Annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz

Annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz

DEC Joins Great Lakes and Northeast States and Canadian Provinces in Annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with seven Great Lakes states, six Northeast states, and six Canadian provinces, today announced the annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz will run from June 30 through July 9. This international campaign bolsters existing efforts to inform boaters and others about the risks of introducing and spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS). During this coordinated outreach effort, partners will boost social media AIS messaging and increase in-person AIS education at thousands of water access sites throughout the Great Lakes and Northeast region.

“New York State continues to fight against the spread of aquatic invasive species through initiatives like DEC’s Boat Steward Program, the statewide Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs), New York’s Invasive Species Awareness Week, and the Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “All boaters in New York can help protect their favorite lakes and rivers from these invasive pests by understanding how these species spread and making sure their watercraft and gear have been cleaned, drained, and dried.”

During last year’s AIS Landing Blitz, 1,100 stewards, volunteers, and staff educated more than 173,000 people at over 1,300 public and private boat launches and inspected more than 111,000 boats. Millions of people watched, listened, and read about AIS prevention efforts through news releases and social media. So far this year, DEC’s boat stewards alone have already performed more than 27,000 inspections and intercepted more than 1,200 AIS at boat launches throughout New York State.

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Coyote Encounters

Coyote Encounters

DEC Issues Guidance to Avoid Coyote Conflicts

New Yorkers Urged to Follow DEC Guidelines to Avoid any Issues

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today issued guidance to help prevent conflicts between people and coyotes to protect the public and their pets.

“This is the time of year when New York’s resident coyotes breed and set up dens for pups that will arrive in the spring,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “While conflicts with people and pets are rare, New Yorkers should remain alert and follow DEC’s common-sense guidelines to minimize the risk for potential conflicts with coyotes.”

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Bear Encounters

Bear Encounters

Reduce Conflicts with Bears

Public Encouraged to Remove Birdfeeders, Feed Pets Indoors

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to take down bird feeders and secure garbage to avoid potential conflicts with black bears.

Bears are emerging from their dens, and now is the time to take steps to reduce potential conflicts through the spring and summer. Bird feeders, unsecured garbage, and outdoor pet and livestock feed can attract bears and lead to potential conflicts for homeowners. Repeated access to bird feeders and garbage can make bears bolder, seeking additional sources of human-related foods inside vehicles or buildings, particularly when natural foods are scarce.

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Target Shooting at Tonawanda Swamp Illegal?

Target Shooting at Tonawanda Swamp Illegal?

DEC Announces Closure of All Target Shooting Activity at Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area

Closure Takes Effect Feb. 1

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, target shooting will be prohibited at Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located in DEC’s Regions 8 and 9. The closure will bring the WMA into compliance with recently adopted regulations for WMAs statewide that prohibit target shooting.

DEC adopted statewide regulations following a public comment period last year and is exploring additional options to provide safe and ecologically sound target shooting at alternative locations throughout the state.

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