PRESS RELEASE FROM CUOMO
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today reminded New Yorkers that the 2014 trout and salmon fishing season opens April 1, and they can now purchase and print a fishing license from their home computers by visiting http://licensecenter.ny.gov in order to be ready to enjoy New York’s great outdoor fishing opportunities on opening day. The Governor also encouraged anglers to consider investing in a lifetime fishing license, which could be converted to an Adventure License and be eligible to receive a free adventure license plate for his/her vehicle.
“New York offers some of the best fishing in the country,” Governor Cuomo said. “As part of the state’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative, fishing license fees have been reduced and licenses can be easily purchased and printed online from home. Now anglers don’t have to wait until fishing season to get ready. I encourage New Yorkers to go online, buy their licenses and look forward to a great fishing season.”
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens said, “DEC is beginning its fish stocking efforts and will continue these efforts throughout the spring to ensure New York’s lakes, rivers and streams are well equipped to provide ample opportunities for anglers to reel in a great catch.”
Fishing licenses, which are required for persons age 16 and older to fish in New York’s fresh water lakes and rivers, may also be purchased by phone at 1-866-933-2257. Anglers who purchase by phone will receive a confirmation number to use immediately as proof of holding a license until their actual license is received in the mail.
Whether fishing trout, salmon, bass, walleye or sunfish, New York provides outstanding fishing opportunities. For a wealth of helpful information on suggested fishing locations in various DEC regions and tips for beginning anglers, people are encouraged to visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html.
As spring approaches, DEC will once again be stocking trout in waters across the state. A list of waters scheduled to be stocked with trout this spring can be found here. DEC’s website also provides specific locations on streams where DEC has purchased fishing rights easements (PFR). Maps showing PFR easements are available here. In addition to the many trout stocked by DEC, anglers are reminded that many waters support one or more species of wild trout that are also available to add to the enjoyment of a fishing trip. Anglers are also encouraged to contact a DEC Regional Office if they have questions about fishing opportunities within a specific region. DEC Region and Regional Office Information is available here and early season trout fishing recommendations by DEC staff in each region can be found in the 2014 Coldwater Fishing Forecast here.
Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. This initiative includes the streamlining of fishing and hunting licenses and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, stocking as much as 900,000 pounds of fish, expanding fishing clinics and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions. Through these efforts, New York has become a premier destination for bass fishing tournaments at the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, Lake Champlain and Oneida Lake.
Also under the NY Open for Fishing and Hunting just this year, the Governor’s Administration has:
· Unveiled the new NYS Adventure License to allow outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, anglers and hunters to consolidate their recreation licenses and benefits onto their New York State Driver’s License (please visit the NYS License Center website for more information on licensing or to apply for an outdoor recreational license);
· Introduced New York State Adventure License Plates, featuring nine plate designs available for free to those buying new lifetime hunting, fishing or park licenses in 2014;
· Proposed 50 new access sites throughout the state to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts to 380,000 acres of untapped State-owned lands across New York. The new access points will allow for more than $6 million in projects for access to hunting and fishing, boat launches, and new hiking opportunities;
· Proposed $4 in funding to address critical infrastructure repair needs in the state’s 12 fish hatchery system operated by that produce and annually stock a combined average of 950,000 pounds of fish into New York’s waters;
· Debuted the Lifetime Empire Passport, which offers visitors to State Parks the option of paying a one-time fee to experience all that New York State Parks has to offer throughout their lifetime;
· Proposed to limit the liability of landowners who allow recreational activities on their properties, which could open up vast, untapped resources for additional hunting, fishing and many other recreational pursuits; and
· Proposed to allow crossbow hunting once again in New York State.
Recreational and sporting activities generate significant economic value across New York State. According to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, sportsmen and women spent $4.95 billion on hunting and fishing in New York in 2011 and support more than 56,000 jobs across the state. In addition, spending by sportsmen and women in New York generated $623 million in state and local taxes in 2011. According to a recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey, in 2011, New York State was second in the nation in total angler spending on fishing-related items and sixth in non-resident angler spending. This spending generated an estimated $108 million in state and local taxes. New York State remains a clear leader in the number of paid angler licenses, with nearly one million licenses purchased.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login