Keep New York's Environmental Protection Fund Dedicated to Conservation Projects
Since 1993, New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) has served as one of the most important sources of funding in the state for public land and water conservation projects that enhance public hunting and fishing access . Sportsmen and women were pleased to again see Governor Cuomo request $300 million for the EPF program in his proposed budget.
In recent years, the EPF has helped secure new public hunting, fishing and recreational access to tens of thousands of acres of lands and waters in the state, including the 20,758-acre Boreas Ponds Tract — the state’s largest acquisition in 100 years. This investment in our public trust has helped fuel the $6.7 billion in consumer spending that outdoor recreation brings to New York each year.
New York Backcountry Hunters & Anglers understands the importance of ensuring our public land and water management agencies are well-staffed and funded. The EPF has occasionally been looked upon as a source of funding to support other initiatives, but this is not the program’s intended mission. Our chapter supports robust funding for the EPF and opposes any attempts to divert funds away from the EPF’s intended funding focuses, including public land acquisitions and conservation projects.
Together, we can work to ensure that the EPF continues to protect our outdoor opportunities. By adding the hunting and angling community’s voice to the conversation, we ensure that our passions and pursuits are well represented when the ink dries.
Please stand with us in support of the EPF by sending our letter to your legislators!