October 2014 Vol. 14 No. 10

Transcription

1 New York State Conservation Council, Inc. President s Corner- Chuck Parker WHAT WILL WE LEAVE WHEN WE GO? October 2014 Vol. 14 No. 10 An excerpt from the Personnel Liberty Digest : The first effort, the Articles of Confederation, was generally regarded as a failure. But what should replace them? Each state sent a group of representatives to meet in Philadelphia and hammer out a new agreement. The deliberations of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 were held in strict secrecy. Consequently, anxious citizens gathered outside Independence Hall when the proceedings ended, eager to learn what had been produced behind those closed doors. As the delegates left the building, a Mrs. Powell of Philadelphia asked Benjamin Franklin, Well, Doctor, what have we got? With no hesitation, Franklin replied, A republic, if you can keep it. Not a democracy, not a democratic republic. But a republic, if you can keep it. As I look at the Council from the perspective of a Board Member and President I look at what we have, and I think of the responsibility to see that what is passed along after myself and others are no longer on the Board is a Council that is as good as or better than what we have today. The Council is a strong organization but it is not a static organization. It is dynamic in nature -- and needs to be -- in order to address the issues of today. If there was a measuring stick to compare the Council of, say, ten years ago with the Council of today both would receive passing grades. What is of concern to me is what we pass along as we move forward needs to be at least as good as what we received. When the torch is passed or as the players on the Board change let the new people have something to build on not something to recover from. If there was a major change in leadership today what could we say was left to build upon? Today s Directors and President have a lot to be satisfied about when it comes to their accomplishments. Through communication channels have being established, we are being heard by the DEC, legislators, and the Governor s Office. We have a strong legislative review system readily available to our membership and the legislators. We have established positions and policies that guide the Council. Our office staff has created and maintains a website and newsletter that is reaching out to the public, not just the membership. We have a growing committee system, one that is increasingly dealing with current matters. We have dedication, we have credibility. All these elements have developed over the past 81 years, not just the last three or four. Where we are today is based on the participation of all the membership, not just our Board and Officers. If new Board members were to come on board today they would see a financial base with no frills, none, nada. They would also see a need to build that financial base now in order to continue to meet the present financial demands of the Council s operation and unavoidable future financial demands: the increased cost of doing business and monies that will be required in order to represent the sporting community. Those who are looking ahead are not unrealistic when they say we could increase our financial resources by a third and still be operating from a no frills, basic budget. The signs to support this statement are there. We need to move ahead financially or we move backwards. There is no standing still. We need to increase county Active memberships. It is not unrealistic to set a goal of getting five or six additional county organizations as members. Where a county federation is unable or unwilling to become an Active member we need to go out and find a local club in that county to act as that county s representative.

2 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 2 We have to seriously consider raising dues. They have been $200 for around 20 years. From it can be calculated that $109 in the 1980 s has the same buying power of $200 in the 2000 s In other words, $200 today is worth nearly half of what it was in the 80 s. Add to that, our expenses have not gone down, so revenue increase is a must-do. The BAM (Buck A Member) program can no longer be considered a supplemental program for funding. It is a necessary revenue source. This needs to be recognized and promoted by all the membership. If you do a fundraiser for one year and it works, do it again. Don t rely on someone else picking up the slack. Others may simply not know how, not have the resources, or just are unwilling to help. Have your group do what it can, as so many others are doing. Having a different group that hasn t stepped up in the past is beyond your control. We have to do what we can do. We can promote the Guardian and Defender membership levels to everyone. Club members and non sportsmen club members can all help here. Sustaining contribution levels over the years are subject to change. Revenue from this source has dropped over the years. We need to renew our effort toward recruiting sustaining contributors. (A sustaining contributor is a group, a business or individual who makes an annual donation to the Council.) Obtaining a contribution for a state group such as the Council involves the request coming from people who have contact with the business or individual from which you are requesting a donation. For example, if you buy a car from a dealership that prides itself on its community involvement, tell them about the NYSCC and what we do. Your place of employment often has a program where they give back to the community. Sometimes the amount they give is based on the community service of you, the employee. Check it out. Entergy Northeast will give up to $750 per year based on volunteer work done by current or former employees. The NYSCC was recently the recipient of $750 under this program from just one former employee. What does your employer have to offer? We who are active within the Council wear two hats, a Federation hat and a Council hat. What we sometimes forget as a delegate is the Council is not designed for us to do it alone. Get others within your groups involved. While we offer a consensus of thought and ideas, we also have to have a collaboration of like action and support. We are all obligated to leave something for the next group to build upon as well as to leave them nothing that they have to recover from. We must generate new revenue while continuing the service we are designed to provide in the name of sportsmen and conservation. Mrs. Powell, you ask what we have. We have the New York State Conservation Council, an organization with service for the people supported by the people like you and me. Thanks to all member counties and clubs of the NYSCC for their efforts on behalf of the sportsmen/conservationists of New York State President: Vice President: Treasurer: Secretary: Paul Hofmaster Roger Rada Angelo Steffenella Glen Adams Member Clubs 2014 Alabama Hunt Club, Inc. Batavia Rod and Club, Inc. Bergen Rod and Gun Club, Inc. Depew Rod and Gun Club, Inc. Genesee Conservation Foundation, Inc. Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Assn. New York Bowhunters Inc. Northwoods Sportsmen s Assoc. Oatka Fish & Game Club, Inc. S.C.O.P.E-Genesee County Chapter Sportsmen s Coon Hunters Assoc. WNY Federation of Hunting Dog Clubs

3 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 3 A DEMOCRAT RESPONDS TO MY COLUMN From the Desk of Bob Brown- Executive Program Director As writers for Grass Roots News we seldom receive feedback on the articles we write but hope the reader finds some interest in the content we submit. Last month was different. Following publication of the September issue, our Council President issued a memo listing each author and a comment on the articles we wrote for September, defining how every author s contribution hit the mark by encompassing the current goals and challenges of our organization. For me the feedback did not stop. My article, A Few Political Observations, discussed several thoughts I have on how we should be proceeding if we want to be politically effective. One of my comments was, Stop the Republican/Democrat crap! If we are going to solve this mess, we need every concerned sportsman and sportswoman to vote regardless of the political party or we cannot win. We should not be voting for legislators because of the party they are associated with, but rather how they vote on issues important to us. You never know who reads what you write! Was I surprised when I received the following communication from a former Democratic Assemblyman who is an outdoorsman and a longtime friend of our organization; he was honored by the Council upon his retirement for his efforts supporting conservation legislation. I asked Dick Smith for permission to reprint the he sent because his advice is sound and we can all learn from it: Hello Bob As a former Democratic Assemblyman and supporter of the outdoors, I read with interest your Grassroots article this Sept. issue. It is about time someone has reminded our stakeholders that we should "STOP THE REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT BS!" Our folks keep burning bridges with supporters on the Democrat side. I found it difficult to push our agenda in the Assembly because the general consensus is the sportsmen/gun owners only support Republicans so why bother voting on their issues. It is easy to be re active but difficult to become pro active. Our folks should be on the positive side of our agenda prior to votes by Senate /Assembly members; and if we fail --start promoting amending rather than appeal. Remember you get more with honey than vinegar! The only time our stakeholders get involved is after the fact and this, of course, is too late. State- wide promotion is the only key to success on issues. Getting a bill killed in committee is far easier than waiting until it passes and then trying to repeal it. Again, thanks for shaking the bushes. Dick Smith -Retired NYS Assembly 146th District, Western NY The lessons learned in the letter are of great value to us. We do a good job of monitoring bills. However, we need to reactivate a lobby team that has a physical presence in Albany. Align ourselves with both sides of the house, find co-sponsors for bills that we support from both parties, and look at amending parts of bills we don t like so that we can gain some support from lawmakers who don t understand us. Remember that this is an election year and there will be some new faces on Capitol Hill in Albany. We need to introduce ourselves to these new people early to educate them about who we are and how we can help them do a better job. They need to understand our economic impact in New York State. We need to explain that conservation rather than preservation helps the environment better in the long run. Most new legislative members come from cities rather than rural areas but now, because of their new roles, they need to learn how to administer care to the country side of life. Our presence and expertise is needed and would be appreciated.

4 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 4 New Members ORLEANS COUNTY FEDERATION OF SPORTSMEN S CLUBS, INC. Est Albion Rod & Gun Club Barre Sportsmen s Club Black North Rod & Gun Club Holley Rod & Gun Club Junior Wilson Sportsmen Club, Inc. Medina Conservation Club New York State Bowhunters, Inc. Oak Orchard River Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation Orleans County Bluebird Society Orleans County Ducks Unlimited St. Mary s Archers Club S.C.O.P.E. Yates-Carlton Sportsmen s Club DEFENDER MEMBER: Sportsman Coon Hunters Club, Batavia GUARDIAN MEMBER: Christopher Roy Lamb, Corfu F INGER L AKES C ONSERVATION C OUNCIL I NC. Representing County Federations and Affiliate Clubs of New York State Region 8 Member Federations 2013 Chemung Co Fed of Sportsman s Clubs Genesee Co. Fed. of Sportsmen s Clubs Livingston Co. Fed. of Sportsmen s Clubs Monroe Co. Conservation Council Ontario Co. Fed. Of Sportsmen s Clubs Orleans Co. Fed. of Sportsmen s Clubs Seneca Co. Fed. of Sportsmen s Clubs Steuben Co. Fed. of Conservation Clubs Wayne Co. Fed. of Sportsmen s Clubs Yates Co. Fed. Of Sportsmen s Clubs President Mike Elam Vice President Paul Griffen Secretary Glen Adams Treasurer Dennis Race

5 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 5

6 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 6

7 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 7

8 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 8

9 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 9 WHAT S HAPPENING OUT THERE The 8th Annual Southern Tier Outdoor Show, scheduled for Oct in Bath offers a variety of wildlife shows, exhibitors and interactive activities. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County hosts the show at Wilkins RV, Inc. on Route 415, off I-86 Exit 37, for the public to celebrate the diversity of the region s natural resources and connect them with a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Contact Carla Dawejko 607/ October 4 & 5: Youth pheasant hunt, 232 Blumer Road, Palermo, sponsored by Conservation Alliance of New York, Co-Sponsored by Oswego County Federation of Sportsmen s Clubs, Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen s Clubs and Salmon River Strutters Chapter, NWTF- Saturday 8 am and noon hunts, Sunday 8am only. You may sign up for either the morning or afternoon hunt Free lunch for preregistered youth hunters. Hunters must be years old and hold a NYS hunting license; 12 & 13 year olds must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian; 14 & 15 year olds must be accompanied by parent, legal guardian or responsible adult at least 21 years old. Contact Rick McDermott for additional information or to register. Phone:315/ ; tughillmcd@yahoo.com October 12: The Falcon Sportsmen Club will host its 7 th Annual Tim Noga Memorial Youth Hunt at Cayuga Tompkins Cooperative Hunting Area, Kings Ferry from 8 A.M. - noon. Youth must be years of age and accompanied by a parent or guardian. First 12 applicants will qualify. Last sign up October 10. Contact Don Wells 315/ or 315/ Oct 24: 34 th annual Ruffed Grouse Society Central New York Chapter Conservation and Sportsmen s Banquet at Genesee Grande Hotel, 1060 East Genesee Street, Syracuse. Social hour & raffles at 6 p.m.; dinner 7:30. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 17- no sales at door. Contact Bob Papworth 315/ , rppwrth@verizon.net or Tim McCarthy 315/ ; tmac@twcny.rr.com. The annual Fall Family Fishing Festival will be held on Saturday, October 18 at Hempstead Lake State Park from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. DEC's I FISH NY Program and Freshwater Fisheries Unit are sponsoring the event along with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. No fishing license is required for this event; admission fee and parking are free. Festival activities offer fly-fishing instruction, casting practice, loaner rods, free bait, and fish cleaning services. For more information about the festival or weather concerns, please call DEC's I FISH NY at 631/ or Hempstead Lake State Park at 516/ for event status. Prepare to #GUNVOTE SM The hunting season has begun, and that means so to has the election season. Politicians are aiming for your vote on Election Day. Some politicians even try to camouflage their real position on the Second Amendment while they work to undermine our hunting and shooting sports heritage and our firearms freedoms. NSSF warns all hunters, sportsmen and gun owners not to risk their rights. Educate yourselves on which candidates will stand up and fight for you. Don't Risk Your Rights! #GUNVOTE.

10 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 10 A SPREADING MENACE TO NEW YORK S WATERS THAT WE CAN AND MUST STOP By: Eric J. Siy, Executive Director of The FUND for Lake George and founding member of The S.A.V.E. Lake George Partnership Aquatic Invasive species (AIS) pose a serious and growing threat to New York waters. Unless stopped, they will permanently degrade recreational boating, fishing, economic stability, and the health of aquatic habitats. AIS are the second largest threat to fish populations after habitat loss in both the United States and Canada. The accompanying maps show the spread of just two invasives zebra mussels and quagga mussels (called zebra mussels on steroids ) over 25 years. As depicted, only those states with mandatory boat inspection measures are stemming the fast spreading tide and the destruction left in its wake. As the maps also show, the Adirondack region of New York, including Lake George, has so far been largely spared. But it is only a question of when, not whether, these and other invasives will reach some of our most wild waters and best fisheries. As many are learning the hard (and expensive) way, prevention is the only real protection from invasives. Saranac Lake, Schroon Lake, Lake George, Brant Lake, Loon Lake and many others in the Adirondack region are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat and manage Aquatic Invasive Species that have made their way into Adirondack waters. In fact, over 45 Adirondack lakes are infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. Many more waters statewide face similar challenges that in a growing number of cases are getting worse, as species such as hydrilla, an invasive plant species whose name rhymes with Godzilla, find their way in. Hydrilla s dense floating mats have a monstrous impact on native plants and all fish see In Lake George alone, over seven million dollars have been spent fighting two invasives Asian clams, and Eurasian watermilfoil a number that will only rise in continuing efforts to keep them contained. In sharp contrast, the cost of the prevention program implemented this spring is a little over $700,000 per year. According to the USDA (fs.usda.gov), it is estimated that, nationwide, the cost of invasive species control and prevention for both terrestrial and aquatic species is more than $138 billion every year. The Great Lakes alone are losing more than 200 million dollars annually from the commercial fishing and sport fishing industry due to invasive species.

11 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 11 A growing number of waters in New York State are acting to implement prevention measures, including mandatory boat inspections. Lake George is leading the way in this effort with diverse support across all sectors, including from sportsmen. On May 15 th, the Lake George Park Commission implemented a mandatory boat inspection program that is very similar to those established in western states. The program has no cost to boaters and is being paid for by New York State and The S.A.V.E. Stop Aquatic invasives from Entering Lake George Partnership (savelakegeorgepartnership.org). S.A.V.E. is made up of public and private leaders including municipal officials, conservation groups, scientists, and businesses around Lake George speaking with one voice and sharing the cost of the program as an investment in the health of the lake. S.A.V.E. s members understand that the lake s clean waters are the lifeblood of the local economy. More can be learned about the prevention program at: LGBoatInspections.com. The time is now for establishing an invasives prevention program for the larger Adirondack region and for the state as a whole to protect our waters while we still have the opportunity to do so. It is not an overstatement to consider invasive species as biological terrorists that, if allowed in, only do damage, sometimes irreversible, always at great cost. Given this reality, we can learn from creation of the TSA and the commitment represented to keep our waters safe. We can make New York State a leading example in the eastern U.S. for cooperation and initiative in stopping invasives from destroying our natural heritage. Time is not our friend, but t he opportunity to tackle one of the most serious threats of our time is already demonstrating its value at Lake George. By working together, we can and we must save our fisheries, our local economies, and a quality of life that makes the outdoor experience in New York a natural pleasure in all seasons. BUCK A MEMBER DONORS: THANK YOU!!! Hudson Fish & Game Club, Hudson * Lake Luzerne Conservation Rod & Gun Club, Lake Luzerne SCOPE Genesee County Chapter, Batavia GENERAL DONATION CONTRIBUTORS: Barre Sportsmen s Club, Albion * Black North Rod & Gun Club, Waterport Monroe County Conservation Council, Penfield * Oatka Fish & Game Club, LeRoy SCOPE Genesee County Chapter, Batavia * Sportsman s Archery Club of St. Marys, Albion PLACE YOUR AD HERE! GRASS ROOTS NEWS ADS Business Card Size: $30 per issue Quarter Page Ads: $40 per issue Other Size Ads are available. For more information, contact our office at nyscc@nyscc.com or 315/ , or write to NYSCC at 8 East Main Street, Ilion, NY GENESEE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, INC. Charles O. Hancock, President (585) Phone (585) Fax chancock@rochester.rr.com A charitable foundation concerned about conservation issues, with special interest in Genesee, Livingston, and Monroe Counties.

12 NYSCC Grass Roots News October 2014 Page 12 IF YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY A MEMBER, JOIN TODAY! Check One: Name Guardian $25 (OR) Club Name Defender $60 Address Life $350 * City State Zip * (individuals only) (print clearly) Send application with check or money order payable to: NYSCC 8 East Main Street Ilion, NY To request an enrollment form or discuss coverage, call United Insurance Agency, Inc. at , ext. 313 or John Long, Jr. at: johnjr@uiai.com UNITED INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. BENEFITS INCLUDE: Competitive Rates Superior Customer Service Experienced Claims Handling Knowledgeable Underwriters Representing the Shooting Sports Industry Since 1980 A+ Rated Carrier COVERAGES INCLUDE: $1,000,000 Per Occurrence $2,000,000 Per Occurrence Option is also available Defense Investigation and Related Cost in Addition to Limits of Liability Additional Insured, Such as Landlords, Added at No Additional Charge No General Aggregate GRASS ROOTS NEWS President s Corner 1& 2 A Democrat Responds to my Column 3 New Members 4 Essex Chain Lakes & the Finch Pruyn Deal 5-8 What s Happening Out There 9 A Spreading Menace to New York s Waters that We Can and Must Stop 10 & 11 Thank You 11