bass population is abundant. However, weaknesses in the
federal government's current population assessment caused federal scientists to exercise extreme caution
when determining annual harvest limits for black sea bass. As a result, for the fourth year in a row, New York,
along with other states in ASMFC's northern region (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New
Jersey), must take steps to reduce the black sea bass harvest despite an apparent abundance of fish. A new
federal stock assessment is scheduled to be completed in late 2016 and should provide important data to
expand harvest opportunities in 2017.
Information on the most up­to­date marine recreational fishing regulations for all species can be found on
DEC's website.
Marine recreational anglers 16 years or older are reminded that they must register each year in New York's free
Recreational Marine Fishing Registry on DEC's website.
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Search and Rescue Highlights
Forest Ranger Actions for 6/6 ­ 6/12/16
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue
incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer
search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people from the
backcountry.
"Across New York, DEC's Forest Rangers' are on the front lines helping people safely enjoy the great outdoors,"
said Acting DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Their knowledge of first aid, land navigation and technical rescue
techniques are critical to the success of their missions which take them from remote wilderness areas, with
rugged mountainous peaks to white­water rivers, and throughout our vast forested areas statewide."
Recent missions carried out by DEC Forest Rangers include:
Hamilton County
Town of Wells Siamese Pond Wilderness Injured hiker: On June 11, 2016 at 12:00 p.m., DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from the Hamilton
County Sheriff's Office reporting a 67­year­old man from Toms River, NJ with a lower­leg injury on Auger Falls
Trail. DEC Forest Rangers responded to find Fulton County EMS already on scene assisting the injured man.
Forest Rangers assessed the injury and packaged the man for a carry­out. From the trailhead an ambulance
transported him to a local hospital for additional medical treatment. The incident concluded at 1:40 p.m.
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hiking Safety webpage and
Adirondack Backcountry Information webpage for more information.
DEC Announces Final Sewage Pollution Right to Know Regulations
*Resent with corrected links.
New statewide regulations make it easier for municipalities to notify the public on sewage discharges
DEC accepting applications through August 26 for $500,000 in grants to assist municipalities in reporting sewage
overflows
The state has finalized regulations needed to implement the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act, New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. This regulation makes it easier for municipalities to notify the public of any
sewage discharges in their surrounding areas.
"These much needed regulations will help protect public health and the environment, and also provide important information to residents in a timely
manner," Acting Commissioner Seggos said. "Under this regulation, municipalities will use the statewide NY­Alert system to notify the public of sewage
discharges. DEC encourages all New Yorkers to sign up for the NY Alerts and use the information when planning to head out on the water this
summer."
Under the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act, publicly owned treatment works and publicly owned sewer systems are required to notify DEC within
two hours of a sewage discharge. Through the NY­Alert system, municipalities will make the information available to the general public and
neighboring municipalities. Alerts are available via text messages, emails and/or telephone calls, to keep residents informed about sewage overflows,
and the new funding available will help municipalities comply with this important law.
DEC partnered with the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to enhance the electronic NY­Alert notification system so that
reporting is free of charge to municipalities and the media, and the broadcasting of sewage spill alerts is rapidly available. NY­Alert is used by New
York State agencies and municipalities for public safety messaging.
Senator Tom O'Mara, Environmental Conservation Committee Chair, said, "The Senate has strongly supported funding to put in place the Sewage
Pollution Right to Know Act without imposing another unfunded, state­imposed mandate on local governments. I have appreciated the department's
ongoing cooperation to develop this NY­Alert notification system in this way. It will ensure convenient, timely public access to this vital information and
minimize the expense to our local municipalities."
Assemblyman Steven Englebright, Environmental Conservation Committee Chair, said, "Prompt public notification of sewage discharge events,
including through the statewide NY­Alert system, will help ensure that citizens have the information needed to limit recreational uses and activities
such as swimming, fishing and diving wherever the sewage spill has taken place."
In addition to the regulations, DEC announced that it is accepting applications from municipalities for the Sewage Pollution Right to Know CSO Grant.
Through this grant program, $500,000 is available to assist communities with the detection, monitoring and reporting of Combined Sewer Overflows
(CSOs) to enhance compliance with the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act. Individual grants of up to $50,000 will be provided, and the deadline to
submit applications has been extended until August 26, 2016.
Through the final regulations, DEC is now requiring municipalities to report all wet weather CSO discharges in their community, and this grant
program is designed to help those communities comply with the new requirement.
Joe Fiegl, President of the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) said, "Water resource recovery (née wastewater) utilities and their
operations staff work 24­hours a day, 7­days a week to protect water quality and public health. With these goals in mind, NYWEA will continue to work
with the DEC to assist operators implementing the public notification protocols in these regulations."
Gerry Geist, Executive Director Association of Towns of the State of New York said, "We are pleased that the DEC has established a way for towns to
comply with the Sewage Pollution Right to Know law at little to no cost through the NY­Alert System and grant program."
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment said, "The announcement today represents significant progress
towards informing the public about potential harm from sewage spills. People want and need real­time information on water quality issues so they can
make smart decisions about where to fish, swim and recreate. New Yorkers love our waterways and we deserve to know they are safe and healthy.
Congratulations to the DEC who has worked diligently to establish this critical program."
Dan Shapley, Water Quality Program Manager, Riverkeeper said, "The more people understand how frequently pollution still affects the waters where
we boat, swim and fish, the more they will demand action to improve water quality. Our own monitoring data, gathered in partnership with dozens of
community partners at 325 locations monthly, shows that the Hudson River and the creeks that feed it too often fail to meet federal guidelines for safe
swimming. This law is an important step toward making them safe, and we thank the Department of Environmental Conservation for implementing it."
"People want and need to know when there is sewage in their waterways. Now that the NY­Alert system is publishing all sewage overflows in NY,
alongside Amber alerts and other emergency notifications, we hope local news and radio outlets will broadcast this information in the interest of public
health," said Tracy Brown, Director of Western Sound Programs for Save the Sound. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, Save the Sound thanks the DEC
for the terrific job they have done in getting this program up and running."
The Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act builds on the aggressive actions taken by Governor Cuomo to protect the water quality in New York.
Recently, the Governor announced $75 million in grants through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) of 2015 to support 45 drinking
water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects throughout the state. The funding will leverage more than $400 million in total project costs
to improve infrastructure and is expected to save taxpayers over $284 million through a 59 percent reduction in municipal costs. This year's state
budget increased funding for the WIIA to $400 million over the next two years.
Regulation­related documents can be found on DEC's website. Information about the Sewage Pollution Right to Know grant program is also available
on DEC's website. For instructions on how to sign up for alerts, visit the Sewage Pollution Right to Know web page at DEC's website.
4/6/2016
DEC Announces 2015 Bear Harvest Results
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYSDEC/bulletins/1418799
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4/6/2016
DEC Announces 2015 Bear Harvest Results
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYSDEC/bulletins/1418799
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