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Had an old copy of MS Office 2000 I was desperately hanging on to, until I recently purchased a new PC with Win10. It was in no way compatible with this version of Win and not supported by MS anymore. Anyways, couple weeks ago happened to see a web retailer selling the Home & Student 2016 version for ~$25. Yesterday when I went back to see if it was still available, no luck. BUT, did see MS Office Pro 2016 for $11.11 on ebay, new & with a legit activation code. So, if you've been looking for a gift for a middle or high school child... Sellers supplies link to download, the legit code, both within 1 day via email and guaranteed code would work or $$ back. I did buy it, downloaded, installed and activated w/o any problems! Hell, for $11 can't go wrong even with all the extra programs you might never use!

Are there areas in 1C that do not require parking permits reservations etc.? Any public land you can just pull up to a trail head and get after it?

Someone mentioned a movement to create a "non hunters stamp" a month or so ago. I found this: http://wildlifeconservationstamp.org/

Don't fall for this.... http://prfamerica.org/indices/HighwaysNY-Index.html

Wasn't really interested in who runs the local yocal nor the proposition about the casino biz. But there are two other propositions on todays ballot about PUBLIC LAND... But voted NO to allow an industry to mine and then reclaim. Mine reclaimation, similar to wetland mitigation, is a good policy, but conservation is time - sensitive... No benefit to impacting something and then "fixing" it years later... Voted Yes to settle land claims in return for other land adjacent to state land. Hard to vote on that without knowing the conservation value of all the scattered parcels, but a contiguous block sounded good, true or not... Should have did more research on that one, not so sure about my yes vote...

Is this the new face of conservation? Is this a sincere promotion of the federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp? Are they mocking hunters who 1) boast about paying for conservation / being conservationists? 2) take pictures of themselves posing with harvested game? This was in Western New York, by the way and is a movement not an isolated incident... The money and the volunteer hours they are donating is no small piddly amount either... On a related note the University of California and other colleges have acknowledged that most wildlife biology graduates have no experience with hunting which is different than in the past and quote: "People without any exposure to hunting will soon be managing hunters"

Remember the geographic equity testimony during the budget hearing by leaders of several groups entrusted as stewards and spokesmen for all NY sportsmen. Looks like they and that lawmaker from Lake George didn't stop the Finch acquisition with the EP Fund. They did get their boat ramps in Harlem and other locations on the Hudson River too, and with a grant not tied to the conservation fund nor the environmental protection fund. Governor Cuomo recognized the 20th anniversary of the NYS Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The EPF offers wide ranging benefits to communities around the state and plays an important role in preserving the state’s natural resources and habitats. After years of severe funding cuts, the Governor secured and increased funding for the EPF for this year by $19 million, bringing the Fund to a total of $153 million. Places like Boreas Mountain in the former Finch Pruyn lands in the Adirondacks (pictured) are protected, water quality improvements made, and waste management and reycling are increased through EPF funding. http://bit.ly/1bcHbOA

On Wednesday, July 24, 2013, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 638 – “ The National Wildlife Refuge Review Act of 2013” — which would remove the Department of the Interior’s authority to establish new national wildlife refuges, instead requiring an act of Congress. Representative John Fleming (R-LA), the bill’s sponsor, expressed concern regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s capacity to manage existing refuges. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR), opposed the bill, arguing that Congress already has the power to reverse wildlife refuge designations. HR 638 IH 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 638 To amend the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to require that any new national wildlife refuge may not be established except as expressly authorized by statute. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 13, 2013 Mr. FLEMING (for himself, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. JONES, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. POSEY, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. AMODEI, Mrs. BLACKBURN, and Mr. SOUTHERLAND) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To amend the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to require that any new national wildlife refuge may not be established except as expressly authorized by statute. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `National Wildlife Refuge Review Act of 2013'. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES. (a) In General- Section 4(a) of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `(6) The Secretary may not establish any national wildlife refuge except as expressly authorized by a law enacted after January 3, 2013.'. ( Existing Refuges Not Affected- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to any national wildlife refuge established on or before January 3, 2013.

http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/Great_Swamp_Complex/Shawangunk_Grasslands/DeerHunting2013.pdf http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/NewYork.html The vast majority of NY’s 700,000 resident and non-resident hunters are unaware or uninterested in the national wildlife refuge system. In NY there are 10 refuges, two of which are open to hunting and one of which is pending public comment for a special archery deer season, see below. The national wildlife refuge system is extensive and a large portion of it has been purchased with duck stamp funds, official known as migratory bird hunting and conservation stamps. As hunters’ numbers exhibit a long term decline, the number of non-shooting public engaged in conservation is growing. State natural resource agencies, such as the DEC and the US Fish and Wildlife Service; have embarked in formal long term programs to expand the engagement of the non-shooting public in conservation. Although hunters have led conservation efforts since the 1930’s, due to the sheer number of non-shooters, that 75 year head start will be overtaken in much less years. The sporting community is largely unaware of this and will be surprised to learn the amount of money and volunteer hours logged by the non-shooting public. Entrance fees to a single national wildlife refuge often exceed one million dollars in the summer months alone. Below is the Entrance Fees to one of refuges: An entrance fee is required of all visitors to the Refuge unless they posess an annual pass ($12), a Duck Stamp ($15), or a lifetime passport. Fees are waived for Environmental Education activities. Please contact the Refuge Headquarters for a waiver form. Private vehicle - $4.00 Pedestrian - $2.00 Bicyclist - $2.00 Commercial van or bus up to 20 passengers - $15.00 21 or more passengers - $25.00 NY alone has nine refuges, seven of which are open to the public. Two of these nine refuges are open to hunting and trapping and one is pending an archery deer season, see below. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Deer Hunting on the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge July 16, 2013 Attention Hunters Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge intends to open to deer hunting (archery only) in Fall 2013, per New York State Hunting Regulations. The opening of new refuge lands to hunting must be completed through an approved Opening Package (submitted in Spring 2013). The opening of all new nation-wide lands to hunting is collectively announced in a Final Rule (50 CFR Part 32, 2013–2014 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations; Final Rule). We anticipate that the Final Rule for 2013-2014 may be issued sometime in September 2013; however, until this rule is issued, the refuge remains closed to hunting. We are dedicated to hunting the refuge in 2013 and are working to issue permits at the earliest possible time. Hunters wishing to participate in the 2013 hunt should contact the refuge as soon as possible; 9 permits will be issued on a first-come first-served basis. In order to be considered for the 2013 hunt, please contact refuge staff directly at 973-702-7266 (extension 10). Staff will walk hunters through the application process, which includes a $20 permit application fee (charged only if a permit is issued). Permits will be issued as soon as the above-mentioned rule is published. Refuge-specific regulations and maps will accompany the refuge hunting permit. We are hopeful that hunting at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR will be approved in time for the October 1, 2013 archery opener. However, we have no control over the timing of the rule’s publication. Hunters should not expect any guarantees as to the timing in which permits can be issued. We thank you for your understanding and your cooperation in this matter. _____________________________ Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1999, is located in the Hudson Valley of New York. Public hunting is permitted on more than 4,291,000 acres in New York during specific times of the year. The hunting program is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in cooperation with NY’s Department of Environmental Conservation. Sources: http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/Great_Swamp_Complex/Shawangunk_Grasslands/DeerHunting2013.pdf http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/NewYork.html Key words: Federal funds, conservation fund, CFAB, DEC, FWS, Migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp, duck stamp, National Wildlife Refuge System, access, geographic equity, conservation, wildlife management, hunting, trapping, Ducks Unlimited, NY Dove Hunting, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, public hunting areas, Pittman-Robertson Act, Dingle Johnson Act, Federal Aide in Fish Restoration Act, Sport Fish Restoration, Federal Aide in Wildlife Restoration Act, Wildlife restoration, PR funds, DJ funds, Wallop-Breaux, Wetland Loan Act

During the last DEC Budget hearing one of the issues raised by those invited to testify was about geographic equity of land acquisitions in general and in particular access to the Hudson River. Not sure if this is what they had in mind, but here is what they got... For Release: Tuesday, July 9, 2013 Grants Awarded to Improve Access to Hudson River for Underserved Communities Kingston, Albany, Yonkers and New York City Will Use Grants to Develop Plans to Provide Greater Opportunities to Enjoy Recreational OpportunitiesThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Program, in partnership with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), has awarded four grants totaling $117,611 to provide access to the Hudson River and its tributaries for underserved communities, including people with disabilities and individuals living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The purpose of these grants is to support the development of plans or projects that will improve public access to the river and estuary for fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife education, and river watching in environmental justice neighborhoods. "The Hudson River Estuary Program is helping communities enjoy, protect and revitalize the Hudson River and its Valley," said Commissioner Martens. "These grants support efforts in four communities to develop projects that will make it easier for residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods to enjoy recreational and educational opportunities along the river and its tributaries, while also helping to revitalize river cities. The awards are part of a plan to connect environmental projects to the economic vitality of the region, and these four projects align with Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) goals and strategies." Ron Poltak, NEIWPCC Executive Director, said, "Providing waterfront access for underserved communities is key to building support for the Hudson. NEIWPCC is pleased to offer support for this important initiative." The four grant-funded projects are located in environmental justice (EJ) neighborhoods in Albany, Kingston, New York City and Yonkers: The City of Albany will receive $30,000 to conduct a community engagement and visioning plan to increase educational and recreational opportunities along the Patroon Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River estuary located within the Tivoli Lake Preserve, The Preserve is an underutilized 80-acre urban nature preserve located adjacent to two high-density lower-income communities -- the Arbor Hill and West Hill neighborhoods - and is the second largest urban nature preserve in New York State (only Central Park in New York City is larger). A related project, previously funded by the Hudson River Estuary Program, involves opening up sections of the Patroon Creek to daylight, in areas where the creek flows underground through culverts. The site is ideal for restoration, and the city will actively engage local residents in developing a vision for its use as a community asset. The project aligns with the Capital District REDC goal of waterfront revitalization. The City of Kingston will receive $30,000 to install a floating fishing pier/dock on the Rondout Creek next to T.R. Gallo Park and neighborhood subsidized housing complexes-one of the poorest census tracts in the city. The dock will provide the first public access fishing dock along Kingston's waterfront at Rondout Creek and will provide opportunities to catch a variety of fish of the Hudson estuary, such as perch, largemouth bass and striped bass. The Federated Sportsmen's Clubs of Ulster County will provide fishing equipment and host fishing classes in the downtown area to teach local residents to fish. The city's goal is to be a regional leader in providing access to disenfranchised citizens who can't access the water because they do not own boats. In addition to providing fishing access for low-income residents, the project includes ramps accessible for wheelchair users. This project meets a Mid-Hudson REDC goal to use of the region's natural infrastructure of parks, preserves and waterways, including the Hudson estuary, to promote recreational and tourism uses of the waterfront. The city office of Community Development is providing $20,000 in matching funds for the project, which also supports the city's local waterfront revitalization plan. West Harlem Environmental Action Inc. (WE ACT for Environmental Justice) will receive $30,006 to develop plans for a new community center for ecological education and recreational activities on the Hudson River at 135th Street, site of the abandoned Marine Transfer Station. This site has the potential to offer access to the Hudson River for residents of Harlem, creating a much-needed green center for northern Manhattan, an area that has been excessively burdened with polluting facilities. WE ACT seeks to turn an area known for community blight to a publicly accessible, ecologically beneficial green center, cultivating environmental stewards for the Hudson. The project will reach out to and seek to involve local schools in the visioning process, including Philip Randolph High School, PS 161, and Mott Hall High School Yonkers, Groundwork Hudson Valley will receive $27,605 to work with residents to develop access plans to the adjacent Saw Mill River for fishing, birding, walking, and environmental education. The Saw Mill River is a tributary stream of the Hudson River Estuary that is being restored as a community asset and habitat for local fish and wildlife. This project will provide access to the stream for residents of Walsh Homes, a senior housing residence, and families at Schlobohm Houses. These public housing complexes have a combined total of approximately 1,000 units of housing. The project will replace rusting chain link fences and imposing blockades that currently impede access, and replace them with small pocket parks and bucolic settings for residents to enjoy vistas of the river. Residents and families will be asked to volunteer their time in the restoration project and create true community engagement. The project will include interpretive signage about the habitats, fish and birds of the area, and will also offer educational and recreational activities such as bird-watching and river cleanups. For more information on the grants awarded, contact Fran Dunwell, NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program, at 845-256-3016. The Hudson River Estuary Program is a project of the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. Helping people enjoy, protect and revitalize the Hudson River and its Valley, For more information on the Hudson River Estuary Program visit the DEC website.