Statewide Fish and Wildlife Management Board Meeting March 23-24, 2016

White Eagle Conference Center Hamilton, New York

Roll Call and Introductions Fish and Wildlife Management Board Members Present: Raymond Merlotto Region 3 Sportsman Representative Bill Conners Region 3 FWMB to Conservation Fund Advisory Board Bob Ewald Region 3 Landowner Representative David McLean Region 4 Sportsman Representative Robert Hodorowski Region 5 Sportsman Representative Bill Pike2 Region 5 Landowner Representative Michael C. Candella Region 6 Lance Robson1 Region 7 Landowner Representative Tim Evans Region 7 Sportsman Representative Jim Petreszyn Region 7 Legislative Representative Barlow Rhodes3 Region 8 Landowner Representative Tom Ryan4 Region 8 Sportsman Representative Matt Foe4 Region 9 Landowner Representative Dan Tone Region 9 NYSCC Representative Zen Olow4 Region 9 Sportsman Representative 1Statewide FWMB Chair 2Statewide FWMB Vice-Chair 3Statewide FWMB Secretary 4Statewide FWMB Executive Committee

Guests and Presenters: Krysten Schuler Cornell University Mark Rogers NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation Jacqui Frair SUNY – Environmental Science and Forestry Jonathan Cohen SUNY – Environmental Science and Forestry Michael Quartuch Cornell University Dan Decker Cornell University David MacNiell NYS Sea Grant Doug Little National Wild Turkey Federation Matt Ross Quality Deer Management Association Andy Weik Ruffed Grouse Society Douglas Stang` NYS DEC Meeting Agenda –Approval Motion to approve agenda – Bob Ewald Second – Mike Candella Motion carried unanimously Regional and CFAB reports were available to meeting participants and are attached to the meeting notes Presentations [note: copies of presentations are in the Appendix to the notes] Dr. Dan Decker and Dr. Mike Quartuch of Cornell University presented and discussed with participants current research on hunter recruitment and retention with focus on “Non-Traditional Path Hunters” (NTPH) and initial phase of study on motivations and experiences of Hunter Education Instructors. Highlights of presentation:

- Reasons NTPH hunt: o Learn about wildlife and nature o Get close to nature o Time outdoors with family & friends o Obtain meat o Contribute to wildlife management efforts

- Influenced NTPH interest to hunt o Close friend – 58% (male 68%) o Spouse or partner – 51% (female 76%) o Father – 39% (female 53%) o Extended Family – 33% o Co-worker – 31% (male 43%)

- Other strong influences: o Harvesting local, natural meat (> 80%)

Notes – March 2016 Statewide NYS FWMB meeting Page 2

o Trying something new (>80%) - Barriers to hunting

o Firearms laws in New York State o Lack of access to places to practice shooting o Complexity of NYS hunting laws

Dr. Jacqui Frair and Dr. Jonathan Cohen of SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry presented and discussed monitoring efforts of New England cottontail and interactions between Eastern cottontail (EC) and New England cottontail (NEC). Highlights of presentation:

- EC replace NEC after poor winters, need to manage existing sites not just newly created sites

- NEC using different summer habitat suggests need to manage for patches of young shrubland / grassland within larger shrubland management patches

- NEC using residential areas bordering shrubland - NEC are using grassland/ young shrubland - NEC using human structures and outbuilding as daytime/ winter refugia - Naturalized coyote potentially increasing predation on NEC - NEC using non-native, invasive rose and barberry - Management for habitat on private lands will be important for species persistence

Dr. Krysten Schuler of Cornell presented and discussed findings on study of Lymphroproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) in New York wild turkeys and health status of New York moose. Highlights of presentation:

- Turkeys and LPDV in New York: o High prevalence of disease (55%) found in New York o Adult turkeys more likely to test positive than juveniles o Female turkeys more likely to test positive than males o May be a relationship between LPDV and harvest decline

- Moose in New York o Vehicle collisions highest source of mortality (56%) o Approximately 16% indicated presence of brainworm o No viral diseases detected o Most are average to excellent body condition

Andrew Goeller, DEC Supervising Forester highlighted the volunteer stewardship program (via volunteer stewardship agreement):

o 5-year agreement, no fees o Volunteers: establish and maintain trails, manage fish and wildlife habitats,

collect litter and trash, provide interpretive services to school groups

Notes – March 2016 Statewide NYS FWMB meeting Page 3

Paul Romaenko, DEC Senior Forester highlighted the forest stewardship program: - Purpose is to encourage the long-term stewardship of non-industrial private forest lands,

by assisting landowners to actively manage their forests and related resources - Provides landowners with the professional planning and technical assistance needed to

keep their land in a productive and healthy condition - Provides landowners with enhanced access to other USDA conservation programs

and/or forest certification programs - Participation in the program is voluntary. - Landowners agree to manage their property according to an approved Forest

Stewardship Management Plan.

Douglas Stang, DEC Fish and Wildlife provided update to DEC’s Young Forest Initiative (YFI): - Strategic Plan for YFI finalized - 28 Habitat Management Areas for DEC Wildlife Management Areas are scheduled to be

completed in 2016-17 - Projects (cuts) currently underway or planned at 8 WMAs - Projects planned for 15 WMAs in 2016-17 - Habitat Management Plan template approved and implemented - Communication Plan drafted and under refinement - Monitoring Plan drafted and under review

[Note: 2016-17 YFI Work Plan also included in Appendix] David McNeill, New York Sea Grant, made a presentation and lead discussion on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and dogs, potential for new aquatic invasive species to be introduced, and economics of sport fishing in New York.

- Harmful algal blooms are excessive growths of toxin-producing blue-green algae, but not all blue-green algae blooms are toxic

- HABs most likely to occur during calm summer conditions, after a runoff event, with water temperatures 60-86oF

- Potential to cause toxic poisoning in dogs - Three newly-identified potential invasive species from the Caspian Sea: Monkey Goby,

Black Striped Pipefish, and Big-Scale Sand Smelt - Threat of introduction via ballast water has been reduced due to regulations and ballast

water practices by shipping companies - Must remain vigilant and on look-out for new, high-risk species - Based on most recent national survey of hunters, anglers, and wildlife waters – 2.7

million anglers spent $2.7 billion while fishing in New York - Total economic impact in New York of $4.5 billion and supported 32,316 jobs; please

see: http://www.southwickassociates.com/portfolio-view/sportfishing-in-america-2011/ Doug Little, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), presented and led discussion on NWTF’s SAVE THE HABITAT – SAVE THE HUNT initiative

Notes – March 2016 Statewide NYS FWMB meeting Page 4

- National Objectives: o 4 million acres of critical upland habitat conserved or enhanced o 1.5 million new hunters created o 500,000 acres of newly accessible land

- New York Objectives: o Restore turkey population to 225,000 birds o Enhance 6,000 acres private land by 2019 o Enhance 5,000 acres public land by 2019 o Enhance 500 acres commercial land o Generate new 1,500 hunters per year o Create 15,000 acres of newly accessible lands by 2019 (includes lands currently

accessible but for which habitat has been improved) o 1400 acres of public lands and 10,300 acres of private lands enhanced in New

York since 2013 o 67 acres added to Northern Montezuma WMA o Support: Young Forest Initiative, conservation seed program, New England

cottontail efforts as NEC habitat = turkey nesting cover Matt Ross, Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) presented and led discussion on QDMA efforts nationally and in New York

- Health deer herds + healthy habitat = great hunting opportunities - 15 QDMA Chapters in New York - QDMA Four Building Block:

o Herd management o Habitat management o Hunter management o Herd monitoring

- QDMA’s REACH Program: o RESOURCE - o EDUCATE – expand educational activities and new methodologies o ADVOCATE – increase involvement in all aspects of whitetail deer hunting and

management at all levels o CERTIFY – individual and property certification o HUNT – youth programs and mentored hunts

Andy Wiek, Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) presented and lead discussion on habitat management efforts by RGS to benefit ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and other species

- RGS involved with research, habitat management and outreach for ruffed grouse and American woodcock

- To date, more than 700 projects in 28 states encompassing 520,000 acres - In New York, RGS has 26 special management projects totally more than 9,400 acres

Notes – March 2016 Statewide NYS FWMB meeting Page 5

- RGS educates forestry and wildlife professionals to foster land management activities that benefit grouse, woodcock, and other species that rely on early forest habitats

Additional Business / Discussion Items: Mark Rogers of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation discussed the proposed changes to regulations governing hunting in New York State Parks.

- Includes regulations governing hunting and uses of tree stands and blinds - Taking a statewide approach and removing regional and park-specific hunting

regulations - Developing more consistent policy and guidance regarding hunting on New York State

Parks FWMB is supportive of efforts to prohibit importation of whole harvested cervids from all areas outside of New York (not just those areas where CWD has been identified – e.g. remove exceptions to NYCRR 189.3(e)(1)) and to prohibit the use of urine-based attractants as a measures to prevent introduction and spread of CWD in New York’s white tail deer herd. FWMB will draft a letter, review, and send to DEC indicating their support for these actions. Regional and advisor FWMB reports

- Reports received from Region 4, Region 6 and CFAB (attached) - Otsego County Federation is supportive of a boat wash station and boat launch at

Glimmer Glass State Park on Otsego Lake FWMB members voted in support of the proposed changes to use of crossbows for hunting in New York (S7005 / A9623) – allow for use of crossbows throughout all archery seasons, use of bow hunting privilege to hunt with crossbow, reduces set-back distance to 150 ft. from dwelling, and removes maximum poundage and limb length stipulations for allowable crossbows. FWMB members discussed the merits of proposal A9642-A : would allow the use of cable restraints to take coyotes and other species in all areas of New York except New York City, Westchester, Rockland, Suffolk, and Nassau counties. FWMB is supportive of this proposal. FWMB members discussed merits of A1427 / S2652: established a non-trail registration for snow mobiles that are solely used for hunting, fishing, and trapping. Elections: no nominations from the floor. Bill Conner motioned to keep the Statewide FWMB members the same and Bill Pike seconded the motion. The Secretary casted a single ballot and the motion was unanimously approved.

- FWMB Chair: Lance Robson - FWMB Vice Chair: Bill Pike - FWMB Secretary: Barlow Rhodes - FWMB Executive Committee: Tom Ryan, Matt Foe, Zen Olow

Notes – March 2016 Statewide NYS FWMB meeting Page 6

Next Statewide FWMB meeting is scheduled for September 12-13, 2016 Meeting Adjournment –Approval Motion to adjourn – Matt Foe Second – Dave McClean Motion carried unanimously

Notes – March 2016 Statewide NYS FWMB meeting Page 7

REGION 4 FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD Annual Report for 2015 By Harold Palmer Region 4 Chairman

One of our major stumbling blocks is the turn over of Region 4 Wildlife Managers, fish and wildlife staff and Region 4 ECO Captains. We start to work with one or the other and they leave for one reason or another. DEC reports through out the year. Open Space Plan public meeting did not generate many comments. Two rehabilitated bear cubs were released on Bear Spring WMA. Fall 2014, 249 bears were harvested in the new September southern zone season. CWD has been found in both wild and captive raised deer in Ohio. Feral swine during winter 2014-15 continued to be a problem in the Town of Hancock by end of the winter DEC could not find any. Sampling on Canadarago Lake showed that walleyes are growing well, but there is no recruitment. Walleye stocking will continue there. Perch are abundant but the average size is small. A statewide black bass study indicates bass are doing well. It has been a good production year at the hatcheries, although staffing levels are now down 7 positions. The draft Aquatic Invasive Species Plan has been completed. An effort is underway to identify trout stocking locations that are ineffective and focus efforts on locations where stocking is effective. The process is underway to hire one forester and one technician in Region 4 through a new initiative to increase timber sales on state forest land.

A fishing pier was completed at Greene Lake. The Silliman Cove access project on Goodyear Lake has been completed. New boat slide was installed at the Colliersville access on the Susquehanna. A second canoe/kayak slide on Goodyear Lake was installed at a pull-off on NY 28. A new trailer boat launch is almost complete at Susquehanna State Forest, 3.5 miles above Goodyear Lake on the Susquehanna River. There was discussion with the City of Albany regarding the possibility of obtaining fishing access to Alcove Reservoir, at this time it did not get approval. DEC acquired 517 acres in Columbia County, which has been named Hand Hollow State Forest. A parking area and access to a small pond was constructed on the Hand Hollow State Forest. Work was done on an access trail at Looking Glass Pond along with Improvements to the pond and parking area, and a new fishing platform. DEC made a number one priority to safety and access improvements at Kaaterskill Falls trails. It was hoped that the construction of a new bridge, stairs and viewing platform would keep people out of the dangerous areas. Three 25 yard-long spawning reefs for lake whitefish were planned to be constructed the winter of 2015/16 in Otsego Lake. One will be of larger stones, one smaller stones and the other a mix. They will be evaluated to determine which is the most effective. SUNY Cobleskill is attempting to raise lake whitefish from spawn taken from Otsego Lake fish. Fisheries staff conducted a survey on the pond at Hand Hollow State Forest. They found decent size perch. The size limit for trout in Colgate Lake will likely be reduced to 9”, as stocked fish are not surviving to current legal size. A five-year walleye stocking effort on East Sidney Reservoir started this year. There is a good forage base and good

spawning habitat, so it hoped a wild population gets established. Lake Taconic is also being stocked with walleye but the establishment of a wild population is not expected there. Tiger Muskie stocking has resumed in Canadarago Lake. Thompsons Lake was stocked with 6,000 surplus rainbow trout. A survey was conducted on Green Brook, a trib to Kinderhook Creek. Trout Unlimited has a project there that will allow the passage of fish through a culvert. The group will develop a stream corridor plan for the East and West branches of the Delaware River below the Pepacton and Cannonsville dams.

. Other projects being contemplated include an accessible fishing platform and waterfowl hunting blind on Franklinton Vlaie WMA. An accessible trail to the fishing platform at Colgate Lake is also needed. In Delaware County, a bridge that was lost to flooding needs to be replaced. It provided access to Forest Preserve and the Finger Lakes Trail. A new trailer boat launch at Thompsons Lake. Gain public vehicle access to the DEC owned Nutton Hook property on the Hudson River in Columbia County. Negotiations are underway with the Kinderhook Lake Association for public access. A handout on non-lead ammo was distributed. This discussions from many in attendance, some expressing doubt of the science behind lead toxicity. (Note: For those interested in this issue, there is a website by hunters, for hunters from a state where the non-lead ammo situation is front and center: http://www.huntingwithnonlead.org/ Patricia Riexinger, Director DFWMR attended one of our meetings and spoke about -The spike in sales of arms and ammunition continues, leading to substantial amounts of federal Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson) funding being available. One area of focus for use of the funds is acquiring additional Wildlife Management Area lands. 18 new positions will be created in the Division, to focus on habitat management- specifically a young forest initiative to increase and maintain areas of trees less than ten years old. Five key organizations have been consulted in charting a plan: The Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, Audubon New York, Quality Deer Management Association and the Wildlife Management Institute, which is implementing the Woodcock Initiative in New York. Biologists from DEC and these five organizations arrived at the conclusion that 10% of New York’s forestland should be in this early successional stage to benefit the species targeted. Region 4 will get a biologist, a forester and a forestry technician to work on the initiative. Money generated from the timber sales will go in to the Conservation Fund. Lance Robson, State FWMB Chair attended one of our meetings and spoke about. There was a move to eliminate hunter back tag requirements. Use of deer urine as an attractant is a concern as it can be a means for CWD introduction. OPRHP has started to be an active advisor to the State FWMB, and there is potential for increased sporting access in state parks. Lance challenged the board to become involved in unit management plans to be sure sporting interests are covered. Other interest groups weigh in heavily. Lance mentioned that OPRHP has a similar process and that sportsman should be involved with too. Lance talked about changes that have been made to the by-laws of the State FWMB. Now a quorum is reached when half of the filled positions are in attendance, rather than half of all positions as was the case previously. Plus, there is now an executive committee that can make decisions in between meetings. He suggested that regional boards

change the bylaws to allow the creation of an executive committee as there is considerable time between meetings. Lance suggested that the regional boards interact with the local soil and water conservation districts. They can be very helpful in identifying potential PFR. NYCDEP has attended some of our meetings and reports, NYCDEP is still buying property in the watershed. The DEP has been opening up land for recreational access, including about 50,000 acres in Delaware County and 14,000 acres in Greene County. There are now recreational boating (canoes, kayaks, sailboats) programs on several of the reservoirs. Electric trolling motors are now allowed on the Cannonsville Reservoir. The DEP has teamed up with DEC to allow pheasant stocking on several parcels in Region 4. DEP has partnered with hiking groups and snowmobile clubs to establish and maintain trails on DEP lands. DEP has worked with DEC on a DMAP program at the Ashokan Reservoir and in the Johnny Brook Area at Cannonsville. DEP has an active timber harvest program, but regeneration is hindered by high deer populations. It is hoped that increased antlerless deer harvest by hunters will help with forest regeneration. The Rough Grouse Society worked with DEP to hold a Wounded Warriors deer hunt at Ashokan, and DEP would entertain proposals for similar events (such as youth hunts). We held a meeting at SUNY Cobleskill toured their fish hatchery guest speaker Commissioner of Ag and Markets-Richard Ball. An attempt will be made to collect lake whitefish spawn in Otsego Lake for raising in their hatchery. Albany County- The Normanskill fishing access site has been closed due to a landslide there. Progress on the Normanskill Rails to Trails project continues. By autumn about 3 of the 9 miles will be paved and it should be open from end to end. The recent landslide did not affect the trail. The new public access on the Onesquathaw creek should have heavy use as there is considerable natural brown trout in the creek. The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy owns land on the Bozen Kill that will be open for public access. Trout Unlimited is using a temperature logger to see if the Bozen Kill is suitable for trout there. Greene County- Three youth fishing events were held at different locations in the county. Each year the Greene County Sportsman’s Federation and TU Chapter hold a “Healing Waters” fishing event for wounded warriors. It costs $28 for a three day non-resident fishing license, so it ended up costing the Chapter over $300 for the dozennon-resident participants for the licenses alone, they are looking to DEC make this a free fishing day. Otsego County- 37 youngsters were sponsored for DEC camp and a speaker from Otsego County Conservation Association attended the Federation meeting to talk about invasive species. With a pilot program to help prevent the introduction of exotic species in Lake George by cleaning boats prior to launching is underway. The Otsego County Sportsmen Federation is exploring a similar program for Otsego Lake as an enticement to getting a boat launch at Glimmerglass State Park. The Town of Maryland held a canoe

and kayak regatta on Schenevus Lake to promote its use. Plans are to improve the boat launch and parking on Schenevus lake. Delaware County - An access project at Aikens Pond in Steam Mill State Forest was brought up and is being explored. It could provide a warm water fishery in a county where the focus is on trout. Rensselear County- an Eagle Scout candidate planted habitat packs and another built bat houses. 450 rainbow trout were stocked in the Hoosick River, the first time trout have been stocked since 1979. Kids have been catching some. 20 youth applied for DEC camp, 13 were accepted. Schenectady County- The Indiankill fishing derby has been resurrected after a two year hiatus. It’s now run by the police and fireman’s associations with assistance from the federation. Two kids are being sponsored for DEC camp. Schoharie County- The work on the parking lot at Cobleskill Holding Pond has been approved by DEC. A new parking lot is being built at Vroman’s Nose. Middleburgh Rod and Gun has applied for a grant to build a 20’ X 20’ addition to their archery range. The Long Path North Hiking Club installed a sizeable bridge at Minekill State Park. Two kids were sponsored for the DEC camps. The Schoharie County Ridge Runners held a Women Outdoors shooting event that was attended by twelve college women. DEC foresters gave an overview of the new Young Forest Intitiative Program. They are part of a new four-person team in Region 4 Wildlife consisting of two Foresters, a Forestry Tech and a Wildlife Biologist. The Initiative seeks to restore and maintain 10% of nine Region 4 Wildlife Management Areas in young forest habitat to benefit a number of wildlife species at risk as well as important game species. Species targeted are woodcock, golden-winged warbler, New England cottontail, roughed grouse, varying hare, white tail deer, whippoorwill and wild turkey. Numerous other species will benefit as well. Three different cutting prescriptions will be used depending mainly on the target wildlife species: clear cuts, reserve (seed) tree and shelter tree cuts.

REGION 6 FWMB Spring Report to the State FWMB March 23-24, 2016 317 Washington Street Watertown, NY 13601

Region 6 FWMB Report to the State Board Spring 2016 The Region 6 Board continues to meet quarterly and currently all positions, sportsmen, land owner and County Legislator, are filled from each county. The following summarizes some of the areas under review and discussion at Region 6 FWMB meetings:

• White Tailed Deer Management – The Board has focused on this issue now for several meetings as it appears the herd is drastically down in several areas. Anecdotal feedback from members is as follows:

• Oneida/Mohawk Valley (6S) – numbers of deer sign and reported deer take are down by about 50%

• Herkimer/Town of Webb – huge lack of deer sign this year • 6R – observed a fair number of deer but historical herd levels and takes are down • Salisbury area – haven’t seen huge numbers of deer and the mast crop production appears to be

down • 6J – deer take is down and even worse than last year, Millers/Noltz processing plants numbers

are down too • Lowville area – observed a quarter of the deer observed since last year • 6N – a lot less does with fewer bucks and the numbers harvested are down. • St. Lawrence County – Very few deer seen, very little sign, Federated Sportsmen of St.

Lawrence County has requested a task force and has met with Region 6 staff. At our March 17 meeting agenda items included a request for an update on Region 6 harvest numbers, the Public Input Process, Proposed Regulations and the buck management study; with the exception of info on proposed regulations little information was available. At this point the Region 6 Board has yet to receive sufficient information to engage in a substantive discussion or provide feedback to the department on the areas under development as referenced above. It is noted there is a significant amount of information on the Cornell blog http://blogs.cornell.edu/cerp/deer/ on the status of these initiatives and as Chairman I have provided the link to this information to Region 6 Board members. Based on concerns Region 6 staff have begun a study of the Regions historical deer yards to ascertain if the yards have been significantly impacted by timber harvesting and Region 6 staff have met with at least one Conservation Easement land manager to look at logging practices. Both of these actions are an important first step to understanding the dynamics at play leading to what is viewed by some as near decimation of the herd in some areas.

• Conservation Easements – The Board has received presentations and information on conservation

easements in the following areas: Green forest Certification Annual Reviews Conservation Easement Recreation Plans Lists of easements within the region

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REGION 6 FWMB - Spring 2016 Report to the State FWMB (continued) March 23-24, 2016 @ the White Eagle Conference Center – Hamilton, NY Conservation Easements are private lands and there are approximately 400 thousand acres of easement lands in Region 6, most of which have varying forms of public access. Conservation Easement Lands are important to the mission of the Fish and Wildlife Management Board. The Region 6 Board will continue to review Conservation Easement Recreation Plans and seek to provide input early in the process.

• Forestry Practices on Conservation Easements – Considerable conversation is occurring within the Region regarding forestry management practices occurring on conservation easements. Many pictures are being circulated and questions being raised. Individuals who have witnessed logging for many, many years are for lack of a better term shocked at what they are seeing and believe there is a correlation between the drastic decline in deer numbers and current logging practices.

• Access Projects

• Wheelchair Hunting Opportunities - Upper and Lower Lakes WMA – St. Lawrence County • Two separate trails have been constructed of packed stone dust with each trail leading to

two blinds. The DEC will be setting up a couple snow fence blinds in the future, but for now a hunter will need a portable blind. The firm, stable path only extends to the blind site, the terrain is rough and sometimes wet/thick with vegetation and the blind pad is elevated. No one should have any misconceptions about access off from the route and pads. If your disability would prevent you from safely leaving the trail you need a hunting partner to be with you.

• Regional Access Projects – Region 6 Staff have carefully planned, managed and allocated funds under the Governors initiative resulting in completion or near completion of all projects undertaken.

• Revised 480(a) Tax Incentive Forestry Plan – The Board has been updated by Region 6 staff on this

very important forest management program, keeping Region 6 Counties, Sportsmen and Land owners apprised of developments.

• Wildlife Management Area Regulations – The Region 6 Board understands that the aforementioned regulations are under development; to date the Board has yet to receive sufficient information to provide feedback or make substantive comments.

• Reviewed importance of hunting and fishing to State economy and fish and wildlife management; provided

DiNapolli’s report pertaining to NY being third in the nation for sportsmen spending.

• Submitted comments supporting proposed regulations for Conservation Easement Modification and extinguishment; letter dated 2-12-2016 is attached.

• Invasive species – Quarterly meetings include agenda items pertaining to aquatic and land based invasive species issues facing the Region in an effort to provide County Legislators, land owners and the sporting community with updates and current information on control efforts and evolving regulations.

Members: Representatives of County Boards of Supervisors/County Legislators, Landowners and Sportsman Advisory Members: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York State Conservation Council Inc., Farm Bureau of New York, New York State Grange, New York State Forest Practice Board, Izaak Walton League of America; New York State Division, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, New York State College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University, New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University.

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REGION 6 FWMB - Spring 2016 Report to the State FWMB (continued) March 23-24, 2016 @ the White Eagle Conference Center – Hamilton, NY

• Region 6 D.E.C. staff participation at meetings – Staff attendance at meetings is exceptional, the Regional Director, Natural Resource Supervisor and Senior Land and Forest, Fisheries, Wildlife and Law Enforcement officials are generally present and provide updates.

In the coming months focus areas for the Board will be: 1. Working with the department to identify the factors leading to the drastic decline in deer populations in some

areas and craft a long term plan resulting in a healthy stable deer herd. We understand the issue is multi-dimensional and varies greatly by geographic area even within Region 6.

2. Obtain more in depth information about the Departments evolving public input process for deer management and provide feedback.

3. Learn more about the Departments Statewide WMU aggregates and provide feedback. 4. Engage early in the process of Conservation Easement Recreation Plan Development; provide feedback and

recommendations that enhance access and wildlife management. 5. Learn more about WMA regulations under development and provide feedback and recommendations. 6. Continue to monitor and educate on issues relating to invasive species. 7. A more in depth, data driven discussion on important issues.

Copies of meeting agendas are attached.

Submitted by,

Walt Paul

Walter H. Paul

Chairman

Region 6 Fish and Wildlife Management Board

946 Racquette River Road

South Colton, N.Y. 13687

(315) 262-2919

wpaul@hughes.net

Members: Representatives of County Boards of Supervisors/County Legislators, Landowners and Sportsman Advisory Members: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York State Conservation Council Inc., Farm Bureau of New York, New York State Grange, New York State Forest Practice Board, Izaak Walton League of America; New York State Division, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, New York State College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University, New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University.

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REGION 6 Walt Paul, Chairman 946 Racquette River Rd South Colton, N.Y. 13687 (315) 262-2919 wpaul@hughes.net February 12, 2016 Jim Sessions, Forester Division of Lands and Forests 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4250 ConservationEasements@dec.ny.gov Re: 6 NYCRR Part 592 - Procedure for the modification or extinguishment of Conservation Easements Dear Mr. Sessions: The Region 6 Fish and Wildlife Board supports the Departments proposed procedures for modifying Conservation Easements. There are an estimated 400, 000 acres of Conservation Easement lands in Region 6. These lands being private lands are of great interest to Fish and Wildlife Management Boards and are viewed as integral to the boards mission and purpose as expressly stated in Title 5 - § 11-0501, of the Fish and Wildlife Management Practices Cooperative Program as follows “obtaining on the privately owned or leased lands and waters of the state practices of fish and wildlife management which will preserve and develop the fish and wildlife resources of the state and improve access to them for recreational purposes by the people of the state. “ We understand ECL section 49-0301 sets forth the State's policy and the purpose of the statute authorizing the use of conservation easements in the State and the Region 6 FWMB concurs and supports these purposes including the stated purposes of conserving, preserving and protecting environmental assets and natural and man-made resources, the preservation of open spaces, agricultural and forest lands, lands which are significant because of their scenic, natural beauty, wetland, shoreline, geological or ecological character, or their historical, archaeological, architectural or cultural amenities.

We further understand ECL section 49-0301 recognizes resource preservation is fundamental to the maintenance, enhancement and improvement of recreational opportunities, tourism, community attractiveness, balanced economic growth and the quality of life in all areas of the State.

The purposes of the Fish and Wildlife Management Practices Cooperative Program, Title 5 - § 11-0501 and ECL section 49-0301 are mutually supportive and their mutual purposes are of paramount interest to Counties, the sporting community and land owners.

After careful review the Region 6 Fish and Wildlife Board supports 6 NYCRR Part 592 - Procedure for the modification or extinguishment of Conservation Easements. It appears to comply with applicable laws and regulations pertaining to public input and the statutory requirements of Part 592 the Conservation Easements Regulatory Impact Statement. The standards, notification requirements and process for public participation seems to provide sufficient opportunity for the Region 6 FWMB to research any proposed amendments and provide input of importance for our stakeholders. We realize that it may be necessary and important to amend easements in the furtherance of protecting wildlife, sustaining the historic and traditional uses of the lands and to provide improved access and recreational opportunities on these lands. Regarding the process outlined for extinguishment of easements the Region 6 FWMB believes public hearings must be required. The Region 6 Fish and Wildlife Board vehemently opposes the inclusion of any language in 6 NYCRR Part 592 that would lead to decreased public access including motorized access and actions that erode the traditional/historic uses of easement lands for hunting, fishing, trapping and nature viewing. Thank-you for seeking public input on this very important issue! Sincerely yours,

Walt Paul

Walter H. Paul Chairman Region 6 Fish and Wildlife Management Board 946 Racquette River Road South Colton, N.Y. 13687 (315) 262-2919 wpaul@hughes.net

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New York StateFISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD

20 March, 2016

Reqion 7 Sprins Report to the NYS FWMB

The Region 7 FWMB meets every two months. The board continues to follow throughon its longstanding efforts to improve fish and wildlife habitat and expand sporting access in theregion. This, in conjunction with the expanded statewide initiative to increase sporting access in

New York State, a combination of solid participation in the Open Space planning process andexploring potential access projects at the county and club level has been fruitful.

The board has put particular emphasis on the process of ensuring our access andhabitat management wishes are included to the greatest degree possible in all DEC UnitManagement Plans (UMPs). This has been accomplished through active involvement from theinitial planning stage through the completion of the approved plans. With the advent ofcooperation at the state and regional levels with the staff of the Office of Parks, Recreation andHistoric Preservation the board has placed the same emphasis on participation in the StateParks Master Plan (MP) process.

We anticipate that the future will bring a continuation of these efforts, particularly thoughthe implementation of the new statewide Parks hunting regulations . The board will continue toseek the appointment of committed effective board members to the Open Space PlanningCommittee as that is the only route to ensure that the land acquisitions we desire can bepurchased by the state. We feel that participation in the UMP and MP process is critical to ourrole and will continue our efforts on them.

We would particularly like to thank the Region 7 DEC staff for their active andprofessional support of the board in all of these efforts.

Respectfully

Lance RobsonChairman

New York StateFISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD

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182 East Union, Suite 3

Allegany, New York 14706-1328

Region I FWMB Summary of lssuesSeptember, 2015 to March, 2016

Carlton H¡ll WMA lnterference. Property bought with several sources of funding. Currentlymanaged as a WMA, Located relatively close to Buffalo so it receives a lot of recreational use-some which may interfere with hunting. Region 9 Wildlife is formulating policies to minimizeinterference and will be meeting with some of the user groups this spring.

Depth of DEC lakes; Allen, Case, Hanruood, New Albion. Some were built for flood controlwhile others were built primarily for recreation, All popular for fishing but they are graduallyfilling in and become choked with weeds during the fishing season. R9 has relatively few lakesso these receive a lot of recreational use. Those dams owned by NYS may be lowered due todam safety issues and higher costs of other alternatives such as dredging. This is a statewideissue but has a much larger impact on those regions with fewer natural lakes. The value ofoutdoor recreation should be considered when deciding on the future of these lakes.

Hunting opportunities in OPRHP-ASP. Representatives from OPRHP-Allegany Region(Director Jay Bailey and Forester Darrin Biedeldt) attended our March meeting to discusshabitat and outdoor recreation challenges in their park system. Spofismen in western NYwould like to see Sunday hunting and bear hunting permitted in Allegany State Park. Both ofthese activities are prohibited under existing regulations. OPRHP is presently seeking inputinto the regulation process;

o "The attached proposal would give more authority to the park administrator and staff (hopefullywith DEC input) to propose and implement regs."Make comments on this site: outreach@parks.n)¡.govWeb link at ASP site: http://nysparks.com/inside-our-agency/documents/Rulemakin g/ProposedHuntin gRe gulations.pdf

Young Forest lnitiative - Region I YFI staff have been busy inventorying and preparinghabitat management plans for WMAs. The first Rg WMA to have a completed habitatmanagement plan will be Hanging Bog in Allegany County.

Rushford Lake Fishing Access Controversy- Rushford Lake is located in western AlleganyCounty. The shoreline is heavily developed with boating access limited to the Balcomb BeachAccess Site/boat launch. The lake and surrounding shoreline is owned by the Rushford LakeRecreation district which was created by a legislative act that also required "reasonable" publicaccess. The Recreation district installed a gate at Balcomb Beach in 2015, excluding useearly or late in the day-preferred angling hours. In addition, they raised fees well above levelscharged at comparable sites in western NY, Their primary justification was to minimize

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introductions of invasive species. Senator Young notified the district that these operating rules

thanking her for her support. We expect to see an improved access situation in Spring, 2016,

New York Works DEC access projects. Dunkirk Fishing platform expected to be rebuilt this spring. Difficult to predict what will

happen with warmwater discharge at the site since the facility is not operating now.

Fort Niagara boat launch to be rebuilt in partnership with NYS Parks. Should happen thisconstruction season.

Buffalo Harbor Fish Habitat. Chris Legard (DEC Fish Bio) is assessing fish habitat in the BuffHarbor and ways to enhance it. At some point he can present his work to the group.

Perched CulverVFish Passage lssue Barrier- Region 9 brook trout streamsDuring 2010-2013 surveys on 1,500 streams in Region 9, potential barriers to fish passage atmany suruey sites were identified for fufther analysis to determine their degree of passability.Approximately 50 potentialbarriers were identified on streams containing wild brook trout. lnaddition to the identified potentialbarriers, additional barriers likely exist on these streams andneed to be identified. Man-made barriers on streams act as impediments to fish and otheraquatic organism's ability to carry out all aspects of their life history. Additionally, improperlysized and installed culvefts reduce flood-flow capacity of streams, increasing flood damage toaquatic species habitats and infrastructure, Historically found region-wide in DEC Region g,

wild brook trout are now restricted to isolated, disjunct populations in remaining suitablehabitat, primarily very small streams. These populations are further separated by man-madebarriers, primarily culverts. A high priority of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture (EBTJV) isthe reconnection of wild, native brook trout populations. Reconnecting populations serues toincrease gene flow, resulting in populations better able to withstand increasing temperatures,floods and droughts. Longterm survival of wild brook trout in Region 9 will depend on geneexchange between populations and their ability to reach suitable spawning

habitat and thermal refuge areas

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During 2016, culvefts and other potential barriersmovement of wild brook trout in targetedwill be evaluated utilizing up- to-date methodology

to thewatershedsto determine

their degree of passability. lncorporating up to date knowledge of wherebarriers exist with where the most important populations can be connected, high prioritywatersheds will be identified and barriers within those watersheds will be targeted forimprovemenVremoval in subsequent years.

MEMBERS: Representatives of County Boards of Supervisors/County Legislators, Landowners and Spodsmen.

ADVISORY MEMBERS: New York Stale Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Agriculture andMarkets, New York State Conseruation Council, lnc., New York Farm Bureau, New York State Pomona Grange, New York State ForeslPractice Board, New York State lzaak Walton League, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, New York Slate Collegeof Environmenlal Science and Forestry at Syracuse Univers¡ty, New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell

STATE OF NEW YORK CONSERVATION FUND ADVISORY BOARD

625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4750 CFAB Report to FWMB Meeting Spring 2016 White Eagle Conf. Ctr. Hamilton, NY Joe Racette appointed Chief, Bureau of Wildlife – he replaced former chief Gordon Batcheller who retired. We continue to receive progress reports on NY Works III & IV Projects. Some are completed while others are in various stages of progress. Young Forest Initiative is underway. Foresters have been hired. Financed in part by new HCAA Account with seed money from Trust Account. Continuing concern regarding allowing felons to have access to the ACCELA Program if they are hired as LIA’s. License sales continue to drop but at somewhat slower rate. CFAB continues to monitor conservation fund and is starting to look at other revenue opportunities and members are working with OSC to improve investment opportunities of TRUST Account funds. ECO and Forest Ranger Academy has started. Unusual number of candidates have already left the Academy and some will not be replaced.DLE will still be more that 60 ECOs short after Academy graduates. There will be another investment in the hatchery system this year. There are a number of license system problems that are being addressed. Doug Stand is working on prioritizing the work list and analyzing cost. Although the 2016 Legislative Session is underway it is still not clear what Department bills will be pushed. The Department has not yet had a discussion with the Governor or his staff regarding the Dept bills. The number of staff eligible for retirement continues to grow. DLE is particularly vulnerable as is the Bureau of Fisheries (Hatchery Staff). CFAB member Charles Bevilacqua died suddenly and a replacement has not been named. Charlie represented Region 1 (L.I.)

eSportman App is tabled at this time. Discussions held on Air Rifle defintions. Invasive species are a problem that is not going away. Dave Whitmore of Cornell presented info on latest problem – Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. It is ravaging hemlocks trees and if left unchecked it will create problems for trout streams and wintering areas for deer. Respectfully, Bill Conners