CFAB diversions, a bobcat plan, free pheasants and more
Last week in this column I explained how through new language in the state’s 2011 budget, dollars earmarked for outdoor sports programs, could be pulled into the general fund to help reduce the deficit. Call it what you like, "a raid" is my terminology.
Ceding to an angry Conservation Fund Advisory Board (which oversees the use of this money), the language was changed in the 2012 governor’s budget. However, as of this writing, this has not been officially accepted by the US Fish and Wildlife Agency. They are the ones that collect the excise tax money on hunting and fishing gear, then distribute it to the NYS Conservation Fund for use in fish and wildlife programs. For the current year it amounts to about $21 million. No small change!
While nothing in Albany is without maneuvering, so holds true for the Conservation Fund. The latest "shell game" involves several moves. First, in December, the governor’s office moved 20 environmental conservation officers from the general fund into the conservation fund. Thus, their pay would come from sportsmen's monies, not from the general public. Secondly, in January, the governor’s budget proposal contained an additional shift of 65 ECOs. This, in effect, would free up millions of dollars from the general fund to be used to close the deficit, while depleting the conservation fund of money that is supposed to be used for outdoor programs, That includes the stocking of fish, paying for fish and wildlife staff, and a host of other activities paid for by, you guessed it...hunters, fishermen and trappers.
How much will they gut from the conservation fund? Well, initial figures from the governor’s office say $2.3 million in the shuffle. Add to this more than $2 million in annual lost revenue from the repeal of the Salt Water Fishing License, and anyone can see that programs will need to be cut.
Another burning issue is that current staffing levels in the DFWMR are at 349, down from 412 in August 2009 (last license increase year). Again, the salary for these staff members comes from the conservation fund. In early 2009, the state made a deal with sportsmen. If they would accept the license increase, the state would maintain programs and staffing at current (2009 levels). I know, and I was the legislative representative for Safari Club International A-C chapter during these negotiations. However, as figures show, we were taken and present staff is down by 63, many of whom were biologists and scientists.
Jason Kemper, President of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board stated, "It is evident from the information CFAB has received that the money collected from the sporting community is not being used in the manner it was intended to when the license fee increase was initiated. The CFAB will continue discussions on recommending a significant license fee decrease to spur participation in hunting, fishing, and trapping and foster the economic benefits derived from increased recreation activity."
While the CFAB and NYS Conservation Council are representing the sportsmen of the state, clubs and individuals should let their feelings be known to their state representatives and the governor’s office. Contact the governor's office at (518) 474-8390 and let your feelings be known about how license monies are being diverted and misused.
–––
Let me offer this simple disclaimer so as not to offend anyone. When I speak of "sportsmen" or "outdoorsmen" I include men, women, boys and gals among this generic heading. I think the term "sports people," while politically correct, is a bit ludicrous. If at times I need to be gender specific, as in a "women's shooting competition," I will be.
–––
The NYS DEC announced the release of a proposed five-year bobcat management plan for public review and comment. The draft management plan is available on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9360.html. The comment period runs through Feb. 16, 2012.
The draft plan describes three primary goals for bobcat management: Maintain viable population levels and monitor trends in bobcat distribution and relative abundance. Provide for sustainable use and enjoyment of the bobcat by the public. And, minimize negative bobcat-human interactions.
The plan includes proposals to greatly simplify hunting and trapping season dates by making them consistent throughout much of the state as well as establishing new hunting and trapping opportunities in several wildlife management units in central and western New York.
For those of us in Regions 7M and 7P, there is proposed a “no” open season for the bobcat, as has been in the past. This is in an effort to allow the population to continue on the increase. After reading through the entire plan, I can say I agree with the objectives for our region and think that it's a well-thought out plan for the State.
While hunters and trappers are the most common users of the bobcat resource, wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers, and others also benefit from a healthy bobcat population. As is the case with hunters and trappers, many wildlife photographers also view the elusive bobcat as being a "trophy" species and a rewarding challenge to capture on film.
"As evidenced by the number of observation reports fielded by department staff, the public is very interested in bobcats and can play a role in their management by facilitating the collection of data on the species," said DEC Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resource Director Patty Riexinger. So if you see a bobcat don't hesitate to contract the DEC, the information on the sightings is very valuable.
Comments may be submitted in writing through Feb.16, 2012 to NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, Bobcat Management Plan, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or by e-mail to fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (type "Bobcat Plan" in the subject line).
–––
The Annual Pheasant Chick Program is underway. Since 2006, Chenango County has reared and released more than 3,000 pheasants into the wild for all to enjoy. The Cornell Cooperative Extension is currently taking orders for the 2012 Project and hope to have 2,500 chicks reared this project year.
A few years ago I participated in raising these birds through a sportsman's club. We had a great time. The chicks arrive a day or two old from the Reynolds Game Farm in Ithaca. Over a period of about four months the chicks grow in a caged enclosure that allows them to fly while being protected from predators. The birds we raised were released on state forest lands prior to the Youth Pheasant Hunting Weekend. This year that's expected to be around the third weekend in September. So, don't delay, get your club involved in raising these birds this year.
All orders will be taken in lots of 25 birds. A freewill donation of $5 per order will be accepted to cover the mailing costs of this great program. Orders are due by March 10, 2012. Please contact Janet Pfromm to place your order or to request more information. 607-334-5841 ext. 12 orjlp27@cornell.edu.
–––
Each year I plant between 50 and 250 trees on my land. They come from the NYS Tree Nursery, which offers more than 50 different trees and shrubs for your needs: Stream buffers, hedges, windbreaks, wildlife food and habitat, attracting pollinators, Christmas trees and more. Bare root seedlings are lightweight and easy to plant.
Numerous trees and shrubs available make great stream buffers. Storms in 2011 destroyed many streambanks. Healthy planted streambanks and floodplains slow the force of floodwaters and reduce erosion, protecting our loved ones and property. The sale runs through mid May.http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7127.html
–––
And finally today, The DEC is asking the public to report any instances of deer appearing sick or acting abnormally. The DEC is only investigating deer that appear to have died of unknown causes and not those that were killed by a vehicle, the agency announced this week. Anyone seeing a white-tailed deer acting abnormally or who finds a dead deer that was not struck by a vehicle is asked to report the animal.
Recently, the DEC identified an uncommon bacterial disease in a deer from Warren County. This bacterial disease does not affect humans. However, DEC is seeking additional information to determine the prevalence of this disease in the deer herd and is responding to reports of deer that are acting abnormally. Deer with this bacterial disease may have a swollen head, neck or brisket.
They also may exhibit excessive drooling, nasal discharge or respiratory distress. To aid in this investigation, DEC would also like to examine any deer that are found dead from unknown causes.
People should not handle or eat any deer that appears sick or acts abnormally. Sightings of sick, dying or dead deer should be reported to the DEC regional office or an environmental conservation officer or forest ranger. ECOs and rangers can be reached through 911.
Ceding to an angry Conservation Fund Advisory Board (which oversees the use of this money), the language was changed in the 2012 governor’s budget. However, as of this writing, this has not been officially accepted by the US Fish and Wildlife Agency. They are the ones that collect the excise tax money on hunting and fishing gear, then distribute it to the NYS Conservation Fund for use in fish and wildlife programs. For the current year it amounts to about $21 million. No small change!
While nothing in Albany is without maneuvering, so holds true for the Conservation Fund. The latest "shell game" involves several moves. First, in December, the governor’s office moved 20 environmental conservation officers from the general fund into the conservation fund. Thus, their pay would come from sportsmen's monies, not from the general public. Secondly, in January, the governor’s budget proposal contained an additional shift of 65 ECOs. This, in effect, would free up millions of dollars from the general fund to be used to close the deficit, while depleting the conservation fund of money that is supposed to be used for outdoor programs, That includes the stocking of fish, paying for fish and wildlife staff, and a host of other activities paid for by, you guessed it...hunters, fishermen and trappers.
How much will they gut from the conservation fund? Well, initial figures from the governor’s office say $2.3 million in the shuffle. Add to this more than $2 million in annual lost revenue from the repeal of the Salt Water Fishing License, and anyone can see that programs will need to be cut.
Another burning issue is that current staffing levels in the DFWMR are at 349, down from 412 in August 2009 (last license increase year). Again, the salary for these staff members comes from the conservation fund. In early 2009, the state made a deal with sportsmen. If they would accept the license increase, the state would maintain programs and staffing at current (2009 levels). I know, and I was the legislative representative for Safari Club International A-C chapter during these negotiations. However, as figures show, we were taken and present staff is down by 63, many of whom were biologists and scientists.
Jason Kemper, President of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board stated, "It is evident from the information CFAB has received that the money collected from the sporting community is not being used in the manner it was intended to when the license fee increase was initiated. The CFAB will continue discussions on recommending a significant license fee decrease to spur participation in hunting, fishing, and trapping and foster the economic benefits derived from increased recreation activity."
While the CFAB and NYS Conservation Council are representing the sportsmen of the state, clubs and individuals should let their feelings be known to their state representatives and the governor’s office. Contact the governor's office at (518) 474-8390 and let your feelings be known about how license monies are being diverted and misused.
–––
Let me offer this simple disclaimer so as not to offend anyone. When I speak of "sportsmen" or "outdoorsmen" I include men, women, boys and gals among this generic heading. I think the term "sports people," while politically correct, is a bit ludicrous. If at times I need to be gender specific, as in a "women's shooting competition," I will be.
–––
The NYS DEC announced the release of a proposed five-year bobcat management plan for public review and comment. The draft management plan is available on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9360.html. The comment period runs through Feb. 16, 2012.
The draft plan describes three primary goals for bobcat management: Maintain viable population levels and monitor trends in bobcat distribution and relative abundance. Provide for sustainable use and enjoyment of the bobcat by the public. And, minimize negative bobcat-human interactions.
The plan includes proposals to greatly simplify hunting and trapping season dates by making them consistent throughout much of the state as well as establishing new hunting and trapping opportunities in several wildlife management units in central and western New York.
For those of us in Regions 7M and 7P, there is proposed a “no” open season for the bobcat, as has been in the past. This is in an effort to allow the population to continue on the increase. After reading through the entire plan, I can say I agree with the objectives for our region and think that it's a well-thought out plan for the State.
While hunters and trappers are the most common users of the bobcat resource, wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers, and others also benefit from a healthy bobcat population. As is the case with hunters and trappers, many wildlife photographers also view the elusive bobcat as being a "trophy" species and a rewarding challenge to capture on film.
"As evidenced by the number of observation reports fielded by department staff, the public is very interested in bobcats and can play a role in their management by facilitating the collection of data on the species," said DEC Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resource Director Patty Riexinger. So if you see a bobcat don't hesitate to contract the DEC, the information on the sightings is very valuable.
Comments may be submitted in writing through Feb.16, 2012 to NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, Bobcat Management Plan, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or by e-mail to fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (type "Bobcat Plan" in the subject line).
–––
The Annual Pheasant Chick Program is underway. Since 2006, Chenango County has reared and released more than 3,000 pheasants into the wild for all to enjoy. The Cornell Cooperative Extension is currently taking orders for the 2012 Project and hope to have 2,500 chicks reared this project year.
A few years ago I participated in raising these birds through a sportsman's club. We had a great time. The chicks arrive a day or two old from the Reynolds Game Farm in Ithaca. Over a period of about four months the chicks grow in a caged enclosure that allows them to fly while being protected from predators. The birds we raised were released on state forest lands prior to the Youth Pheasant Hunting Weekend. This year that's expected to be around the third weekend in September. So, don't delay, get your club involved in raising these birds this year.
All orders will be taken in lots of 25 birds. A freewill donation of $5 per order will be accepted to cover the mailing costs of this great program. Orders are due by March 10, 2012. Please contact Janet Pfromm to place your order or to request more information. 607-334-5841 ext. 12 orjlp27@cornell.edu.
–––
Each year I plant between 50 and 250 trees on my land. They come from the NYS Tree Nursery, which offers more than 50 different trees and shrubs for your needs: Stream buffers, hedges, windbreaks, wildlife food and habitat, attracting pollinators, Christmas trees and more. Bare root seedlings are lightweight and easy to plant.
Numerous trees and shrubs available make great stream buffers. Storms in 2011 destroyed many streambanks. Healthy planted streambanks and floodplains slow the force of floodwaters and reduce erosion, protecting our loved ones and property. The sale runs through mid May.http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7127.html
–––
And finally today, The DEC is asking the public to report any instances of deer appearing sick or acting abnormally. The DEC is only investigating deer that appear to have died of unknown causes and not those that were killed by a vehicle, the agency announced this week. Anyone seeing a white-tailed deer acting abnormally or who finds a dead deer that was not struck by a vehicle is asked to report the animal.
Recently, the DEC identified an uncommon bacterial disease in a deer from Warren County. This bacterial disease does not affect humans. However, DEC is seeking additional information to determine the prevalence of this disease in the deer herd and is responding to reports of deer that are acting abnormally. Deer with this bacterial disease may have a swollen head, neck or brisket.
They also may exhibit excessive drooling, nasal discharge or respiratory distress. To aid in this investigation, DEC would also like to examine any deer that are found dead from unknown causes.
People should not handle or eat any deer that appears sick or acts abnormally. Sightings of sick, dying or dead deer should be reported to the DEC regional office or an environmental conservation officer or forest ranger. ECOs and rangers can be reached through 911.
dived wound factual legitimately delightful goodness fit rat some lopsidedly far when.
Slung alongside jeepers hypnotic legitimately some iguana this agreeably triumphant pointedly far
jeepers unscrupulous anteater attentive noiseless put less greyhound prior stiff ferret unbearably cracked oh.
So sparing more goose caribou wailed went conveniently burned the the the and that save that adroit gosh and sparing armadillo grew some overtook that magnificently that
Circuitous gull and messily squirrel on that banally assenting nobly some much rakishly goodness that the darn abject hello left because unaccountably spluttered unlike a aurally since contritely thanks