Rumor of Hatcheries closing:

Department of Environmental Conservation Senior Aquatic Biologist Bill Miller suggested that due to budget cuts, etc., some hatcheries might be forced to shut down. Pataki is in support of keeping the hatcheries open. Lake George Fishing Alliance has sent a letter in support of the governor’s proposal for the conservation fund, which would include raising the license fee for hunting and fishing. 

This is a copy of one of the letters sent:

LAKE GEORGE FISHING ALLIANCE
PO BOX 108
LAKE GEORGE , NEW YORK 12845

The Lake George fishing alliance is an organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the Lake George Fisheries.

Dear Assemblyman Sheldon Silver, 

Our organization has been following Governor Pataki’s executive budget proposal quite closely , especially his proposed legislation to maintain the health of the Conservation Fund . As you are well aware , the Conservation Fund is critical to the survival of New York State fish and wildlife programs , as much of the funding needed by these programs is derived from this fund.

Reports corroborate that revenues from the sale of hunting , fishing and trapping licenses are deposited in the aforementioned fund to support the Department’s fish and wildlife programs . It has been estimated that the fund currently receives approximately $33.7 million annually . License fees for residents of New York State have not been increased since 1991 and non- resident license fees were last increased in 1993 . DEC has indicated that the cost of implementing fish and wildlife programs has increased to the point wherein overall operating costs now exceed annual revenue . The Governor is cognizant of same and has proposed measures which would allow for the amendment of existing provisions of the Environmental Conservation Law , thus allowing appropriate measures to be taken to remedy this problem . In addition to addressing the need for a license fee increase , the Governor has some other great ideas which will ultimately lead to more revenue , including altering the condition of junior hunting licenses (allowing 14 and 15 year olds to hunt big game under close supervision) and the creation of a new “ super- sportsmen license” . In addition , the Governors proposal includes utilizing “ General Fund” monies to pay for the development and equipment costs of an automated sporting license system that will go on line this year and the general fund will also supply funding for fish hatcheries , including stocking trucks , generators and water quality equipment .

Our organization is primarily dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the Lake George fisheries and membership is comprised of individuals from all walks of life.

The Governors pending legislation regarding the Conservation Fund impacts tremendously on our organization , as Lake George fisheries programs , such as fish stocking and management efforts , are contingent upon the existence of this fund.

At present our license fees are among the lowest in the nation and are lower than most of our neighboring states fees . Despite this fact , New York State is home to some of the most terrific hunting and fishing opportunities found anywhere in the United States . Lake George is a tremendous example of same, in as much as millions of individuals visit this pristine lake annually , with many taking advantage of the awesome fishing opportunities that the lake offers . Consequently , the above annual influx of tourists has historically been a great revenue producer in our region and , as you are aware , many businesses in the Lake George region are dependent on same for their survival . . It should be noted that many of our own members own businesses that are directly related to a thriving Lake George fishery and , therefore , if fisheries funding fails to materialize , these business would be adversely affected . Aside from a dollars and cents perspective , most of our members and their families have enjoyed fishing this magnificent lake for years and look forward to continuing to enjoy this special resource with their children and grandchildren .

The Governors proposal is critical to the survival of the overall Lake George fishery , therefore , we are requesting your support of the Governors proposed legislation at this time . Lake George is , without question , a very special fishery , that is dear to all members of our organization and anything that you could do to assist us with our cause would be greatly appreciated . It is our understanding that the Legislature will be re-convening in the near future and it is our hope that our elected officials will see how important this issue is to all of their constituents . Thank you .

Sincerely ,
Joseph J. Greco
President

If you would like to support this proposal, send a letter in support of LGFA’s letter dated 11/15/01, supporting Pataki’s proposal to maintain the health of the conservation fund.

Here is a list of addresses of senators and assemblymen to send your support letters.

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