What does NYSCC stand for?
I conducted an unsolicited, unscientific survey of 100 outdoorsmen and women. The two questions asked were: “What does NYSCC stand for?” and “What do they do?”
I found it disconcerting that 89 percent DID NOT know it was the New York State Conservation Council. And of the 11 that knew what it stood for, all said in one way or another that they help make the fish and game laws. Not 100 percent true, but close enough.
From their website (www.nyscc.com) their mission is to: Aid in the formulation and establishment of sound policies and practices dedicated to conserve, protect, restore and perpetuate forest, wildlife and scenic and recreational areas with especial regard to the state of New York, to the general end that the present and succeeding generations may continue to enjoy and to use these great natural resources.
The New York State Conservation Council, Inc. completes its mission through the coordination and stimulation of individuals and organizations interested in conservation in the State of New York and to interest and educate the people of the state with respect to conservation. Its volunteer membership actively work to assure the enforcement of conservation laws and educational endeavors that safeguard our resources for generations to come. The leadership of the group is comprised of volunteers.
So, it is with sadness and great hostility that I report we have lost one of the foremost volunteers of NYSCC, Fred Neff. N0, Fred did not die! In January, NYSCC President Howard Cushing relieved him of his duties as Chairman of the Habitat/Access Committee, stating, “we have had especially many complaints about the Habitat/Access committee and the fact it is not truly addressing the habitat issues and especially the access issues.”
A move that stunned many in the outdoor community. Fred volunteered countless hours and worked tirelessly promoting habitat creation for wildlife and greater accessibility for sportsmen. This through the creation of the NY Habitat/Access Stamp. His ultimate goal: to bring the stamp from a voluntary program to a mandatory purchase, increasing the monetary fund more than ten-fold.
Created in 2002 by legislation, the $5 Habitat & Access Stamp helps supply financial support towards the DEC's efforts in improving and conserving fish and wildlife habitat, as well as increasing access to public and private lands for fish and wildlife recreation. Funds from stamp purchases are deposited directly into the DEC Conservation Fund Habitat Account, and are used for ongoing and upcoming projects aimed toward conserving habitat and increasing fish and wildlife recreational access.
Some of the projects completed with the monies garnered from the stamp have been:
New York City
NYC Audubon, $10,700.
To provide NY students and teachers access to NY Harbor's waterways to observe a wide variety of urban wildlife and their habitats.
Ulster County
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, $7,600,
Develop and implement a habitat management plan designed to maximize grassland habitat on 2 parcels of land.
Dutchess County
Town of Beekman, $7,873.
Fishing access to Fishkill Creek would consist of 20 foot wide gravel access pathway for vehicle use, an 8 vehicle parking area and signage.
Greene County
Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District, $10,000.
Restoration of 2000 feet of 10 Mile Creek channel using fluvial geomorphic principles and restoration techniques.
Warren County
Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, $8,500.
Remove an exiting dam and stabilize the banks of North Creek, improve in-stream habitat for invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, plant native trees and shrubs along stream bank.
Franklin County
Franklin County, $14,000.
Provide fisherman access to Salmon River through construction of a 4 car parking area, accessible fishing ramp and connecting walkway and control Japanese knotweed.
Jefferson County
NYS DEC Region 6 Fisheries, $15,000.
Construct a 100 foot by 100 foot fisherman parking area and a 10 foot by 1,478 foot long footpath.
Lewis Cty
Lewis County Soil and Water Conservation District, $15,000.
Restore riparian habitat along 2,800 feet of Deer River with riparian planting, and install "j" hook vanes to create riffle/pools.
Oswego Cty
Village of Pulaski, $15,000.
Salmon River Greenway trail and fishing platform.
Schuyler and Seneca Counties
National Wild Turkey Federation, $5,000.
Restore 500 acres of grassland habitat
Fred's work is acclaimed locally, regionally and statewide. But he was never given the respect he deserved by the NYSCC Executive Board since his unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2005. As I have watched at many meetings since then, his ideas have been ignored, his proposals put on the back burner, and topical issues he brought forth were constantly dismissed. Although Fred is the only committee chairman I know ever dismissed by the president, he is just one in a long line of volunteers that have been alienated by the NYSCC hierarchy.
NYSCC at one time was the most powerful voice of sportsmen in Albany, fighting to preserve the rights of hunters, gun owners, fishermen, trappers, sporting and conservation organizations. However, over time the major force that NYSCC once was has diminished to a few good volunteers unknowingly helping those at the top promote their own selfish, local agendas.
It has been my observed view over the years that NYSCC's ability to fight for sportsman's issues has been compromised due to the lack of honesty, integrity, decorum, and professionalism, not only to fellow sportsmen and volunteers, but to state legislators and DEC staff as well. Changes need to be made from the top down and a transfusion of new volunteers is long overdue.
While bashing the actions of the present NYSCC Executive Board serves little. It is necessary to report their shortcomings in an effort that others on the outside become educated of the continued downward spiral within. If NYSCC is to survive as the preeminent conservation organization in NYS, new volunteers must come forward.
Two years ago, the Federation of Sportsman's Clubs of Chenango County (FSCCC) made the bold decision to withdraw membership from NYSCC. Feeling that our causes were not being represented by the council and the dues not being used efficiently, FSCCC created quite a stir by dropping out. Indeed, the feelings of the members were justified as it took four years for our resolution of telescopic sights on muzzleloaders to become law, and presently the resolution of upgrading weight classes for four wheelers from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds has had little action since it passed Council in September 2009.
Next Tuesday, March 6, the federation will take up a vote to rejoin NYSCC. While I was one of the NO votes in renewing membership back in 2010, I think our point has been well taken and the only way to invoke change will be to send a strong delegate and alternate delegate from Chenango County to the Council meetings. We need people with backbone and integrity, real worker bees. In talking with John Fuller from the Iroquois Rod and Gun Club, he offered to take the delegate position. I strongly recommend the federation accept his offer. As well, I am behind Bruce McGowan for alternate delegate.
Presently, at NYSCC, there exists no legislative vice president (chief lobbyist for the organization), no secretary, four of 18 directors positions are open, and there are 42 vacancies on the 13 varied committees. Currently, because of being undermanned, one man serves as president, chair of the legislative committee and representative to the Conservation Fund Advisory Board. These positions need to be individually filled if NYSCC is to have a forceful voice in Albany again. Every club representative from Chenango County should fill one of the vacant seats on the committees. In unity there is strength, and in car-pooling there is savings!
Fred Neff will read this one day, as you do today. I urge him to let this setback be only a small bump in the long, continued road ahead. I support his mandatory habitat and access stamp as well as his work to reclassify the mourning dove as a migratory bird, so one day a hunting season for them will open. I hope his enthusiasm will continue and be put to good use. At the same time, I'd encourage my readers to enthusiastically support our county federation of sportsman's clubs and other worthwhile statewide organizations such as the Conservation Alliance of NY (www.canyus.org), Adirondack-Catskill Safari Club International (www.adirondackcatskillsci.com) and the NYS Rifle and Pistol Assn. (www.nysrpa.org) as well as all our local rod and gun clubs.
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Chenango County SWCD 2012 Tree and Shrub sale is on. Contact the Soil and Water District Office at 607-334-8634, ext. 3 regarding sales. View tree and shrub info at www.chenangoswcd.org. Last day to order trees and shrubs is April 6. Pick up will be at the Chenango County Fairgrounds on Main Street in Norwich on April 20, 2-6 p.m. Planting or species questions should be directed to Rebecca Hargrave at 607-334-5841, ext. 16
On the Calendar this week:
• Federation of Sportsman's Clubs of Chenango County meets at the County Office Building, Supervisors Training Room, March 6 at 7 p.m.
• Bullthistle Hiking Club meets at the YMCA, March 6 at 7 p.m.
Note: To contact George Franke with any comments or questions, he may be reached at george_franke@yahoo.com
I found it disconcerting that 89 percent DID NOT know it was the New York State Conservation Council. And of the 11 that knew what it stood for, all said in one way or another that they help make the fish and game laws. Not 100 percent true, but close enough.
From their website (www.nyscc.com) their mission is to: Aid in the formulation and establishment of sound policies and practices dedicated to conserve, protect, restore and perpetuate forest, wildlife and scenic and recreational areas with especial regard to the state of New York, to the general end that the present and succeeding generations may continue to enjoy and to use these great natural resources.
The New York State Conservation Council, Inc. completes its mission through the coordination and stimulation of individuals and organizations interested in conservation in the State of New York and to interest and educate the people of the state with respect to conservation. Its volunteer membership actively work to assure the enforcement of conservation laws and educational endeavors that safeguard our resources for generations to come. The leadership of the group is comprised of volunteers.
So, it is with sadness and great hostility that I report we have lost one of the foremost volunteers of NYSCC, Fred Neff. N0, Fred did not die! In January, NYSCC President Howard Cushing relieved him of his duties as Chairman of the Habitat/Access Committee, stating, “we have had especially many complaints about the Habitat/Access committee and the fact it is not truly addressing the habitat issues and especially the access issues.”
A move that stunned many in the outdoor community. Fred volunteered countless hours and worked tirelessly promoting habitat creation for wildlife and greater accessibility for sportsmen. This through the creation of the NY Habitat/Access Stamp. His ultimate goal: to bring the stamp from a voluntary program to a mandatory purchase, increasing the monetary fund more than ten-fold.
Created in 2002 by legislation, the $5 Habitat & Access Stamp helps supply financial support towards the DEC's efforts in improving and conserving fish and wildlife habitat, as well as increasing access to public and private lands for fish and wildlife recreation. Funds from stamp purchases are deposited directly into the DEC Conservation Fund Habitat Account, and are used for ongoing and upcoming projects aimed toward conserving habitat and increasing fish and wildlife recreational access.
Some of the projects completed with the monies garnered from the stamp have been:
New York City
NYC Audubon, $10,700.
To provide NY students and teachers access to NY Harbor's waterways to observe a wide variety of urban wildlife and their habitats.
Ulster County
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, $7,600,
Develop and implement a habitat management plan designed to maximize grassland habitat on 2 parcels of land.
Dutchess County
Town of Beekman, $7,873.
Fishing access to Fishkill Creek would consist of 20 foot wide gravel access pathway for vehicle use, an 8 vehicle parking area and signage.
Greene County
Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District, $10,000.
Restoration of 2000 feet of 10 Mile Creek channel using fluvial geomorphic principles and restoration techniques.
Warren County
Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, $8,500.
Remove an exiting dam and stabilize the banks of North Creek, improve in-stream habitat for invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, plant native trees and shrubs along stream bank.
Franklin County
Franklin County, $14,000.
Provide fisherman access to Salmon River through construction of a 4 car parking area, accessible fishing ramp and connecting walkway and control Japanese knotweed.
Jefferson County
NYS DEC Region 6 Fisheries, $15,000.
Construct a 100 foot by 100 foot fisherman parking area and a 10 foot by 1,478 foot long footpath.
Lewis Cty
Lewis County Soil and Water Conservation District, $15,000.
Restore riparian habitat along 2,800 feet of Deer River with riparian planting, and install "j" hook vanes to create riffle/pools.
Oswego Cty
Village of Pulaski, $15,000.
Salmon River Greenway trail and fishing platform.
Schuyler and Seneca Counties
National Wild Turkey Federation, $5,000.
Restore 500 acres of grassland habitat
Fred's work is acclaimed locally, regionally and statewide. But he was never given the respect he deserved by the NYSCC Executive Board since his unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2005. As I have watched at many meetings since then, his ideas have been ignored, his proposals put on the back burner, and topical issues he brought forth were constantly dismissed. Although Fred is the only committee chairman I know ever dismissed by the president, he is just one in a long line of volunteers that have been alienated by the NYSCC hierarchy.
NYSCC at one time was the most powerful voice of sportsmen in Albany, fighting to preserve the rights of hunters, gun owners, fishermen, trappers, sporting and conservation organizations. However, over time the major force that NYSCC once was has diminished to a few good volunteers unknowingly helping those at the top promote their own selfish, local agendas.
It has been my observed view over the years that NYSCC's ability to fight for sportsman's issues has been compromised due to the lack of honesty, integrity, decorum, and professionalism, not only to fellow sportsmen and volunteers, but to state legislators and DEC staff as well. Changes need to be made from the top down and a transfusion of new volunteers is long overdue.
While bashing the actions of the present NYSCC Executive Board serves little. It is necessary to report their shortcomings in an effort that others on the outside become educated of the continued downward spiral within. If NYSCC is to survive as the preeminent conservation organization in NYS, new volunteers must come forward.
Two years ago, the Federation of Sportsman's Clubs of Chenango County (FSCCC) made the bold decision to withdraw membership from NYSCC. Feeling that our causes were not being represented by the council and the dues not being used efficiently, FSCCC created quite a stir by dropping out. Indeed, the feelings of the members were justified as it took four years for our resolution of telescopic sights on muzzleloaders to become law, and presently the resolution of upgrading weight classes for four wheelers from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds has had little action since it passed Council in September 2009.
Next Tuesday, March 6, the federation will take up a vote to rejoin NYSCC. While I was one of the NO votes in renewing membership back in 2010, I think our point has been well taken and the only way to invoke change will be to send a strong delegate and alternate delegate from Chenango County to the Council meetings. We need people with backbone and integrity, real worker bees. In talking with John Fuller from the Iroquois Rod and Gun Club, he offered to take the delegate position. I strongly recommend the federation accept his offer. As well, I am behind Bruce McGowan for alternate delegate.
Presently, at NYSCC, there exists no legislative vice president (chief lobbyist for the organization), no secretary, four of 18 directors positions are open, and there are 42 vacancies on the 13 varied committees. Currently, because of being undermanned, one man serves as president, chair of the legislative committee and representative to the Conservation Fund Advisory Board. These positions need to be individually filled if NYSCC is to have a forceful voice in Albany again. Every club representative from Chenango County should fill one of the vacant seats on the committees. In unity there is strength, and in car-pooling there is savings!
Fred Neff will read this one day, as you do today. I urge him to let this setback be only a small bump in the long, continued road ahead. I support his mandatory habitat and access stamp as well as his work to reclassify the mourning dove as a migratory bird, so one day a hunting season for them will open. I hope his enthusiasm will continue and be put to good use. At the same time, I'd encourage my readers to enthusiastically support our county federation of sportsman's clubs and other worthwhile statewide organizations such as the Conservation Alliance of NY (www.canyus.org), Adirondack-Catskill Safari Club International (www.adirondackcatskillsci.com) and the NYS Rifle and Pistol Assn. (www.nysrpa.org) as well as all our local rod and gun clubs.
–––
Chenango County SWCD 2012 Tree and Shrub sale is on. Contact the Soil and Water District Office at 607-334-8634, ext. 3 regarding sales. View tree and shrub info at www.chenangoswcd.org. Last day to order trees and shrubs is April 6. Pick up will be at the Chenango County Fairgrounds on Main Street in Norwich on April 20, 2-6 p.m. Planting or species questions should be directed to Rebecca Hargrave at 607-334-5841, ext. 16
On the Calendar this week:
• Federation of Sportsman's Clubs of Chenango County meets at the County Office Building, Supervisors Training Room, March 6 at 7 p.m.
• Bullthistle Hiking Club meets at the YMCA, March 6 at 7 p.m.
Note: To contact George Franke with any comments or questions, he may be reached at george_franke@yahoo.com
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