State aims to help Lake Ontario tourism

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new campaign to boost tourism in Lake Ontario following recent flooding.

New York State Aims To Boost Tourism for Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence Region: Governor Cuomo announced last weekend plans for a new campaign to boost tourism in the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence region following recent flooding that has seriously hampered tourism in communities along the shoreline.

We recently returned from a week at Southwick Beach, an area just south of Henderson harbor on Lake Ontario. Water had gone down slightly but was still about two feet higher than normal and communities, businesses, and summer residents were coping with the effects of flooding. Docks are under water and boathouses and even camps have water in the first floor. Some boat launches are inoperable although many now are usable if you launch in the driveway approaching the ramp. Many summer residents, vacationers, or fishermen who normally come for several days have been noticeably absent.

Charter boats are still operating and are having good success in catching trout and salmon. Most have moved their operations to nearby areas or are utilizing temporary docks built on top of the old ones. Vacationers or summer residents are adapting by using launches that are still operable. But it is sad to see so few people in many of the towns along the lake and river.

The new initiative includes free fishing on Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence, and the lower Niagara River now through Labor Day. For these waters anglers will not need a fishing license. There will be a 50% reduction in fees for State Campgrounds and vehicle entrance (day use) at State Parks and facilities along the lake and the river. Governor Cuomo also announced that the state will provide over $5 million to modernize the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar.

The Lake Ontario Resiliency & Economic Development Initiative (REDI) is a multi-agency task force charged with developing a plan to increase resiliency along the shores of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River while strengthening the region’s economics. REDI Commission includes up to $300 million in funding available for communities impacted by Lake Ontario flooding. There are ads airing in bordering states showing the beauty and opportunities in the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence regions and other grants for some specific organizations in the area.

The long-term solution to this problem is complex. But in the

meantime the people are making the best of the situation. Don’t stay away from the area; the accommodations, the facilities, and the attractions are still there. Yes, there is some restrictions and inconveniences but there are still beaches, boating, the beauty of the area, and great fishing available. Make a point of enjoying time there in the remaining weeks of summer.

Short Casts

Hunting and Fishing Licenses Are On Sale Now: The New York State DEC announced that sporting licenses and Deer Management Permits for the 2019-20 season are available for purchase. Licenses and permits can be purchased at any one of DEC’s license-issuing agents in person, by telephone, or online. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid for one year beginning September 1, 2019. Fishing licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Deer Management Permits will be available at all license-issuing outlets or by phone, internet or mail through October 1, 2019. Deer Management Permits, which are used to manage the deer herd, are issued through a random selection process at the point of sale. Customers who are selected will receive their permits immediately. The chances of obtaining a Deer Management Permits remain the same throughout the application period so hunters do not need to rush to apply for a Deer Management Permit early. The 2019 chances of selection for a Deer Management Permit in each Wildlife Management Unit are available online, through License Issuing Agents, or the Deer Management Permits Hotline at 1-866472-4332. Detailed information on the program is available online.

The new Hunting & Trapping Regulations guide, which provides a compendium of all pertinent rules and regulations, will be available this August at all license issuing outlets and on the DEC website along with a list of license-issuing agents

Starting Aug. 1, the DEC Call Center will be accessible from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through Oct. 1.

Individuals should have the following items ready when buying a license:

• Complete name and address information

• DEC customer ID number (if applicable)

• Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license or non-driver’s ID with a valid NYS address)

• and, if purchasing by phone or internet, a valid credit card.

If not already entered in DEC’s automated licensing system, individuals are required to provide proof of hunter or trapper education certification or a copy of a previous license for all hunting and trapping license purchases. For additional information, visit www.dec.ny.gov/permits/95452.html.

DEC works closely with thousands of dedicated certified instructors statewide to provide sportsmen education training courses free of charge. Courses are offered for Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education and Waterfowl Identification. Courses do fill quickly, so anyone interested should register soon. Education courses are added continuously throughout the year, so be sure to check the on-line system frequently to find a course near you. To locate a nearby hunter or trapper education course, visit DEC’s website www.dec. ny.gov/outdoor/7860.html or contact a local DEC office for assistance.

In an effort to foster the next generation of hunters in New York, the DEC has expanded opportunities for junior hunters (licensees ages 12-15) and trappers (under 12 years old) by designating special youth hunts for deer, wild turkey, pheasants, and waterfowl through the Mentored Youth Hunter and Trapper Program. These opportunities allow youth hunters and trappers to spend time in the field with experienced adults and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become safe and responsible members of the hunting and trapping community. You can find more information about these programs and other opportunities for junior hunters and trappers on the website.

DEC encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp and/or a Trail Supporter Patch. These stamps and patches support the state’s efforts to conserve habitat, increase public access for fishing and wildlife-related recreation, and maintain non-motorized trails. Buying a $5 stamp or patch or donating directly to the Conservation Fund is a simple way to help conserve New York’s wildlife heritage and enhance outdoor recreation in the state.

Additionally, anyone - not just hunters and anglers - can help feed the hungry by making a monetary contribution to the Venison Donation Program at any license issuing outlet. Individuals should inform the license sales agent if they are interested in making a donation of $1 or more to support the program. Since 1999, these funds have been used by the Venison Donation Coalition for the processing of more than 330 tons of highly nutritious venison, the equivalent of 2.8 million meals served. For more information about the Venison Donation Coalition program, visit DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8351.html.

Tick Danger: Most of us are aware of the danger of ticks but sometimes by this point in the summer we take them for granted. Actually we are often more at risk at this time of year because of the hot weather causing us to wear shorts or go barefoot, etc. The long grass or brush also increases the chance of contact with ticks and becoming infected. Use precaution, check your body for ticks, and be aware of the warning signs of tick borne disease such as Lyme Disease. We will review these in next week’s column.