The New York State Conservation Council, that lobbies for legislation and policies that benefits hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities in NYS, is asking for financial support.

President of the Council Chuck Parker related that funding is becoming a critical issue because of fading financial support and other factors. He said the council has already undertaken several cost cutting measures, but more needs to be done to reinvigorate New York’s oldest conservation organization.

“Somehow we need to reach out and get new membership for the council. We have made major cuts and redesign the way we operate to the tune of in excess of $10,000 in operational cost without a loss in service.  This is a significant savings, but we are facing an ongoing loss in funding due to people aging out and supporting organizations going by the wayside,” said Parker.

The Conservation Council’s mission is “to aid in the formation and establishment of sound policies and practices designed to conserve, protect, restore and perpetuate forests, wildlife and scenic and recreational areas.”

The council works closely with the New York DEC, has representation on the Conservation Fund Advisory Board, on the state Fish & Wildlife Management Board, and other advisory groups, and speaks out in support or opposition to legislation that affects natural resources and the outdoor community. 

Parker said, “In today’s fast-paced world, hunting and fishing have gotten lost in the shuffle, and the council has to compete with groups that are better funded and more urban centered. Lockdowns and other restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the council and its members.”

Mike Elam, a former council treasurer said, “Some of the blame for the Conservation Council’s struggles can be assigned to sportsmen and women themselves. Apathy is a big issue for any sportsmen groups, and in my opinion, many sportsmen are not giving any financial support to organizations that support their interests.”

Elam continued to say, “The antis have very strong financial standings as they can lobby, advertise and afford legal representation. If sportsmen donated just $5 a year to the New York State Conservation Council, a lot more action could be taken on sportsmen’s issues.” 

Parker added, “In addition to the loss of older members, some county sportsmen federations aren’t as active in council affairs as they could be. To really help the council be a statewide force in guiding policy that affects outdoor recreation, local federations need to actively recruit new members and aggressively engage with legislators and other policy makers.”

Donations will be appreciated: NY Conservation Council, 1060 Broadway #1090, Albany, NY 12204. For further info call 315-894-3302 or visit nyscc@nyscc.com.