DEC "Field Notes"
Issue 21: September 3, 2010
Shellfish Closure
Shellfish Harvest Closure for Labor Day Holiday.
Three shellfish harvest areas along the North Shore of Long Island will be temporarily closed from September 4 through September 9. Due to high volumes of anchored boats and possible increased sewage discharges, these closures occur annually during holidays to protect public health from possible shellfish contamination. To help with contamination levels, boaters should use pump-out facilities and be aware of no-discharge zones. Closure area maps and additional information and pump-out facility locations can be found on the DEC web-site.
Noteworthy Dates
September 6, 2010 - Final Day for Recreational Summer Flounder Fishing.
The recreational marine fishing season for summer flounder will be closing after Monday, September 6th, 2010. Before venturing out to fish for these aggressive flatfish this Labor Day holiday, visit the saltwater regulations web-page for bag and size limits. Also, make sure to have a valid recreational marine fishing license on hand.
September 11, 2010 - Free Fishing Clinic.
I FISH NY is holding a free fishing clinic event from 11 am - 3 pm at Stuyvesant Cove, East River at 20th Street in Manhattan. The event is free, open to all, and no fishing license is required to participate. All the bait and tackle and helpful fishing tips and information will be provided. Grab some friends and family for a day outside to try and catch some feisty "snappers" (bluefish)! Visit the Free Fishing Clinic web-page for contact information and to find additional upcoming free fishing clinic events.
September 20, 2010 - Reminder to Submit Comments on Proposed Amended Regulations for Endangered and Threatened Species.
The DEC is proposing necessary changes in the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 182 to clarify process and procedures for handling listed species issues in New York State. The proposed amendments clarify DEC’s jurisdiction pertaining to listed species, delineates an application and review process for addressing proposals that will take listed species, and establishes standards for permit issuance. Visit the DEC web-site to read more details and find out how to submit comments.
Significant Notes
Landowners Selected to Receive Assistance for Grassland Protection and Management.
Funded through a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) encourages private landowner participation in habitat management and protection by providing technical advice and financial incentives for the conservation of at-risk wildlife species and habitats. During the second round of the grassland LIP grant cycle for
2009 (first was in 2007), more than 125 applications were received and the highest ranking 13 applicants were selected for funding. With assistance from awards totaling more than $430,000, the selected private landowners will be responsible for managing a total of 1,560 acres of critical grassland habitat across the State to benefit at-risk grassland birds. Read more about the grassland LIP on the DEC web-site.
Estimated 2010 Spring Turkey Harvest.
Estimated wild turkey harvest during spring 2010 was 25,800 birds, well below the 10-year average (about 34,000). This is a decrease of about 25% from spring 2009, and may be a result of poor nesting during summers 2008 and 2009. Visit the DEC web-site for more information on the 2010 season and learn how the harvest is estimated.
Comment Period Extension for Moose River Plains Proposal.
2009 (first was in 2007), more than 125 applications were received and the highest ranking 13 applicants were selected for funding. With assistance from awards totaling more than $430,000, the selected private landowners will be responsible for managing a total of 1,560 acres of critical grassland habitat across the State to benefit at-risk grassland birds. Read more about the grassland LIP on the DEC web-site.
Estimated 2010 Spring Turkey Harvest.
Estimated wild turkey harvest during spring 2010 was 25,800 birds, well below the 10-year average (about 34,000). This is a decrease of about 25% from spring 2009, and may be a result of poor nesting during summers 2008 and 2009. Visit the DEC web-site for more information on the 2010 season and learn how the harvest is estimated.
Comment Period Extension for Moose River Plains Proposal.
The DEC and the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) has extended the public comment period for the comprehensive, integrated management actions proposed for the Moose River Plains Wild Forest until Sept. 17, 2010. Review the full press release for additional details on these actions and links to more information.
Pharsalia Woods Management Plan Public Meeting.
DEC will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the DEC Rogers Environmental Education Center to outline a draft Pharsalia Woods Unit Management Plan (UMP) and gather public input. The draft plan proposes management activities on the Chenango County unit for the next 20 years and defines goals and objectives for various issues, including biodiversity, timber and public recreation. Read more information in the DEC press release.
Did You Know...?
Grassland habitat across the state has decreased significantly over the past 100 years due to a reduction in pasture and hayfields, natural vegetative 
succession, and development.
Many significant communities of bird species like the endangered short-eared owl (left) and the threatened upland sandpiper (right) have declined sharply from losses of their grassland habitat across the State.
succession, and development.
Many significant communities of bird species like the endangered short-eared owl (left) and the threatened upland sandpiper (right) have declined sharply from losses of their grassland habitat across the State.
~Photos courtesy of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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