New Regulations will
Improve Conservation and Safeguard Sustained Public Use
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos
today announced the adoption of new regulations governing the public use
of Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and
the simultaneous repeal of three obsolete area-specific regulations.
These regulations will become effective Jan. 1, 2022. DEC's Division of
Fish and Wildlife manages 125 WMAs and several Unique and Multiple Use
Areas across the state. Collectively known as the WMA system, these areas
comprise nearly 250,000 acres.
"Visitor use and
enjoyment of DEC's wildlife management areas across the state have
increased significantly over the years," Commissioner Seggos said. "To protect these special places
for future generations and sustainably welcome visitors, DEC is updating
our rules to ensure the WMA system continues to meet the primary goals of
conserving wildlife and providing opportunities to safely hunt, trap, and
appreciate wildlife."
DEC adopted the new
regulations following a
public comment period earlier this year. The full
text can be found on the State Register website. New
regulations include provisions to:
·
Restrict the use of motor vehicles and
some motorized equipment, such as chainsaws, in WMAs. Snowmobiles will be
allowed on designated routes covered by a minimum of three inches of snow
or ice and only from the close of the regular big game hunting season
until March 31. This measure will help prevent the degradation of trails
and habitat, particularly during winter and spring thaws;
·
Prevent the introduction of aquatic
invasive species;
·
Restrict the discharge of firearms other
than for hunting or trapping to designated areas. Only paper targets will
be allowed;
·
Restrict the use of boats to electric or
non-powered boats. Boats may not be stored or anchored overnight on WMAs;
and
·
Require that dogs be kept on a leash and
under control. Exceptions include when dogs are being legally used for
hunting, training for hunting on lands designated as dog-training areas
during training seasons, or when participating in a DEC-licensed field
trial.
Visitors to New York State's
WMAs should always be aware of the rules governing the WMA. Each WMA has
a webpage that lists featured activities, available facilities, any
site-specific restrictions, and a map of the area. For more
information, go to DEC's website.
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