State Plan Boosts Opportunities to Enjoy OUtdoor Activities

STATE PLAN BOOSTS OPPORTUNITIES TO ENJOY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Governor Eliot Spitzer today released a comprehensive plan to boost outdoor recreational activities and stimulate upstate economic revitalization.

"Good stewardship of the environment, enjoyment of the outdoors and enhanced economic activity are complementary goals," Governor Spitzer said. "My outdoor agenda seeks to promote all three with multi-year investments."

Spitzer's agenda focuses on four major areas: Improving Access; Respect for the Outdoor Tradition; Environmental Stewardship; and Economic Growth. Specific initiatives in each category include:

Improving Access

* Use increased funds from expanded bottle bill to create new fishing sites, boat launches and hiking trails;
* Support landowner liability legislation that will encourage more property owners to allow hunting, fishing and other recreational opportunities on their property.

Respect for the Outdoor Tradition

* Consult with hunting groups before any new gun law is adopted;
* Work with hunting and fishing groups to reverse the trend of declining hunting and fishing license sales;
* Upgrade existing DEC fish hatcheries.

Environmental Stewardship

* Add 109 new staff to DEC to better enforce environmental laws to protect air, land and water.

Upstate Economic Revitalization

* Focus the "I Love New York" to effectively promote outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing and skiing;
* Upgrade DEC campgrounds and summer camps.

Outdoor recreation plays an important role in the nation's economy. Hunting and fishing generates $100 billion in annual revenues and employs 2.6 million people.

The outdoor agenda was announced today at a meeting of the New York State Conservation Council by Assembly Member Alexander "Pete" Grannis, Spitzer's nominee for the post of Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner. Pete Grannis is an avid fly fisherman who grew up hunting and fishing with his family in the mid-west.

"Pete will work hard to preserve our natural resources for enjoyment by outdoor enthusiasts and all New Yorkers," Governor Spitzer said.

http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/0312073.html