Conservation, Legislation and Scholarships

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Members,
Federation President Jim Froio asked me to send out copies of the latest version of S239A (attached). The main addition I noticed under section 3 (c) is to develop an integrated water data and information platform, including a publicly accessible site where data will be made available through the state's Open Data Program website  (data.ny.gov).
Started in 2013, Open Data NY has expanded from 244 to nearly 1,600 catalog items from 60 state entities. Among other elements, this data base has an Open Budget element where anyone can look up budget and appropriations for the current year and prior years going back to 1995.
A likely source of funding for S239A is the Environmental Protection Fund, now in its 30th year that funds environmental projects in three programs: Solid Waste, Parks and Recreation, and Open Space. The Open Space Program supports the Water Quality Improvement Program for undertaking projects that reduce the flow of pollution to our lakes, rivers and streams, and projects to protect aquatic habitats.
We may not have time remaining for Federation support of S239A, but at least you can view the latest version of this proposed legislation. 

Assembly bill A9289 - Relating to the adoption by the DEC of a revised management plan concerning mute swans  - was passed by the Legislature and will soon be sent to the Governor for his approval or veto.

​​The New York State Conservation Council opposes this legislation and has requested that it be vetoed.  This bill represents the third attempt to override the professional management of the DEC.  We believe that it would impose an ill-advised hindrance to the DEC's ability to deal with a destructive invasive species. 

The facts have not changed.  There has arisen, however, an emotional response to the proposed removal of an admittedly attractive bird without proposing a viable alternative to dealing with the risk to the environment.  Over 50,000 form letter and petition signatures have been submitted requesting the Governor's signature.

The management plan proposed by the DEC is a technically sound response to an existent problem and is based on solid research going back 40 years.  This work has fully documented the negative impacts on native species and their habitats.

As an invasive species, mute swans are detrimental to the health of native species.  They cause economic and environmental harm and pose a human health risk.  The emerald ash borer, zebra mussel, Japanese knotweed and Eurasian Boar have already had major negative impacts in the state.  All provide evidence that the sooner an invasive species threat is addressed the better.

These birds are destructive herbivores that devastate submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) along shorelines.  A single bird can consume eight pounds of SAV a day and will uproot an additional 20 pounds in the process.  This vegetation is vital to the health of the shoreline environment, averting shoreline erosion and providing shelter for small fish and shellfish, as well as being a key food source for a wide variety of species. 

They are large, aggressive birds that displace native waterfowl species and will even attack humans.  An adult male (cob) can weight about 35 pounds and have a seven-foot wingspan.  While they pose little threat to adults on shore, they can pose a hazard for children or canoe/kayak users who venture too near.  As these are feral birds, they have little fear of humans but they are definitely not good neighbors.

This is not a newly discovered problem.  As stated above, research on the impact of mute swans in the Atlantic flyway goes back over 40 years.  Over the last dozen years, the DEC has conducted research to document the significant population growth, geographic expansion and ecological impact of mute swans in the state.

In 2013, based on that research, growing awareness of the impact of invasive species in general and a more intensive effort to control free-ranging mute swans throughout entire eastern North America, the DEC developed a management plan to replace the dated 1993 management policy.  Based on public comment, this plan was revised in 2015.

The management plan proposed by the DEC is consistent with the Atlantic Flyway Council (AFC) 2003 management plan.  The AFC, composed of officials from the state and provincial wildlife management agencies along the eastern seaboard, is calling for a coordinated plan to significantly reduce populations and for increased efforts to educate the public about the serious ecological threat posed by mute swans. 

The DEC plan encompasses a full range of measures to mitigate this problem: education of the public about the problem, prohibition of the importation and propagation of captive swans, encouraging control programs in bordering jurisdictions and banning the release of captive birds into the wild.  Lethal methods, either through control activities or licensed hunting, are appropriate, and indeed necessary, in some instances.

The existing New York State rule making process provides ample notice of proposed management plans and offers the opportunity for public input.  Mandating additional public hearings and requiring the repetition of completed work will add nothing to the process.

National wildlife conservation organizations, including the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the National Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy have all expressed strong support for reducing free-ranging mute swan populations as provided for in the AFC's Atlantic flyway management plan.

Call, write or email today and ask the Governor to veto this bill.  We need the active support of New York's sportsmen.  And make sure to tell your friends!

By mail:   The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo       

Governor of New York State     

the Capitol Building        

Albany, N.Y. 12224

By telephone:  (518) 474-8390 from 9:00am to 5:00pm

By email: Go to www.governor.ny.gov and select "Contact" on the page header.

THE BILL TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF SWITCHBLADE AND GRAVITY KNIVES HAS BEEN SENT TO THE GOVERNOR

Assembly Will Barclay
200 North Second Street
Fulton NY 13069

Joseph Griffo
207 Genesee Street - State Office Building
Utica NY 13501

Assembly William B. Magnarelli
333 East Washington Street - State Office Building
Syracuse NY 13202

Assembly Albert A. Stirpe Jr.
5720 South Bay Road
Cicero NY 13039 

DEC reminds hunters to follow simple safety guidelines and use good judgment when choosing a time and place to hunt. Considering other people who enjoy the outdoors or live nearby can help avoid potential conflicts and ensure a safe and enjoyable season.

As coastal areas become more populated, it is important for new landowners to receive a good impression of the safety, ethics and traditions of waterfowl hunting. A little courtesy and time spent before a hunt can go a long way to avoid or minimize conflicts with property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts. DEC encourages hunters to:

Consider contacting owners of property adjacent to where they will be hunting, well in advance;
Tell property owners when and where you will be hunting. Property owners may be less concerned if aware of planned hunts;
Take the time to explain to the landowner the intent to abide by the laws and regulations pertaining to waterfowl hunting, familiarity with the locations of houses, and safety protocols;
Plan out shooting directions and verify that the selected spot to hunt is safe and in compliance with the law. Keep in mind that shot pellets, especially when discharged at a high angle, can sometimes travel farther than 500 feet;
During conversations with landowners, identify any concerns the landowner may have and discuss them before you go hunting; and
Leave hunting locations as clean as you found them, and be sure to pick up your empty shell casings and other litter you may find.