New York State Conservation Council, Inc.

February 2014 Vol. 14 No. 2

COMMENTS ON THE GOVERNOR’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS President’s Corner- Chuck Parker The NYSCC has posted the following statement on its website, www.nyscc.com: “We are certainly hopeful that Governor Cuomo’s latest initiatives to promote New York’s outdoor resources are successful. The New York State Conservation Council has advocated on behalf of the state’s sporting community for expanded access to these resources. Hunting, fishing and trapping make an important contribution to the state’s economy, more than $9.2 billion a year. It is encouraging to hear the Governor recognize that contribution. We remain hopeful that in the coming months the initiatives the Governor presented in his State of the State come to fruition. Most importantly, we hope that hunters and anglers throughout the state are afforded equal and fair access to the state’s great resources."

Governor Cuomo captured some facts and issues that have long been actively proposed and presented to his staff by the New York State Conservation Council as well as other advocate groups:

• Acknowledging that sportsmen contribute $9.2 billion to the economy. • Pledging to continue to find ways to improve the sporting experience; and in 2014, proposing

investment in access, infrastructure and opportunity for the sporting community. • Proposing/authorizing the use of the crossbow, to be regulated by the DEC. Recognizing the

crossbow as a legal hunting implement with its use to be determined/managed by DEC regulation, not legislation.

• Liability relief for landowners who permit hunting, fishing and trapping on their lands. • Announcement of 50 additional access projects, to be identified later.

These are broad promises that cover a lot of areas; if they come to fruition some real good could be done. We will have to wait and see what else will be coming out in the Governor’s budget. Presentation of these and whatever other items we support in the budget does not make it a done deal. We as sportsmen will need to get out there and support these initiatives by contacting our legislators, committee chairs and leading members of the State Senate and Assembly. It looks like there will be several worthwhile items being proposed in this year’s budget, like hatchery repairs. We have a lot of good to look forward to, so let’s make sure we are there, actively working to make these proposals a reality.

JOHN CUSHMAN SEEKS RE-ELECTION TO NRA BOARD

The NYSCC supports the re-election bid of John Cushman of Patchogue, NY, to the National Rifle Association Board of Directors. John says, "I was fortunate to have been able to serve almost 27 years on the NYSCC Board of Directors and to become a Life Member, a position I am proud of to this day. I have now served 20 years on the NRA Board of Directors and with your help … I will continue to do so."

One Council member said, "I have known John since the 1980’s. He was always very active in the Council … He has been an excellent representative on the NRA Board and an active voice … for sportsmen and firearm owners. I strongly recommend we support his re-nomination and election to the NRA Board." Another member added, "I have known John for over 30 years and enthusiastically support him."

NYSCC Grass Roots News February 2014 Page 2

SPORTING COMMUNITY EXCLUDED FROM FINAL NEGOTIATIONS ON FINCH ESSEX CHAIN

From the desk of Walt Paul, Access and Land Use Specialist Outraged, disgruntled, disgusted, dismayed or maybe more; simply stated, just plain PO'ed describes the feeling of many of us following the closed door deal making that resulted in the preferred alternative that was adopted by the Adirondack Park Agency on the Finch Essex Chain classification. Our participation was outstanding throughout the public weigh-in process -- great write in, comments based on fact, and incredible participation at the public hearings. We kept our eye on the ball, ramped up our game; the Council, CFAB and FWMB stood together, united, and at the last minute they changed the rules of the game. The Governor’s office brought the five towns in the upper recreation hub and two environmental groups, the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Adirondack Council, together to hammer out a deal. Refer to the following link on classification specifics: http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com:80/page/content.detail/id/540427/Land-decision-seen-as-compromise--update-.html?nav=5008. The plan classifies most of the area as Wilderness or Primitive; only three of the over 20 miles of roads remain open; access to lakes and rivers is limited at best, and even electric motors are prohibited under the plan. Yes, it’s true -- the sportsmen and women of NYS who contribute $9 billion annually to the NYS economy and $60 million per year to conservation efforts in NYS weren’t even an afterthought! As we began to see the writing on the wall we complained loudly, and that resulted in an initial meeting between NYSCC's Chuck Parker and George Gibbs and Environmental Secretary Basil Seggos. A meeting after the vote by the APA was called by Seggos with Commissioner Martens and his staff and Secretary Seggos and his staff; representing the sporting community were Chuck Parker, Council President; Jason Kemper, CFAB Chair; Lance Robson, FWMB Chair; Bill Conners, CFAB, FWMB and Council; Walt Paul, Council; and Tom Williams, Adirondack Land Owners Association. The message from the sporting community was pointed, focused and direct -- why are we being left out and why aren’t our contributions valued? We were assured there are opportunities for sportsmen and women and those opportunities will be hammered out during the UMP planning process. I, for one, am not convinced! To my knowledge the Governor has not yet signed off on the preferred alternative, the final step in the process, but that is expected any day. Being just a simple country boy from the hills of South Colton, I learned a valuable lesson on land use classification and planning. It’s not about the facts, it’s not about honesty or integrity, it’s not about the science -- it’s about politics and horse trading and “let’s make a deal.” From this point forward the sporting community needs to operate from that premise and that premise alone!!! We give nothing until we get something!!!

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NYSCC Grass Roots News February 2014 Page 3

NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATION COUNCIL, INC. 2014 LEGISLATIVE MEETING RESERVATION FORM

The 2014 Legislative Meeting of the NYS Conservation Council will be held on Saturday, March 8, on the campus of Herkimer County Community College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer.

NYSCC will be utilizing the amphitheater in the Hummel Corporate and Professional Education Center in the Robert McLaughlin College Center. The amphitheater is immediately to the right as you enter the main doors of the building.

To view a map of the campus, go to www.herkimer.edu. If you are using a GPS device, please use this address: 100 Lou Ambers Drive Herkimer, NY 13350. Although this is not the official address, it will navigate you easily to the campus.

Please fill out this reservation form and mail it with your check (payable to NYSCC) to the Council office at the address given below. All persons wishing to attend the meeting are required to register and pay the registration fee. Important: If you are representing a voting organization, please be sure your group's dues are paid prior to attending this meeting. Voting credentials will not be available to representatives of any organization not having paid dues to the Council for 2014. NOTE: There will be no food service available on campus for this meeting. No food or beverage is allowed in the amphitheater. Please bring your own coffee and snack/lunch to be consumed outside of the venue … or travel off campus to a local establishment for lunch.

Registration fee: __________________ $30 GRAND TOTAL: ___________________

My check, payable to NYSCC, is enclosed.

NAME __________________________________________________________________________________________

ORGANIZATION ________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP __________________________________________________________________________________

PHONE (Area Code) _________________ (Number) _________________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS__________________________________________________________________________________

Return this form with your payment no later than February 14 to:

NYSCC, 8 East Main Street, Ilion, NY 13357-1899

NYSCC Grass Roots News February 2014 Page 4

WHAT’S HAPPENING OUT THERE… The Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County will be holding its 7th Annual Coyote Hunt February 7-9, 2014. There will be a $2000 grand prize as well as daily and extra prizes. For more info call Kay or Jack Danchak, 845-482-4987; Pat Voges, 631-968-8210; or Federation Secretary Linda Loughrey, 845-482-4985. Contest application and rules: www.sullivancountysportsmensfederationny.com Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club will hold the 30th Lake Colby Ice Fishing Derby on March 1-2. Youth and adult divisions fishing for pike, trout, salmon and perch. For information: 518/891-4680. The Albany County Conservation Alliance is busy preparing for its annual Ice Fishing Derby on February 22 at Warners Lake. This is their first of two yearly fundraisers for their Youth Fund. It is always a great day with all youth going home with a prize and a smile.

The Alliance thanks Bruce Lovett and Arnis Zilgme of West Albany Fish and Game for their continued effort in the NYS Veterans program. This is the third year they have collected deer hides in conjunction with the Elks Club. While down a little this year, 32 deer hides were collected and processed with the funds going to NYS Veterans programs.

REGION 4 UPDATE

Region 4 has just concluded its December raffle with proceeds going to NYSCC. This was the second year for the raffle and it continues to grow. Thank you all; $1,250 was donated on January 16, 2014. Thanks also to Three Rivers Coon Club, Delaware County, for donating their winnings back to the NYSCC.

GENESEE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, INC.

Charles O. Hancock, President (585) 223-1850 Phone (585) 223-6855 Fax

chancock@rochester.rr.com Email A charitable foundation concerned about

conservation issues, with special interest in Genesee, Livingston, and Monroe Counties.

NEW MEMBERS!

DEFENDER MEMBER: Rod Boula, Keene

NYSCC Grass Roots News February 2014 Page 5

CHASING RABBIT HOUNDS

By Bob Brown, Executive Program Director

The sound of beagles on the hot trail of a snowshoe hare is something that I love to hear. I was driving back home last week and saw a pickup truck pulled to the side of a country road. I pulled over to listen to the hounds; they sure sounded fine.

Of course, the opposite of the high shriek of hound coming toward you with a rabbit ready to fly by at high speed is the dead silence of an empty woods with no sound of a dog for the last hour. When the hound loses the trail and starts to search for the rabbit he can't find, you never know where to find him; and the panic of losing your dog is not a good feeling. The other reason for the silence is that your dog might have hit a "March Hare."

In the month of March snowshoe hares have their mating season, and the buck rabbits travel to the female's territory to mate. If your hound happens to hit a buck hare's track while he is in a female's territory he will go back to his own territory before he starts making a circle. Often the distance can be a lot further away than your hearing ability.

I can remember a lot of long treks in the woods calling for lost dogs. Sometimes you got lucky and found the dog or heard him in the far distance and would eventually catch up to him. I always carried a flashlight to get home. I would sometimes go to the nearest village and get a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, and call my wife to tell her I was coming home late. I would go back to the area and drive the dark roads and park several times. Opening the window, I would listen for a distant bark, then call for a while, hoping the dog would return. If nothing else worked I would leave my hunting coat in the woods where I originally left the dog. Often the next morning I would find him curled up in the coat, fast asleep.

One of my favorite dogs, Muffin, became wiser as she got older. She would hunt well for a while and then the woods would get silent. I would call home and my wife would tell me that a lady had called and gave her the address where Muffin could be found. I arrive to find out that Muffin had come to her front door and barked. Of course the lady would let her in and feed her, and I would find her on the lady's couch in her living room, fast asleep. Muffin, a kennel dog, really liked that; and after visiting several different homes across the north country, I was forced to retire her. (She was too fat to run anyway!)

Things have changed. I am a lot older now and don't have hunting beagles any more. However, my nephew, Jeff Brown, has a great rabbit hound; and periodically I get to hunt with him and enjoy the sound of hounds running snowshoe hares as I did in the past.

Through modern technology Jeff seldom loses his dog overnight. He carries a GPS with a transmitter attached to the dog's collar. At any given time he can look at his GPS and it shows the exact location of the dog. It also has traced with a colored line where the dog has been. It tells him how far away from him the dog is currently located. You might not have heard the dog bark in half an hour. When I inquire, "Where is the dog?" he looks at his GPS and replies, "He's 300 yards to your left and coming this way." Jeff can track up to seven dogs at the same time on his GPS. Wish I had that in the old days!

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THE SHOT HEARD ROUND NEW YORK STATE

(Submitted Photos) Embattled farmers met at Concord Bridge in Massachusetts to confront British regulars who had marched from Boston in the dark of night, in order to seize their firearms. There, they fired “The Shot Heard Round the World.” Patriots in Concord, New York, fired a symbolic shot at 12 noon, January 11th, 2014, to protest the first anniversary of the NY SAFE Act passed in the dark of night. Originators of this idea, the Springville Field & Stream Club, urged gun owners throughout New York State to fire their symbolic shot at 12 noon too. Many other clubs across New York State took up the challenge and organized their own events. All shooting was done in a safe manner, and no dangerous incidents were reported from any of the dozens of observances involving thousands of shooters across New York. Among those clubs taking part in the "Shot Heard Round New York" were Alabama Hunt Club, Barre Sportsmen's Club, Elma Conservation Club, Genesee County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E., Genesee Fish & Game Protective Association, Holley Rod & Gun Club, Ilion Fish & Game Club, Northwoods Sportsmen’s Association, Oatka Fish & Game Club, Springville Field & Stream Club, and Woodlawn Sportsmen's Club.

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2014 CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS This notice constitutes official call for resolutions for the NYSCC for 2014. All resolutions should be sent to the NYSCC Office by February 1, 2014. The Council office address is 8 East Main Street, Ilion, NY 13357-1899. It would be of great help to the Committee if resolutions were submitted early; any resolutions not in the proper form and received by the February 1 deadline will be rejected.

County and Associate members may submit two resolutions, and Affiliate groups may submit one. Each organization submitting a resolution should investigate its facts thoroughly. Be very specific as to what is being requested along with reference to any law, order, policy or regulation. In addition, the resolution should contain reference to who should perform the action requested and by what means (law change, Department order change, request for action, etc.). Of statewide significance – To benefit the sportsmen of New York State

By Stephen Wowelko, Chairman, NYSCC Resolution Committee

The resolution process for 2014 is in full swing. As the February 1 deadline approaches, here are some suggestions to help you along in the process.

All resolutions for consideration through NYSCC should be to establish or change a position or policy for the New York State Conservation Council on a matter concerning issues of state-wide significance.

The title of the resolution should clearly reflect the intent.

In formulating the resolution, the “Whereas” statements should provide the basic facts and reasons for the resolution. The information should be specific, and provide answers to such questions as: Why is the change necessary? What are the facts leading to the final request? It should provide or reference statistics and the effect of the issue. What is the rationale for the “resolved” course of action?

The “Be It Resolved:” should clearly spell out what it is you wish to achieve.

The primary purpose of a resolution is to delineate a position for the New York State Conservation Council on a matter not otherwise covered concerning policies, principles, or precedent of state-wide significance. Resolutions are policy declarations and are not meant to solve local problems unless all other avenues of remedy have been exhausted on the local level.

The final submitted resolution should be polished, well thought out and not a draft work in progress.

The resolutions are to be submitted by the organization’s official councilman to the NYSCC. Resolutions coming from other individuals or directly from Federation clubs will not be accepted. The resolution should contain contact information for the councilman – name, address, phone number and email address. The councilman will be the primary contact for any questions the Resolution Committee may have about the resolution.

Resolutions are due at the NYSCC main office by February 1, 2014. It is preferred that they be sent electronically to nyscc@nyscc.com or if the councilman does not have email access it may be sent on paper through the US Post Office to the following address:

NYSCC (Resolutions) 8 East Main Street Ilion, NY 13357-1899

NYSCC Grass Roots News February 2014 Page 8

NEW YORK BENEFITS FROM SPENDING BY TARGET SHOOTERS

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The National Shooting Sports Foundation has released a major new report about the importance of target shooting activities to the economies of New York and the nation. NSSF is the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry.

The report, Target Shooting in America: Millions of Shooters, Billions of Dollars, was released today in conjunction with a press conference at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), the largest trade show of its kind in the world and a showcase for the firearms and ammunition industry.

The report provides a first-ever look at U.S. target shooting-related expenditures. Also included are state-by-state statistics for the number of target shooters, retail sales, taxes and jobs. The target-shooting report complements the Hunting in America report released by NSSF and the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies in March 2013.

In New York, target shooting-related spending contributed $817,050,105 to the state's economy and supported 6,333 jobs. Nationally, the money target shooters spent in 2011 resulted in $23 billion being added to the nation's economy and supported more than 185,000 jobs.

"More people target shooting is good news for the industry, and it is equally good news for America’s economy," said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti.

Retail sales related to target shooting account for nearly $10 billion, with rifle and handgun shooting being the leading contributors, followed by shotgun and muzzleloader shooting. California and Texas are the top two states ranked by retail sales.

Combining data from Target Shooting in America and Hunting in America shows that target shooters and hunters together poured more than $110 billion into the nation’s economy, fueling more than 866,000 jobs. “Communities and businesses of all sizes benefit from these activities,” said Sanetti.

Target shooters ($8.2 billion) and hunters ($8.4 billion) spend nearly equal amounts on equipment common to both pursuits, such as firearms, ammunition and accessories. Hunters spend more overall than target shooters when factors such as fuel, food, lodging and transportation are included.

“The Target Shooting in America and Hunting in America reports give us a more complete understanding of the economic importance of the shooting sports to America,” said Sanetti. “We’ve long known about the recreational benefits of these activities, and now we know how much they contribute to our country’s financial well-being.”

Read Target Shooting in America: Millions of Shooters, Billions of Dollars or view the report as a printable PDF. About NSSF The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 10,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

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LAKE GEORGE AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES STRATEGY By Tom Marks, Lake Erie Percid Management Advisory Group, an International Joint Commission Subcommittee

It came to my attention recently about a proposed plan to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into Lake George. For those unfamiliar with where it is, Lake George is a nearly pristine body of water in the Adirondacks. It is a very popular place for fishing, recreational boating and swimming surrounded by mountains and expensive waterfront properties. It is also a source of drinking water. The lake is the focal point for regional tourism and a major driver for the region’s economy. Lake George is a unique opportunity; it is relatively free of invaders so there may be a chance to prove if it is possible to prevent any more AIS from contaminating the ecosystem.

At a recent county federation meeting I presented what follows. I saw some looking at me with interest and I saw many shaking their heads in disagreement. This is what everyone has to consider: how valuable an ecosystem is and whether it is worth protecting. You cannot make a mistake; once an invader has gotten into an ecosystem there is no turning back the clock. I am of the belief that everything possible should be done to protect an ecosystem.

The threat from invasive species to land and aquatic ecosystems is real and felt throughout the state. In our Great Lakes there have been over 185 AIS identified, and more are found every year. Biologists always predict dire consequences if an invasive species gets into a new ecosystem. Often the average person does not see the damage that is being done. I believe if you were to ask someone living on the Illinois River what he or she thought about Asian carp you would come to a different opinion. Most of these invaders arrive in ballast tanks of transoceanic ships. New York State’s ballast laws are tough but not impervious to invaders.

New York State's conditions for ballast water: 1. Ballast water exchange and/or flushing for all vessels is required upon entering New York's

waters, not just vessels from outside 200 miles of New York's coast. 2. All vessels, except military vessels, will comply with ballast water discharge standards starting

on January 1, 2012, which will require the installation of ballast water treatment. 3. Ships constructed on or after January 1, 2013 are to employ technology to meet ballast water

discharge standards, which are even more protective of New York's waters.

However, some invaders arrive on their own, or from some “kind” person releasing a fish that has grown too big for an aquarium, or some angler who had bait left over and released it into the lake. The pathways for invasion are many so the flaw in any protective plan is that it requires a certain amount of trust that the public will follow the rules and do what is necessary to protect the ecosystem. Whatever regulations are implemented it will take aggressive public outreach and education to overcome the ignorance and apathy towards the dangers of AIS.

What is the threat from AIS? AIS are the single greatest threat to an ecosystem; it only takes a small introduction to create huge problems. Aquatic invasive species are living organisms capable of reproducing, displacing native species, reducing biodiversity in the ecosystem, changing water quality, creating risks to human health and adversely impacting the economy. There has been a huge effort to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS in this country. The measures required for commercial vessels can be difficult and costly. Over the years there have been court challenges to the ever-increasing regulations to stop AIS. The recreational boater has also played a role in the spread of AIS around the state and country. Recreational boats have spread zebra mussels, introduced into the Great Lakes from ocean ships, all the way to California. Once a species has invaded it can cost millions of dollars to control on a local level. The cost nationally is estimated to be over $120 billion a year. When the environmental and economic impacts are considered it becomes obvious how serious this issue is. It is much easier to prevent the invasion as opposed to controlling an

NYSCC Grass Roots News February 2014 Page 10

invader and dealing with the damage. Once established, AIS are nearly impossible to remove; the damage is forever.

As I started this editorial discussion I stated there are plans to protect Lake George from AIS. Currently there are five invasive species confirmed in Lake George: Asian Clam, Curly Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Zebra Mussel and the Spiny Water Flea. Over $6.5 million has been spent in Lake George combating these invaders. The Lake George Park Commission has done a lengthy study and arrived at six possible alternative plans for Lake George. The plans range from doing nothing to mandatory inspections and decontamination of all boats. I will not go into detail here on the plans; you can find them online at www.lgpc.state.ny.us. Public comments can be read regarding the plans at the site as well. The preferred plan is mandatory inspection and decontamination (Alternative # 4) of all trailered boats before launching into Lake George. Accommodations for fishermen have been considered; some launches will be staffed with inspectors and open 24 hours. There will be some inconveniences created; however, with proper planning a boater can get his craft inspected and if needed, decontaminated, before launching. There is a cost for all of this and it will be in the fees for inspection and for registration to boat on Lake George.

If you want to be successful at stopping the spread of AIS, the Lake George Park Commission proposals should be considered. What about other lakes or rivers throughout the state? I can’t predict what will happen and what regulations, if any, will be adopted. Lake George is a fairly isolated ecosystem and the preferred plan has the potential to work if the public is educated and willing to participate. The Finger Lakes all have some connection to the Great Lakes through the Erie Canal or other connecting waterways, so a program like that which the Lake George Park Commission is proposing will not have any impact because the source of AIS is ocean vessels. However, if you boat in one lake and head to another that has no connection you should use the best practice to prevent any spread of invasive species. Make it routine to remove any plant material from your trailer, wash the hull and trailer, and rinse out the livewell and bilge with fresh water. Do not dump any live bait into a body of water. It is in our best interest as fishermen that we do what is necessary to stop the spread of AIS. If proposals are made for other lakes in our state to adopt strict measures to control AIS, get involved; work with planners be a part of the process. Have input to protect your interests. Fears of no inspectors when fishermen normally launch were addressed at Lake George after fishermen got involved. There could be huge impacts to fishing related tourism and I am certain planners do not want to jeopardize that source of revenue to the economy. Fishermen are key to getting it done right.

The world has changed; just as the airplane and electronic communication made it smaller, our love of fishing and boating has connected all waters in ways never conceived. It is now our responsibility to protect the ecosystems our lakes and rivers occupy.

FI N G E R L A K E S C O N S E R V A T I O N C O U N C I L IN C . Representing County Federations and Affiliate Clubs

of New York State Region 8

President Mike Elam Vice President Paul Griffen

Secretary Glen Adams Treasurer Dennis Race

Member Federations 2013

Chemung Co Fed of Sportsman’s Clubs Genesee Co. Fed. of Sportsmen’s Clubs Livingston Co. Fed. of Sportsmen’s Clubs Monroe Co. Conservation Council Ontario Co. Fed. Of Sportsmen’s Clubs Orleans Co. Fed. of Sportsmen’s Clubs Seneca Co. Fed. of Sportsmen’s Clubs Steuben Co. Fed. of Conservation Clubs Wayne Co. Fed. of Sportsmen’s Clubs Yates Co. Fed. Of Sportsmen’s Clubs

NYSCC LIFE MEMBER-

Committed to the Sportsmen & Women

NYSCC Grass Roots News February 2014 Page 11

SENECA WHITE DEER NEEDS YOUR HELP

By Dennis Money, SWD President

It is now public that the Army is leaving the Seneca Depot in 2015 and when that happens, the current owner of the property, the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency, will cease any maintenance of the fence and will conduct no habitat work. The annual deer hunt could also be stopped since it was managed by the Army. The IDA is actively seeking to get rid of the property, about 7000 acres, because it can't find any traditional forms of commercial/industrial businesses that want to build inside the conservation area of the depot.

Ironically, soon we should be hearing about dates and locations for the NYS Open Space hearings. The importance of that is the Depot is a priority area for DEC Region 8. This means the Depot, if it gets enough support from the public and area legislators, would have a chance to be selected and purchased with money from the State Environmental Protection Fund. However, we are finding resistance from the only two state agencies that can acquire this property, the NYSDEC and NYS Parks. They cite lack of staff and funding as the obstacles. We counter that Seneca White Deer (SWD) could help them make the Depot profitable with tourism and a lottery deer hunt; but since we are a small group of retired people they don't give us much credence even though in the 11 weekends we did Depot tours we had over 6300 people come for the tours and we grossed $125K. Not bad for a bunch of old people, eh?

Seneca White Deer is now poised to produce a large scale media blitz using both newspaper and TV ads to make the public more aware of what they can do to help the Depot become selected for funding. Our feeling is that if we can obtain enough public support -- and that public support also contacts our local legislators -- we would have a decent chance for select ion. If the Depot is not funded with EPF money, there is little chance the property can be protected for conservation/ecotourism. Rumors are that large scale farmers want to turn the property into cattle or pig farming, or that the Safari Club wants to purchase it for a private hunting preserve.

The Depot was built with American taxpayer money and it belongs to all Americans, not just the group that has the deepest pockets. We would appreciate your help in getting the word out about this situation and the Open Space hearings when the time is right (i.e. when the hearings are announced).

Ideas and comments are welcome and needed. Visit our website at www.senecawhitedeer.org or email me at whitebuck47@yahoo.com.

~~~ THANK YOU!!! ~~~

BUCK A MEMBER DONORS: Albion Fish & Game Club, Inc., Sandy Creek * Chautauqua County Fish Advisory Board, Fredonia

Cher Acres Hunting Club, Liberty * Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Assn., Inc., Syracuse Independent Fur Harvesters of Central NY, Georgetown * Montauk Surfcasters Association, Montauk

Seneca Lake Duck Hunters Association, Dresden * Northern Dutchess Rod & Gun Club, Rhinebeck Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club, Saranac Lake * Woodbury Field & Stream Club, Inc., Central Valley

GENERAL DONATIONS DONOR:

Falcon Sportsmen Club, Inc., Auburn

NYSCC Grass Roots News February 2014 Page 12

IF YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY A MEMBER, ENROLL TODAY AND RECEIVE YOUR OWN COPY OF THIS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER.

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Grass Roots Newsr

President’s Corner; Cushman Seeks Reelection to NRA Board 1 Sporting Community Excluded From Final Negotiations On Finch Essex Chain

2

2014 Legislative Meeting Reservation Form 3 What’s Happening Out There; Region 4 Update; Welcome New Members

4

Chasing Rabbit Hounds 5 The Shot Heard Round New York State 6 Call for Resolutions 7 New York Benefits from Spending by Target Shooters 8 Lake George Aquatic Invasive Species Strategy 9 & 10 Seneca White Deer Needs Your Help; Thank You 11