The NYS DEC is working on updating its State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) for 2025 – 2035. The SWAP is a tool that helps protect wildlife populations that are declining or threatened. Every ten years NY is required by Congress to submit an updated Plan in order to participate in the federal State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program. New York’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are defined as native species that are likely to experience declines in their population if conservation actions are not taken in the next decade. A list of all SGCN is included in the SWAP.

The fundamental purpose of the SWAP is to take action to preserve species while it is still cost effective to do so, before their population declines to the point where habitat creation costs are prohibitive. The intent is to use less funds more wisely, before the situation becomes dire. Any available federal grant funds may only be used on species on the SCGN list.

Input is being sought from biologists and other scientists, stakeholders and the general public. There is an emphasis on new information regarding species already on the list, in addition to new species that should be added.

The conservationist in me wants to remind everyone that we need to protect all species, instead of just the cute, fuzzy ones that people like. An example that I often toss out while teaching Hunter Education Program courses is the Eastern Bog Turtle. Pittman-Robertson funds, raised by the 11 percent federal excise tax on our supplies, have been used here in Sullivan County to purchase thousands of acres of the Bashakill Swamp in Wurtsboro. That swamp (aren’t swamps awesome?) is one of the last strongholds of the Eastern Bog Turtle. 

Now they are just some ugly little turtles that live in the mud and muck. But we need to save them, and every other non-cuddly species out there. A diverse environment is so important.

The draft SCGN list and updates on individual species are available on the DEC website. All public input regarding additions and changes to the list must be received by the DEC by January 14, 2024. Before the final SWAP is submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior, DEC will provide an opportunity for public review and comment.

Please send your input into the DEC about Species of Greatest Conservation Need, especially the ones that no one cares about, and enjoy the outdoors!