New York Mixed Bag: NYS Conservation Council seeking committee members

Albany — The New York State Conservation Council is preparing for committee appointments for the upcoming year of 2026.

The Council committees play a vital role in the overall mission and success of the NYSCC. Serving on a committee is a way for individuals from every region of the state to participate in meaningful discussions pertaining to conservation related concerns in their chosen area of interest. The group says knowledge and passion can help a committee support New York’s outdoor community and ensure the preservation of the rich heritage of the great outdoors.

The committees include archery & bowhunting, conservation education & anti-sportsman, firearms & ammunition, fish & marine resources, fur resources, big game, small game, public access, habitat, natural resources & forests, hunter education, law enforcement, legislation, resolutions and waterfowl.

The committee selection process is codified in the Council’s by-laws and procedure documents and summarized in the guidance found on the committee page of our website. The first and most crucial step in potentially securing a seat on a NYSCC committee is to fill out and submit an online NYSCC committee application.

The deadline to submit a committee application for the upcoming year is Dec. 18. Visit https://www.nyscc.com for more information.

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DEC Documents Three Cases Of Zoonotic Disease In Western New York Beavers

Buffalo, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has documented three cases of tularemia, a rare but serious zoonotic disease caused by infection with the bacteria Francisella tularensis, in three western New York beavers. This includes one in Cattaraugus County in August and two in Chautauqua County in April. The last documented case of tularemia in the state was in a beaver from Cattaraugus County in 2004.

Tularemia, sometimes called rabbit fever or beaver fever most commonly affects wildlife species such as beavers, muskrats, rabbits, and hares. Tularemia is most commonly transmitted by ticks but can also be transmitted by other insects or through blood or tissues of infected animals through ingestion or aerosolization.

Trappers and hunters that handle beavers, muskrats, or rabbits are advised to wear gloves when skinning or handling any wild animal and be sure to clean and disinfect hands and equipment thoroughly after any contact with wildlife. Hunters and trappers who have been in contact with wild beavers, muskrats, or rabbits or had a recent tick bite should consult a physician if they experience any of the following symptoms: high fever, progressive weakness, anorexia and weight loss, or non-healing ulcerated wounds. Tularemia is treatable with antibiotics, but prompt medical attention is critical to avoid serious illness.

Dead beavers, muskrats, or rabbits without an obvious cause of death may be reported to DEC by calling 716-851-7010.

Mentored Muzzleloading Deer Hunt For New Hunters Being Offered

Hornell, N.Y. — A mentored muzzleloading deer hunt is being offered during the Southern Zone late muzzleloading season (Dec. 8-16) in December on private property in Steuben County for beginning hunters, including youth. The mentored hunt will consist of all the skills need to successfully harvest a deer.

Topics covered during the hunt will include tree identification, tracking skills, field dressing, setting up, scent awareness, sighting in a muzzleloader, scouting and more. Participating hunters will need a New York State hunting license, muzzleloader tags, warm clothes, blaze orange clothing. Lunch will be provided, and rifle sight in check will be available.

For more information email: guystellitano471@gmail.com, or visit https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/236156.

DEC Land Trust Grants Available

Albany — DEC recently announced more than $1.72 million in grants to six land trusts for nine projects that help conserve local forests. The land trusts will purchase new conservation easements that will protect air and water quality, preserve wildlife habitat and biodiversity, support sustainable forest management, and increase outdoor recreation opportunities for the public.

“With approximately 73% of New York State’s forests being privately owned, this $1.72 million in FCELT Grant Program funding will help landowners keep their forests as forests and maintain working forest landscape,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Through partnerships with land trusts and dedicated landowners, we’re adding protections that keep trees standing, wildlife thriving, watersheds intact, and communities resilient.”

The grants, administered by the Land Trust Alliance in partnership with DEC, were made available through the Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts (FCELT) Grant Program and contribute to the State’s goal of conserving 30% t of New York’s lands and waters by 2030. These grants are intended to provide community benefits, advance ecosystem benefits and climate resilience, and work towards goals identified in the New York State Open Space Plan, the New York State Wildlife Action Plan, the New York State Forest Action Plan, and/or other local, regional or statewide land protection plans. Environmental justice and climate resilience are key components for project selection.