August 25, 2006

Contact: Ian Michaels (718) 595-6600

DEP Small Game, Turkey and Bear Hunting Sites Posted On Web

All 21 sites plus instant Access Permits available at nyc.gov/watershed

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Emily Lloyd announces that the 21 areas that the agency will open to small game, turkey and bear hunting in the first year of its expanded hunting program are now available on the DEP’s watershed recreation Web site.  The 21 areas are spread through all eight watershed counties and total over 7,700 acres.

The DEP has increased its hunting areas this year by over 4,000 acres and now has over 36,000 acres open for deer hunting.  A total of over 74,000 acres of DEP lands are open to the public, with over 25,000 acres and 21 reservoirs or controlled lakes available for fishing.  Over 100,000 people have Access Permits and over 11,000 received Hunt Tags last year.

The expanded 2006-2007 small game program will run from the opening of squirrel season on September 1 to the close of spring turkey season at the end of May 2007.  Previously, only deer hunting had been allowed on DEP lands.  Next year, the Department intends to extend the new hunting program to all City watershed lands where deer hunting is currently allowed, except in cases where individual towns, villages or counties object.

“Preserving New York City’s watershed land is a crucial aspect of maintaining a clean, healthy water supply for more than nine million residents of New York State, but these lands are also beautiful, inviting natural spaces,” said Commissioner Lloyd.  “For the past several years, the Department has been working with local and county governments and sporting groups to expand recreational activities and access to DEP land.  In making these changes, we are eager to expand the role we play in encouraging tourism and economic development in the watershed.”

Also available on the watershed recreation Web site is a new online application for DEP Access Permits that allows users to receive a new Permit instantly and to print out copies of existing Permits they may have lost.  Hunt Tags, which are required in addition to Access Permits in order to hunt deer or small game, will be available on the Web soon.  However, Hunt Tag applications that can be printed and mailed are available at the site.