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STATE OF NEW YORK EXECUTIVE CHAMBER GEORGE E. PATAKI, GOVERNOR Press Office 518-474-8418 212-681-4640 http://www.ny.gov FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, Monday May 15, 2006 GOVERNOR PROPOSES LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE CONSERVATION EFFORTS, SUPPORT AND EXPAND OUTDOOR RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES             Governor George E. Pataki today proposed a broad legislative package to protect  important fish and wildlife habitat, increase hunting, fishing, trapping and other outdoor  recreational opportunities, and establish protections to prevent access to the personal information maintained in the New Yorkıs sporting license system.  The Governor unveiled his initiatives during an event near the banks of the Kayaderosseras Creek in the Town of Milton, Saratoga  County, a site where the State had previously acquired public fishing rights to provide greater access for anglers.             ³Hunting, fishing, and trapping play an important role in our Stateıs conservation efforts,  helping to manage wildlife populations, while also encouraging opportunities to enjoy New Yorkıs natural resources,² Governor Pataki said. ³The legislative package I am proposing will help to ensure that the number of licensed, responsible sportsmen and women in New York State remains strong.²             Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said, ³New York Stateıs rivers, lakes, and other  natural resources provide tremendous recreational opportunities. I applaud Governor Pataki for introducing this important legislation to help protect New Yorkıs fish and wildlife habitat and ensure that future generations of New Yorkers will be able to enjoy hunting, fishing, and  trapping here in the Kayderosseras Creek, and in rivers and lakes throughout New York State.²             Assembly Republican Leader James N. Tedisco said, ³New York State is blessed with  many beautiful natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities. I applaud Governor Pataki for his strong support of hunting and fishing and his protection of open space, which will be cherished by New Yorkers for generations to come.² -more-             The Governorıs initiatives include the creation of a New York State Habitat  Conservation and Public Access Program, which would encourage landowners to voluntarily  designate and conserve critical habitats for wildlife, fish and marine life.  Private landowners would be eligible for modest incentives under this program if they conserve important habitat and/or allow public access for fishing, hunting, trapping, or other outdoor wildlife-related recreational activities.             The  Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has developed a Comprehensive  Wildlife Conservation Strategy, which has identified more than 580 species that require conservation efforts, including birds, mammals, mollusks, freshwater and marine fish, and crustaceans.  The strategy identifies the role of private landowners in these conservation efforts,  and recommends the creationof a habitat conservation program. The  program  will  encourage landowners to make land use decisions that protect and preserve important habitats, and also expand opportunities for the public to access and enjoy the abundant natural resources located on private lands.             The Governor also proposed an initiative that would allow 14- and 15-year  olds to obtain a junior small and big game license, entitling them to hunt with adult supervision.  New York is the only state that prohibits14 year-olds from hunting big game with a firearm. In addition, 12- and 13-year olds would be eligible to apply for a junior archery license. Currently, 48 states  allow 12- and 13-year olds to hunt big game with a bow, under adult supervision.             The legislative package calls for revising the State law which allows anglers to sell any species of fish that is not subject to a closed season or a  minimum size limit.  These include many species often referred to as ³panfish² ­ yellow perch, black crappie, white crappie,  bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, bullhead and others.  The proposal would explicitly prohibit  the sale of fish taken while recreationally fishing, which would help to protect  panfish  and other species from over-exploitation due to commercial sale.  This initiative also would help to protect public health and safety by limiting human exposure to contaminants like PCBs and mercury through  fish consumption.  Most other states already prohibit the sale of fish taken under the privileges of a recreational or sportfishing license.             The Governor also proposed restrictions on the disclosure of personal information  that  an individual must submit on an application for hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses. Under this proposal, personal information entered  into the DEC Automated  Licensing System (DECALS) would not be accessible under New Yorkıs Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).  This personal information, including a licenseeıs mailing address, phone number, date of birth,  gender, height, eye color, e-mail address, and driverıs license number would only be released for law enforcement or child support enforcement purposes.             ³New  Yorkers  who enjoy our Stateıs wonderful natural resources should not  have to worry that their personal information will fall into the wrong hands,² Governor Pataki said.  ³This is a common sense measure that will ensure licensees have important protections against identify theft.² -more-             DEC  Commissioner  Denise M. Sheehan said, ³New York State is committed to the  effective management of our natural resources, and to hunters and anglers who play a critical role in conserving these cherished resources. It is important that we continue to foster an interest in outdoor activities among  our  youth, while continuing to expand opportunities for all New Yorkers and our visitors to enjoy hunting and fishing.²             New York State Conservation Council President Harold L. Palmer said, ³The Council  applauds Governor Pataki for his proposals to conserve New Yorkıs fish and wildlife, increase opportunities for hunting, fishing, and trapping, and to allow our young adults to hunt big game with a family member, starting  at the age of 12 with a bow and 14 with a gun.  We thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of protecting the privacy of individuals  who  submit  personal information to DECALS. Governor Patakiıs bills recognize the importance of the billions of dollars that hunting, fishing and trapping contribute to local economies across the state.  The New York State Conservation Council urges all legislators to pass these bills.²             Conservation Fund Advisory Board (CFA Chairman Robert Monacchio said, ³CFAB  enthusiastically  supports  the proposals made by Governor Pataki to provide  greater opportunity for hunters, anglers and trappers by providing private landowners with incentives to conserve valuable wildlife habitat and to provide public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and other wildlife-related recreation. We  also  strongly  support  the Governorıs proposal  to  increase  opportunity  for  young  hunters and thank Governor Pataki for also proposing action that will continue to ensure the personal privacy  of all sporting license buyers is protected. CFAB urges the State Assembly and Senate to move rapidly to enact these important proposals as they  are  vital for sustaining a bright future for wildlife and for people who enjoy wildlife.²             Harry Gutheil Jr., Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors,  said ³This multifaceted proposed legislation will be of great interest to sportspeople and landowners throughout the State.  The proposed extension of liability protection to landowners should open  more recreational opportunities and representation on certain State boards and commissions for  active hunters, anglers, and trappers will provide a seat at the table so that their input will be heard.²             Town of Milton Supervisor Frank Thompson said, ³The Governorıs proposals are common sense measures to ensure and preserve New Yorkıs fish and wildlife. These  proposals  will provide greater opportunities for hunters, anglers, trappers, and the landowners.² Other initiatives in the legislative package are: $ An extension of liability protections to landowners who allow recreational use of their property.  The liability protection also would be provided to individuals or organizations that develop or maintain public trails or recreational facilities.   This measure would encourage property owners and volunteer or not-for-profit organizations to open up their lands for public recreational use without fear of liability for any injuries due to ordinary negligence which may occur during an individualıs participation in recreational activities on these lands. $ Expand efforts to provide a broad range of hunting and fishing opportunities specifically for young people.  Special events would build upon the success of DECıs Youth Turkey Hunt, Youth Waterfowl Days, and Free Fishing Days by establishing special opportunities for youth hunting and fishing.  With adult supervision and hunter safety education, these events would help young people gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become safe and responsible hunters and anglers. $ Require that certain State boards and commissions include licensed hunters or anglers to ensure that these sporting interests are appropriately represented.  The boards and commissions are: the New York State Tourism Advisory Council, the Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council, the State Environmental Board, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, the Open Space Regional Advisory Commissions, and the Hudson River Valley Heritage Conservancy.  The Governorıs initiative would require that at least one appointment to each board or commission be an active hunter, angler or trapper. It would also establish a new State Park Hunting and Angling Commission to act as a statewide advisory body on all matters affecting hunting and fishing within State Parks.             In addition to the legislative proposals announced today, Governor Pataki has  taken  other  recent steps to enhance hunting and fishing in New York, including  providing  funding  for capital improvements to the Stateıs fish hatcheries  and recording a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to promote hunting  and  fishing license  sales. This yearıs State Budget includes $4 million to perform necessary upgrades and reconstruction of the Rome Hatchery in Oneida County; the Randolph Hatchery in Cattaraugus County; and the Salmon River Hatchery in Oswego County.             Each  year, 625,000 people  purchase  hunting licenses in New York.  By harvesting deer  and  bear, these hunters help to manage the size of these animal  populations and prevent damage to crops and natural resources.  In addition, DEC issues more than 975,000 fishing licenses and 10,000 trapping licenses annually.             Overall, sporting  license  fees  generate approximately $40 million annually to  support critical fish and wildlife conservation programs such as protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitats; management of deer, bear, wild turkey and other game animals to support sustainable hunting opportunities;  rearing and stocking trout, salmon, walleye and other game fish to sustain economically and recreationally important sport fisheries; and acquisition and maintenance of public access to New Yorkıs lands and waters.             According to the 2001 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife-Associated  Recreation, it is estimated that $3.5 billion is spent on  wildlife recreation in New York State, producing an annual economic output of more than $6.2 billion.






 

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