Finger lakes DEC log

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Finger lakes DEC log

DEC Encouraging New Participants for Finger Lakes Volunteer Angler Diary Program

04/17/2017

DEC Encouraging New Participants for Finger Lakes Volunteer Angler Diary Program Diary keepers will help shape future fisheries management decisions on the Finger Lakes As the 2017 open water fishing season draws near, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encourages anglers to participate in its Finger Lakes Volunteer Angler Diary Program. The program aims to collect data from fishing trips on all of New York's Finger Lakes and selected Lake Ontario embayments of DEC Regions 7 and 8. This is a year-round program, so anglers pursuing all types of fish and fishing on these waters are encouraged to enlist. Typical program participants fish the lakes anywhere from once to multiple times in a given season, so even occasional anglers are welcome to participate. "Fisheries management in the Finger Lakes of Central and Western New York is in part guided by angler experiences, success rates, and desires," said Region 7 Fisheries Biologist Ian Blackburn. "This program is an excellent chance for members of the angling public to take an active role assisting DEC to make well-rounded and informed management decisions for the Finger Lakes." Anglers who fish the Finger Lakes and are willing to contribute to the program by keeping a fishing diary for DEC can contact the Region 7 and Region 8 Fisheries offices at (607) 753-3095 and (585) 226-5343, respectively, or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]. More information on the diary programs, along with annual reports for each lake, can be found online at the Angler Diary Cooperator Program web page and the West Central New York Angler Diary Program web page on DEC's website.   http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html

Boater Cooperation Needed to Help Protect Bald Eagles and Habitat Improvements at Strawberry Island

04/18/2017

Boater Cooperation Needed to Help Protect Bald Eagles and Habitat Improvements at Strawberry Island As boating season approaches, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) remind boaters to observe the signage, buoys, and various motorized boating restrictions in place around Strawberry Island in the Niagara River. The restrictions are part of an ongoing, multi-agency effort to protect critical Bald Eagle nesting habitat and to preserve recently installed habitat improvement projects at the island. "We are extremely fortunate to have a nesting pair of Bald Eagles here in the Niagara River," said DEC Regional Natural Resources Supervisor Paul McKeown. "We need your help to ensure that their critical nesting habitat is undisturbed and the ecosystem that they depend on remains protected." Avoiding human disturbance at Bald Eagle nests is critically important to protecting the species and ensuring the success of nesting sites. Disturbance through noise or human proximity to nest sites can cause Bald Eagle nest site failure or even abandonment of nesting territory. In addition, high wakes, propellers and anchors from motorized boats can cause damage to wetland habitat planting projects and sensitive ecosystem areas. Boaters can help minimize disruptions to the Bald Eagle nesting site by: Observing all boating restrictions in place, including federal navigation laws that require maintaining a 5 mph speed limit while traveling within 100 feet of the shoreline. Eliminating all motorized activity within 660 feet at the north end of the island's cove area by observing the restricted area marked with buoys. Adhering to signage restricting any visitor access (including non-motorized vessels) within 330 feet of the north end of the islands cove area during the Bald Eagle nesting season that lasts from January to the end of September in a typical year. Sharing this information with others who recreate in the Niagara River and Strawberry Island Area. Reporting any observed illegal activity in the Strawberry Island area to DEC's 24 hour tip hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267). State DEC and OPRHP have collaboratively enacted a plan to protect the Bald Eagle pair nesting on Strawberry Island in the Niagara River. The plan includes a multi-year effort to restore wetland habitat at the island and to minimize the effects of motorized boating activity through the restrictions listed above. The wetland restoration project, which began last year, will be ongoing through the end of 2017. Law enforcement divisions from OPRHP, DEC and the Erie County Sheriff Department are cooperating in the effort to enforce restricted area rules in place to protect the Bald Eagles and habitat projects at Strawberry Island. Visitors to the island are reminded that any repeated disturbance to Bald Eagles by humans is unlawful under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and under the State Environmental Conservation Law. The Bald Eagle, currently listed as a threatened species in New York, continues to make a remarkable recovery across the state. New York State was instrumental in the restoration and recovery of the Bald Eagle in the northeast United States and continues to play an important role in providing suitable habitat for our nation's symbol. More information about Bald Eagles can be found on DEC's website. For more information please contact OPRHP: Angela Berti | (716) 278-1764   http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/77537.html