For Release: Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Public Access Expanded, Habitat Areas Fostered Through Habitat/Access Stamp Program
Three CNY Projects Completed
Three natural resource projects in central New York have been completed thanks to funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Habitat/Access Stamp. The Upper Lisle Wildlife Management Area (WMA) habitat restoration project, the Redfield boat launch and fishing pier and the village of Pulaski fishing access platform on the Salmon River were all funded with Habitat/Access funds.
Legislation passed in New York in 2002 created a new Habitat/Access Stamp that is available to people who want to support the DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish- and wildlife-related recreation. The $5 stamp is not required, but is the perfect way for young or old, angler or hunter, birder or photographer to help conserve New York's wildlife heritage. Habitat is the key to fish and wildlife abundance, and the Habitat Stamp provides money to help improve and conserve fish and wildlife habitat for the future as well as increase public access to public and private lands.
"The Habitat Access Stamp has played a vital role in advancing natural resource initiatives around the state, as demonstrated by these valuable projects right here in Central New York," said Regional Director Kenneth Lynch.
Upper Lisle WMA (Broome County)
This project was a $10,000 undertaking, with $5,000 from the DEC Habitat/Access grant and a matching $5,000 from Southern Tier Chapters of Pheasants Forever and the National Wild Turkey Federation. The project was completed under budget. It involved converting a 40-acre former campsite into a permanent grassland habitat for ground nesting birds and other grassland wildlife. The Southern Tier Chapter of Pheasants Forever used its own tractor and tilling equipment (with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) to prepare the seed bed and plant native species of cool- and warm-season grasses including Switchgrass, Deer Tongue, Virginia Wild Rye and Eastern Gamma grass. In addition to the grasses, 60 wildlife shrubs were also planted to improve the riparian buffer habitat. Work was completed by the end of May 2007.
Recently, a kiosk was placed at the site, depicting the area and the location of the various types of grass species that were planted. Maintenance of the area which involves mowing is being handled by the DEC. Observations of the area in 2008 showed that the grasses and shrubs are flourishing. The project is a welcome addition as another area for the release of Pheasants.
Redfield Boat Launch and Pier (Oswego County)
The boat launch and fishing pier was designed by DEC's Operations Design and Construction Bureau in Albany and constructed by regional operations staff. The project received funding from several sources including $76,000 from Brookfield Power- NY, $10,000 from the New York State Legislature and $6,000 from Habitat/Access funds. The project is an accessible site with an observation platform that overlooks the Salmon River Reservoir. The platform is connected to a designated accessible parking area via a short hardened-surface access route. When the water level is high, usually in spring and fall, one can fish from the platform. When the water level is low, it can still be used as an observation platform. Region 7's Fish and Wildlife Management Board Chairman Jim Petreszyn remarked, "The result is a fantastic new launch capable of accommodating a range of fishing crafts. The Habitat/Access Stamp can be purchased for just five dollars; it seems as through we got a lot for our five dollars."
Pulaski Fishing Pier (Oswego County)
The village of Pulaski fishing pier and gravel trail access improvements, funded through the Habitat/Access grant, is one of several specific projects identified as a result of current planning for the Salmon River Trail Conceptual Master Plan. A $15,000 grant funded an initial project to create river access while other portions of the trail corridor are being designed and advanced toward construction.
