Regardless of our individual activities, we all have a role to play in preserving New York’s fish and wildlife. The state offers a wealth of programs and resources to support these efforts, and everyone is encouraged to explore the NYSDEC page on wildlife health. New York has established functional tools and plans, and they always ask for public help, making it clear that every voice and action matters in this collective endeavor.

Among these tools is the New York State Wildlife Action Plan. This Plan is a critical tool that guides biodiversity conservation and protects declining and threatened fish and wildlife populations in New York State. Last month, DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “DEC encourages scientific experts, stakeholders, and all New Yorkers to provide their input on the draft list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need as we go through the revision process and identify the threats that must be addressed to protect the health of the state’s wildlife and habitats.”

The State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) guides management actions for New York’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Participation in the federally funded State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program is now a requirement for New York. SGCN are species native to and present in New York that are currently experiencing threats that will likely result in further decline of their populations if conservation actions are not implemented within the next 10 years. This timeline underscores the urgency of our actions, motivating us to act now to prevent further decline.

The SGCN categories cover a wide range of species, including freshwater fish, amphibians, mammals, bees, birds, reptiles, mayflies, and stoneflies, among others. Each category lists dozens of subspecies. However, it’s important to note that plant species are not included under the current federal definition of SGCN and still need to be represented in the SWAP. I’d like to see certain freshwater lake plants listed to help protect the fisheries’ habitats of freshwater lakes like Chautauqua Lake and other lakes. The New York Natural Heritage Program has initiated an effort to identify plants that may qualify for inclusion in the 2025 SWAP. More information about this effort, including a draft SGCN list and draft SSAs for plant species, is available on the NYSDEC website.

Can you hear me now?” The healthy wildlife in Chautauqua County is a testament to the NYSDEC for their inclusive conservation efforts to maintain many species. Read the story. Photo by James Monteleone

The latest draft of the SGCN list and revised species status assessments are available to download from the DEC website. The public can also nominate a new SGCN or propose a species to be removed from the list. For example, timber rattlesnakes are listed, and visitors to the southern central tier of New York, such as Letchworth State Park, have observed and reported many rattlesnakes this year. Yes, they’re beautiful, but this species is doing very well, a testament to the success of such conservation efforts. So, look ahead to where you step, as this species appears successfully reintroduced per the Plan. Rattlesnakes are essential to keep the balance of nature where it should be. Still, some SGCN species might be ready for official review. Anyone interested in providing data, updates, or other comments pertaining to the nomination of a new SGCN can download copies of a blank form from the DEC website, populate one form per species, and send to nyswap2025@dec.ny.gov by Jan. 14, 2025.

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoor Calendar:

Nov. 23-Jan. 19: Late Canada Goose Season – South Area. See syllabus.

Dec. 19: Southtowns walleye monthly meeting, 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, 7PM start; Info: Sue Gunther, 716-435-9932.

Dec. 25: Merry Christmas!

Dec. 26-Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone Holiday Deer Hunt Season for archery, muzzleloader and crossbow.

Jan. 4: Clays-for-Cash sporting clay shoot, Hanover Fish and Game Club, 780 Overhiser Rd., Forestville, 8AM start, last clay:11AM. Info: 716-480-2202.

Jan. 4: Free Fur-Handling Workshop, Collins Conservation Club, 2633 Conger Rd., Collins; 9AM-1PM, call Patti Wattengel, 716-337-2556 for info.

Jan. 4-5: Hamburg Gun Show, 5820 South Park Ave., Hamburg, 9AM open, $10 entry, Info: nfgshows.com.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.