Environment DEC
From the September 2006 issue
Governor Signs Legislation Creating New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Council
Governor George E. Pataki has signed legislation to create a new council that will coordinate state efforts to protect our ocean and Great Lakes resources and help to ensure that these important waters are clean and healthy for years to come. The Governor also announced a $3 million appropriation for the council.
Governor George Pataki signs legislation to protect coastal resources in the state
"Our ocean and the Great Lakes play a critical role in our daily lives, and we must be vigilant in our efforts to protect and restore these vital resources," Governor Pataki said. "The council will help us develop and implement effective strategies to address the many challenges facing these waters. By focusing on a broad range of issues, including the ecology of marine habitats and the importance of these waters for recreation, fishing and various industries, we will be able to promote better stewardship and management of these valuable waters and ecosystems."
Under legislation proposed by the Governor and passed by the Senate and Assembly, the state will establish the New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Council to coordinate programs and activities that help to protect and restore New York State's coastal ecosystems. The nine-member council will work with various stakeholders to develop policies and principles to govern these coastal resources and implement effective management strategies.
Council Leadership and Members
The council will be chaired by the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with the Deputy Secretary of State for Coastal Resources serving as executive director. In addition to DEC's commissioner, members will include the commissioners of the departments of Agriculture and Markets; Economic Development and Transportation; the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; the Office of General Services; the Secretary of State; the President of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the Chancellor of the State University of New York.
DEC Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "New York's ocean and Great Lakes resources play a tremendous role in our state's ecological diversity. They supply clean drinking water, provide countless recreational opportunities and contribute significantly to our economy. Efforts to further protect these assets are critical. By creating this new council, Governor Pataki has enabled the state to continue to learn about precious coastal areas and address resource issues in a more comprehensive, integrated way for the benefit of New Yorkers, as well as others around the country."
New York State's Coastlines
The varied shoreline of the Great Lakes
creates many different ecosystems
New York State is the second-largest coastal state in the nation, with more than 3,200 miles of ocean, tidal and Great Lakes coastline. Approximately 80 percent of New Yorkers live in the state's 26 coastal counties. The state's coastal areas, rivers, lakes and estuaries feature more than 800 public beaches, parks and recreational sites and more than 700 miles of scenic byways. These water resources serve an essential role in promoting tourism, industry, jobs and economic development, as well as being home to critical ecosystems.
