FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE01-43
October
2, 2001
Contact: Geoff Ryan
(718/595-6600)
DEP
Cancels 2001 Deer Hunting Season All Public Access To City's Water Supply
Lands Suspended
As of September 28th, the 2001 deer-hunting season on the City's Water Supply
lands has been cancelled, according to an announcement by Commissioner Joel
A. Miele Sr., P.E., of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP).
Commissioner Miele said, "In consultation with Mayor Rudolph Giuliani
and under advisement of federal authorities, the City will not issue DEP deer-hunting
permits for the 2001 season. Additionally, holders of DEP fishing and hiking
permits are advised that fishing and hiking privileges and all public access
to City-owned lands have been suspended until further notice. We deeply regret
the need for these actions, but they are prudent steps to take under trying
circumstances."
Immediately following the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon
on September 11th, DEP announced that, all public access to Water Supply lands,
including fishing and hiking privileges had been suspended, but a determination
on deer-hunting had not been made at the time.
"As Commissioner, I have been very supportive of our extensive recreational
program in the watershed. We at DEP have worked hard with many watershed residents
and organizations in putting these programs together. For this fall's deer
hunting season we had planned to open additional lands and to initiate a pilot
bow-hunting season. Mayor Giuliani joins me in hoping that life in the watershed
will get back to normal as soon as possible."
Unusual incidents or activities in the watershed may be reported to 1-888-DEP-NYC1
(1-888-337-6921) or 1-888-H2O-SHED (1-888-426-7433).