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This was just posted by the NY Senate on youtube. I suggest watching the whole video, but in segments, since it is over 7 hours long. For example I watch one hour an evenening for 7 days. Do not skip over discussions which do not interest you because you can get a feel for each assembly and senate members attitude which is valuaeble intell. I would like to discuss this in segments as well. Particularily interesting is questions to DEC commissioner Martens from Mark Grisanti. Grisanti is the chairman of the senate environmental conservation committee. Grisanti refused to forward S-6968, the NY Dove Bill for two years allowing the bill to expire to the delight of the HSUS. The stated justification of the dove bill was to increase the states conservation fund. Grisanti did not discuss doves, but he did say that the conservation fund is so large that license fees should be reduced. No he didnt say use the money, he said lower fees so the fund depletes. The kicker is the next thing he asks about is the possible loss of federal conservation funds. If you know anything about these federal funds you know that these are grants which a state or organization applies for on a somewhat competitive basis. The state or organization's conservation funds are matched three to one. For example if the state applies one million dollars toward a project, the FWS chips in an additional 3 million. So Grisanti wants to drain the states conservation fund, but yet wants federal grants? This is just an "illusion of action" because the state cannot access its share of federal wildife funds unless it has an approved project proposal and its share of matching funds. Another point is concern with the hatcheries and the state pheasant farm. I hunt released pheasant and am glad that this program is in good shape, despite that NY got sued a few years ago by the HSUS to abolish released pheasant hunting - yeah I know nobody heard about that, but I will be reporting on that at a latter date.What is remarkable about the hatchery/farm concern is that state and federal conservation funds can create natural hatcheries/farms by habitat enhancements - a fundemental purpose of such funds. Our state has become so disconnected to that and the way this topic flowed it should have biologists shaking their heads. Please watch this entire video in segments and participate in productive discussion in the next several weeks.

Under the leadership we have had for many, many decades.... With all the talk about lack of funds... And the commotion every time one governor or the other tries to raid federal funds - despite there is "Assent Legislation" which prevents that from ever happening... While we proclaim that we are conservationists.... Some of us voluntarily buying NY habitat & access stamps - which would be used as match funds to recieve federal grants.... While the complaints about hunter harrassment/interference grow... While we complain about NO PLACE TO HUNT... The following is what we get under the Conservation Fund Advisory Board, the NY State Fish and Wildlife Board, and the NYSCC... And the Friends of Montezuma Wetland Complex................................... A newly constructed bridge and parking lot offers improved access for recreational enthusiasts to explore Howland's Island, 3,500 acres of public land within the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area. The 100-foot-long wooden bridge is elevated over Seneca River to avoid flooding problems and offer passage for small boats on the 10-mile voyage around Howland's Island. A convenient car-top boat launch is located nearby. A new parking lot less than a mile beyond the bridge is the entry point to trails for hiking, birding, hunting and more. Visitors can access the site via Carncross Road off Savannah-Spring Lake Road in Savannah, NY. For more information on Howland's Island, explore DEC's Northern Montezuma(http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/31112.html) and Friends of the Montezuma Wetland Complex(http://friendsofmontezuma.org/howland.html) webpages.