DEC releases draft species management plan for black bears

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a draft species management plan for black bears on Thursday, and will be accepting public comments on it through February 21, 2014.

Black bears are a very popular wildlife species among the general public, but can pose significant challenges when the bears become too abundant or are acting boldly in populated areas.1007bear1

DEC’s draft plan describes five primary goals that reflect the current priorities of bear managers and desires expressed by the public:

• Maintain bear populations at levels acceptable to the public;

• Promote and enhance bear hunting as an important management tool;

• Minimize the frequency and severity of human-bear conflicts;

• Foster understanding and communication about bear ecology, management, and conflict avoidance; and

• Ensure the necessary resources are available to support effective management of black bears in New York.

The plan also describes the current and desired future status of bear populations in various geographic regions of New York.

Many of the strategies identified in the plan are already occurring; others reflect new work to be more fully developed during the next 10 years.

The plan includes proposals to expand bear hunting opportunities in many wildlife management units, especially in the Catskills and western Hudson Valley where in recent years human-bear conflicts have become more common and pose a serious threat to human safety and property.

“This plan will guide the management of [black bears] for the next 10 years, and we encourage people to review and submit comments,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said.

Wildlife management frequently poses challenges, according to Martens.

The goal is to balance animal populations, hunting opportunities and environmental impacts, he said.

This draft black bear plan also reflects Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative, according to Martens.

The initiative seeks to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state.

It streamlines hunting and fishing licensing and reduces license fees, also.

And it also tries to improve fishing access across the state and increase hunting opportunities in various regions.

The draft Black Bear Man-agement Plan for New York State, 2014–2024 is available at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7215.html

Comments on the draft bear plan can be submitted in writing through January 31, 2014 to: NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, Bear Management Plan, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or by e-mail to fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (“Bear Plan” should be typed in the subject line).

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