I conducted an unsolicited, unscientific survey of 100 outdoorsmen and women. The two questions asked were: “What does NYSCC stand for?” and “What do they do?”
I found it disconcerting that 89 percent DID NOT know it was the New York State Conservation Council. And of the 11 that knew what it stood for, all said in one way or another that they help make the fish and game laws. Not 100 percent true, but close enough.
From their website (www.nyscc.com) their mission is to: Aid in the formulation and establishment of sound policies and practices dedicated to conserve, protect, restore and perpetuate forest, wildlife and scenic and recreational areas with especial regard to the state of New York, to the general end that the present and succeeding generations may continue to enjoy and to use these great natural resources.
The New York State Conservation Council, Inc. completes its mission through the coordination and stimulation of individuals and organizations interested in conservation in the State of New York and to interest and educate the people of the state with respect to conservation. Its volunteer membership actively work to assure the enforcement of conservation laws and educational endeavors that safeguard our resources for generations to come. The leadership of the group is comprised of volunteers.
So, it is with sadness and great hostility that I report we have lost one of the foremost volunteers of NYSCC, Fred Neff. N0, Fred did not die! In January, NYSCC President Howard Cushing relieved him of his duties as Chairman of the Habitat/Access Committee, stating, “we have had especially many complaints about the Habitat/Access committee and the fact it is not truly addressing the habitat issues and especially the access issues.”
A move that stunned many in the outdoor community. Fred volunteered countless hours and worked tirelessly promoting habitat creation for wildlife and greater accessibility for sportsmen. This through the creation of the NY Habitat/Access Stamp. His ultimate goal: to bring the stamp from a voluntary program to a mandatory purchase, increasing the monetary fund more than ten-fold.
Created in 2002 by legislation, the $5 Habitat & Access Stamp helps supply financial support towards the DEC's efforts in improving and conserving fish and wildlife habitat, as well as increasing access to public and private lands for fish and wildlife recreation. Funds from stamp purchases are deposited directly into the DEC Conservation Fund Habitat Account, and are used for ongoing and upcoming projects aimed toward conserving habitat and increasing fish and wildlife recreational access.
Some of the projects completed with the monies garnered from the stamp have been:
New York City
NYC Audubon, $10,700.
To provide NY students and teachers access to NY Harbor's waterways to observe a wide variety of urban wildlife and their habitats.
Ulster County
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, $7,600,
Develop and implement a habitat management plan designed to maximize grassland habitat on 2 parcels of land.
Dutchess County
Town of Beekman, $7,873.
Fishing access to Fishkill Creek would consist of 20 foot wide gravel access pathway for vehicle use, an 8 vehicle parking area and signage.
Greene County
Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District, $10,000.
Restoration of 2000 feet of 10 Mile Creek channel using fluvial geomorphic principles and restoration techniques.
Warren County
Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, $8,500.
Remove an exiting dam and stabilize the banks of North Creek, improve in-stream habitat for invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, plant native trees and shrubs along stream bank.
Franklin County
Franklin County, $14,000.
Provide fisherman access to Salmon River through construction of a 4 car parking area, accessible fishing ramp and connecting walkway and control Japanese knotweed.
Jefferson County
NYS DEC Region 6 Fisheries, $15,000.
