Annual Donation of $5 to Help Invest in The Future of New York’s Habitat and Outdoor Recreation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today issued a reminder and encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a $5.00 Habitat/Access Stamp, an optional stamp that helps support the DEC’s efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation.
“Those who purchase a $5 Habitat/Access Stamp can be confident that they are making a difference in helping DEC in its mission and work to improve and grow the state’s open land and public access for increased outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Commissioner Seggos. “The Habitat/Access stamp is a great way that we can individually contribute and help conserve New York’s natural wildlife heritage.”
New York’s habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources for all to enjoy. Created in 2002, the Habitat/Access Stamp helps supply financial support towards DEC’s efforts in improving and conserving fish and wildlife habitat, as well as increasing access to public and private lands for fish and wildlife recreation.
Revenues from the sale of habitat/access stamps are deposited into the Habitat Conservation and Access Account (HCAA). The HCAA was created in 2015 as part of the young forest initiative and to foster on-the-ground habitat management and enhancement efforts and public access improvement.
Since its inception, the stamp has generated $430,000, but sales have decreased over the last two years.
With funds resulting from sales of habitat and access stamps, some of the projects completed by DEC and partners include:
- Improved angler access and parking areas on Otego Creek (Town of Oneonta), Snyders Lake (Town of North Greenbush) and Fishkill Creek (Town of Beekman).
- Constructed accessible fishing site with parking area on Kayderosseras Creek (Town of Milton).
- Improved accessible access at Eighteen Mile Creek (Town of Evans)
- Constructed parking area and accessible fishing platform on Salmon River (Franklin County).
- Stream habitat improvement projects on Batten Kill (Washington County) and Wiscoy Creek (Wyoming County).
- New fishing platform on Buttonwood Creek (Town of Greece).
- Grassland habitat improvement at Upper Lisle Wildlife Management Area and several Wildlife Management Areas in Schuyler and Seneca counties.
A stamp is not required to hunt, fish or trap, nor is an individual required to buy a sporting license to donate for a stamp. A Habitat & Access Stamp can be purchased at a state license issuing agent location available on DEC’s website or through the New York’s online license issuing system on DEC’s website.