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Permits and Licenses

Licenses

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Have you ever wondered why you need a license to do some of your favorite outdoor activities? Fishing and hunting, as well as other outdoor sports and recreation, require careful management to strike a balance between supply and demand. History proves that the uncontrolled taking of fish and animals can cause the demise of a species. Wildlife biologists, armed with statistical data and habitat studies, can advise the public on the best practice to carry out these activities. Licensing is an effective way of exerting studied control on these activities and, at the same time, helps fund continued data collecting and research efforts.

In New York State, the licensing responsibility is part of the Department of Environmental Conservation's function. A variety of licenses are issued by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources and the Division of Forest Protection. Some of the licenses are listed below:

Sporting Licenses

Special Licenses

Permits & Certification

Many permits are issued by the Department. After the project manager submits the application, the Department reviews the information to determine whether to grant the permit or to recommend further plans of action to ensure that the project has a minimal environmental impact. For major projects, the public is also given an opportunity to participate in the decision making process.

All the key permit proceedings follow the standardized procedure and time frame detailed in the Uniform Procedures Act. The process includes three steps:

  1. A large flock of birds flying up from an expense of wetland
    Wetland serves many functions. Not only
    does it provide species habitat, it also
    maintains water supply and quality; helps
    prevent flood and erosion; provides
    opportunity for recreation, research;
    and is an important component of
    biodiversity. In the process of applying for
    a permit, the project manager describes the
    methods and extents of construction so the
    nearby wetland would not be disturbed.
  2. File an application
  3. Respond to DEC comments
  4. Respond to public comments

From the receipt of the application, DEC has 15 days to determine the completeness of the document. For minor projects, 45 days is the allowed period for DEC review. For major projects, depending on whether a public hearing is necessary, the department and public review time could be from 90 days to more than 150 days. For details of the procedure, see Uniform Procedures Act.

Some of the key permits issued by the Department are listed below:

State Environmental Quality Review

New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) requires all state and local government agencies to consider environmental impacts equally with social and economic factors during discretionary decision-making. The agency receiving the application or directly involved with the project will determine the classification, the significance of the project and whether or not an Environmental Impact Statement is necessary. If a project is determined not to have significant adverse environmental impacts, a determination of nonsignificance (Negative Declaration) is prepared. If a project is determined to have potentially significant adverse environmental impacts, an "Environmental Impact Statement" is required to address the issues and to find possible solutions. The "decision making process" encourages communication among all involved government agencies, project sponsors and the general public.

Pesticide Registration, Permits and Certification

Pesticides are used to prevent, repel, destroy and mitigate any living organism that damages property, spreads diseases and is considered a nuisance in our daily life. Although pesticides are beneficial in improving the standards of living, there are also drawbacks, such as toxicity, to be considered. The Department is responsible in regulating pesticide application whether by commercial outfits or government agencies to safeguard the health and safety of the people, the environment and the non-targeted species.

  • Registration: Businesses and agencies must register with the Department prior to pesticide application.
  • Permits: A commercial permit is required for the sale of restricted use pesticides.
  • Certification: Commercial pesticide applicators, technicians and private pesticide applicators must be trained, pass the examinations and be certified by the Department.

More about Permits and Licenses:

  • Sporting Licenses - Licenses and permits related to fish and wildlife management,commercial and recreational activities.
  • Special Licenses - Licenses for "special uses" of the fish and wildlife resource.
  • Permits - General information and application guidance for DEC environmental permits, licenses, and registrations.
  • SEQR - In New York State, most projects or activities proposed by a state agency or unit of local government, and all discretionary approvals (permits) from a NYS agency or unit of local government, require an environmental impact assessment as prescribed by the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR).
  • Pesticide Certification and Business Registration - Standards and criteria for pesticide applicator certification, pesticide business registration for commercial application of pesticides, and commercial permits that are required for the sale of restricted use pesticides.