For Release: Immediate
February 2, 2010
Oswego County Sportsmen Groups and Local
Business
Donate Mower to DEC Region 7
A recent grant and a donation to the Oswego County Sportsmen’s
Foundation have enabled the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) to purchase a brush mower attachment that will help improve
wildlife habitat in the region.
Entergy, the parent company of the
James A. Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Scriba, Oswego County, provided a
$5,000 grant and the Salmon River Chapter of the National Turkey Federation,
provided a $1,600 donation. Together these funds were used to purchase a
“Brushcat” that will be used for combating both native and non-native
invasive plant species and maintenance of early succession habitats on DEC
wildlife management areas (WMAs).
The
Brushcat initially will be used at Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
to treat invasive plant species, such as honeysuckle, Japanese barberry and
European buckthorn. In addition, the Brushcat will promote early
successional habitat management along riparian zones, wetland margins, and
upland areas, for coppicing purposes and for removal of native
invasive plant species like red maple. Once work is completed at Deer Creek
Marsh,the Brushcat will be deployed to other WMAs within Region 7.
The Oswego County Sportsmen’s
Foundation, a newly formed non-profit, did an extensive amount of work to see
this project completed. They were
assisted by the Oswego County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs.
The Foundation looks to undertake additional projects in the future
dealing with education and conservation and invite anyone interested in helping
or having a need to contact them. Visit
www.oswegocountysportsmensfoundation.com
for more information.
Mike Putnam, DEC Region 7 Wildlife
Biologist, said, “DEC truly appreciates all of the hard work of the
Oswego County Sportsmen Foundation and the Oswego County Federation of
Sportsmen’s Clubs, as well as the generosity of Entergy and the Salmon River
Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation which cumulatively resulted in
the purchase of the Brushcat.
The sportsmen who donated to this cause will enjoy the future ecological
benefits that will come from the use of this equipment.
Jennifer Quezergue, Senior Analyst for Corporate Social
Responsibility at Entergy, said, “I am glad
you were able to attract additional funds to match the Entergy grant and
redirect the project to achieve even greater long-term environmental
benefits,” said.
For more information about Deer
Creek Marsh or other WMAs in DEC’s Region 7, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8279.html.
DEC also encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access
Stamp, an optional stamp that helps support the DEC's efforts to conserve
habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation.
Buying a $5 stamp is a way to help conserve New York's fabulous wildlife
heritage. More information about purchasing a Habitat Stamp is available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/329.html
Individuals can also enhance
DEC's fish and wildlife programs through "Return A Gift To Wildlife" -
a voluntary contribution line on the state income tax form to provide every
taxpayer with an easy, simple way to support fish and wildlife conservation. Any
whole dollar amount may be contributed whether taxes are owed or a refund is
due, and all contributions are tax-deductible on the following year's return.
For more information, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/327.html
on the DEC website.
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