New York Mixed Bag: NYS Conservation Council Spring Meeting Is April 17-19 In Livingston County

Lakeville, N.Y. — The New York State Conservation Council will hold its annual spring meeting this year on April 17-19 in Livingston County.

The group will gather Friday evening at the RIT Conference & Event Center. On Saturday, at the Conesus Lake Sportsmen’s Club, attendees will take part in collaborative work sessions, engaging in meaningful discussion and idea-sharing with others committed to outdoor traditions. The meeting wraps up on Sunday with a guided tour of the Caledonia Fish Hatchery, the oldest in New York and the Western Hemisphere.

Learn more about the NYSCC and the spring meeting at: https://www.nyscc.com.

Groups Planning Volunteer Public Land Workday At Finger Lakes National Forest

Hector, N.Y. — On Sunday, April 26, the National Deer Association, New York Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the U.S. Forest Service are hosting a wildlife tree and shrub planting event to celebrate 2026 Arbor Day.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will begin with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) staff providing background info/goals of the project. The NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer, Kip Adams, and BHA’s Field Operation Coordinator Brian Bird will also speak about the importance of improving public lands, being involved, and why applying innovative, grassroots solutions can make all the difference.

Volunteers will then be given brief safety instructions, assigned to a group/team leader, and turned loose to plant some bare-root and containerized wildlife trees in pre-determined locations selected by the USFS. Most planting will be along riparian areas, so bring appropriate footwear and work gloves. The day will end with some food and camaraderie.

Registration is required and can be done at: https://deerassociation.com/events.

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Reminder: Paul Smith’s College Black Bear Public Sighting Survey Continues

Paul Smiths, N.Y. — Paul Smith’s College in the Northern Adirondacks reminds the public of a long-term study taking place on black bears in the Adirondack Park. The goal is to better understand how bears hibernate through the use of trail cameras and public sightings. The research aims to contribute to regional data about black bear denning habits and how different environmental factors can affect the hibernation window.

The college is seeking information from the public about black bear sightings year-round, and most importantly in the fall and spring months. This includes in person sightings and any trail camera data anyone is willing to share. The information provided in this survey will contribute to the ongoing research.

Meanwhile, both DEC and Vermont F&W are reminding the public of increased spring bear activity as they come out of hibernation and seek food. Learn more about DEC’s BearWise program here.

To take part in the Paul Smiths survey, anyone observing a black bear can fill out a Black Bear Sighting Form at: https://arcg.is/4bzHj.

NWTF Seeks Youth Hunt Mentors

Lacona, N.Y. — New York’s National Wild Turkey Federation chapter is looking for a few – or many – good mentors.

The NWTF state chapter is asking mentors to fill their the NY State Mentor Hunt Pledge – found in the NWTF-New York Facebook Page – to receive a free T-shirt. From there, take a youth hunting, take a photo, and submit the hunter report and email the photo to nwtfhuntingmentorpledge@gmail.com.

Once all steps are completed, mentors will receive a coupon code for a free shirt (available while supplies last).

All youth hunters receive an annual JAKES membership to the NWTF and are entered into a drawing for a 2027 NY Forest and Flocks JAKES Hunt with their mentor, which includes camo gear for both youth and mentor and a shotgun for the youth.

Acquisition Expands East Otto State Forest In Cattaraugus County By 689 Acres

Otto, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and The Nature Conservancy recently announced the acquisition of more than 689 acres in the towns of East Otto and Otto, Cattaraugus County, to add to the East Otto State Forest. The acquisition from The Nature Conservancy preserves critical open space and establishes the forest for timber production, watershed protection, and public recreation.

The acquisition expands East Otto State Forest north of the existing property to now total 2,071 acres. The addition of forests, portions of Utley Brook, and additional access to Cattaraugus Creek will provide increased recreational opportunities for the public, expand wildlife habitat, support ecosystem health, and conserve natural resources. Immediate plans for the property are to post and sign boundaries and conduct a full property assessment with emphasis on important species that are part of the Zoar Valley ecosystem.

DEC acquired the property for $2.39 million from The Nature Conservancy through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.

“By expanding East Otto State Forest, this project will enhance local recreation opportunities and safeguard clean drinking water,” TNC’s New York Director of Lands Dirk Bryant said in a press release.