Schumer, Boehlert Request Additional Resources To Control The Spread Of Chronic Wasting Disease In Oneida County
SCHUMER, BOEHLERT REQUEST ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO CONTROL THE SPREAD OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN ONEIDA COUNTY
WASHINGTON, DC - In response to recent discoveries of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Oneida County, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R - New Hartford) sent a letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) yesterday, requesting the addition of a permanent Wildlife Technician to the Utica NYS DEC office.
"Hunting is not just a recreational activity in New York - it's a fundamental part of our economy," Schumer said. "The only cases East of Illinois have been in Oneida County and we need to make sure they have resources they need to control and prevent the spread of this disease. New York State and the federal government must do everything possible to ensure the dangers posed by the spread of CWD do not infect our economy or public health."
"The NYS DEC should be commended for their efforts to control the spread of CWD," Boehlert said. "However, with hunting season around the corner, it is essential that we have the most up-to-date data and access to information, to help educate the public. Hunting, fishing and trapping are vital components of the Upstate New York economy, responsible for thousands of jobs and millions in economic activity."
Gary E. Bullis, President, Herkimer County Conservation Alliance said, "As a conservationist and outdoorsman working to preserve a national tradition, I believe it is in our states best interest to add additional personnel to work on the CWD issue. Living in the general area where CWD was found and knowing that the local DEC staff is over worked with their regular duties, a Technician added to 'ground zero' would benefit not only the region but also the understanding of CWD and the future of Deer hunting itself in Oneida County and surrounding areas of the state."
The first of two positive test results for CWD in Central New York was discovered on April 27, 2005.
Text of the letter follows:
June 20, 2005
Denise M. Sheehan
Acting Commissioner
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-1011
Dear Ms. Sheehan,
We are writing to ask the Department of Environmental Conservation to add an additional and permanent Wildlife Technician to the Utica DEC office at 207, Genesee St.
We commend the Department of Environmental Conservation on the emergency steps it has taken to control the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. The steps described in the DEC's "Emergency and Proposed CWD Regulations" effective April, 29th of this year are comprehensive.
CWD has hit Oneida County especially hard, both in the actual number of infected animals and in the negative perception about the future of hunting and wildlife in Oneida County. Therefore the Utica DEC office is "ground zero" when it comes to CWD.
Our constituents have attended public meetings on this matter and are pleased that the DEC plans to take good steps in the right direction. But they also have questions that would be best answered by the addition of a permanent staff member in Utica.
Hunting season is fast approaching. In addition to enforcing normal hunting regulations, the DEC will be on the frontline of law enforcement and education in the battle to control CWD. This double duty will require more work. It seems to us that an additional Wildlife Technician is needed in the Utica DEC office to help with the monitoring effort in the area as well as coordinate with law enforcement to enforce the emergency regulations, and to help educate the public.
We thank you for your good work on behalf of the citizens of New York and appreciate you considering this request.
Sincerely,
Senator Charles Schumer Representative Sherwood Boehlert
http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/press_releases/2005/PR41737.CWDBoehlert.062105.html