DEC asks beaver trappers for help

DEC asks beaver trappers for help

DEC Encouraging Beaver Trappers to Visit Designated State Properties this Season

DEC encourages beaver trappers to visit specific Wildlife Management Areas and a State Forest where beaver activity is causing damage to roads, trails, and other features during the upcoming trapping season which runs until April 7, 2025.

Beaver populations have grown significantly at these locations, making it more challenging to manage water levels on the ponds, marshes, and impoundments.

The Region 9 Bureau of Wildlife is asking trappers to consider beaver trapping on the following areas:

Allegany County:

  • Keeney Swamp WMA – Town of Birdsall
  • Hanging Bog WMA – Town of New Hudson

Cattaraugus County:

  • Allegheny Reservoir WMA – Town of South Valley
  • Birch Run Ponds WMA – Town of Allegany
  • Harwood Lake MUA – Town of Farmersville

Chautauqua County:

  • Boutwell Hill State Forest- Town of Cherry Creek
  • Kabob WMA –Town of Stockton
  • Watts Flats WMA – Town of Harmony

For more information about trapping opportunities at these locations, please contact: Land Management Biologist, Eric Maringer at 716-379-6367 or by email at eric.maringer@dec.ny.gov.

Regenerate NY Forests

Regenerate NY Forests

Funding for Private Landowners to Grow the Forests of the Future

STATE MATCHING FUNDS AVAILABLE WITH STATE ASSUMING 90% OF THE COSTS

The purpose of this grant program is to support the regeneration of forests so they may continue to deliver vital services such as mitigating climate change, protecting air and water quality, and supporting the economy. Young forests in New York face many challenges today that did not exist a century ago, the most significant being wide-spread damage caused by increased white-tailed deer populations and competition from invasive vegetation. Active management of the land is essential to ensure the survival of young trees and allow forests to become established or renew themselves, but this can be overwhelming and expensive.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DEC WEBSITE

DEC Rights of Navigation

DEC Rights of Navigation

DEC Proposes Update to Public Fishing and Access Rights

Please read the proposed draft in the link below.  You have an opportunity to voice your opinion.

This draft update to the program policy is intended to address the need for additional guidance regarding the public rights of navigation and fishing on navigable waters of the United States. As such, this document will serve as General Counsel Policy with respect to the public right of navigation and fishing on navigable waters within the State for use by NYS DEC staff and the general public, but will no longer be considered enforcement guidance for NYS DEC staff. The draft Program Policy has been published and is available for public review and comment. The full text and a pdf printable version can be found at: https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/Draft_OGC-9.pdf

Written comments will be accepted by mail or email until 5:00 p.m. on June 14, 2024. Please include “Comment on draft OGC-9: Public Rights of Navigation and Fishing” in the subject line.

Camp Colby Open This Summer

Camp Colby Open This Summer

DEC Opens Camp Colby Summer Camp

Colby great for campers that missed out on other DEC camps like Rushford.

Registration for Camp Colby will open Wednesday, May 22nd at 10:00 AM. Camp weeks and availability are located here:https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/summer-camps/weeks-and-availabilityPlease keep in mind that sessions may fill quickly and are first come, first served.  

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DEC WEBSITE

DEC Announces Archery Winners Schools Program

DEC Announces Archery Winners Schools Program

698 Students from 36 Schools across New York State Competed in the National Archery in the Schools Program

Students from different schools competed in a National Tournament hosted at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse NY in 3 divisions: elementary (grades 4-5), middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12).  Competitors are required to participate in the NASP program (National Archery in the Schools Program) to be eligble for competition. 

Click HERE for more information on the DEC website.

DEC Special License Exams

DEC Special License Exams

Registration Deadline April 10

Examinations for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are scheduled for April 12. DEC is offering the examinations online and at no cost to participants to increase access to the examinations.

LINKS:

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Special License Exams Registration April 2024 (alchemer.com) 

Be sure to register BY April 10th to be eligible by the exam date.