ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — The Department of Environmental Conservation wants public input to shape wildlife policy in New York. The agency opened up its draft State Wildlife Action Plan—a 10-year guide for managing population and conserving species—for public comment on August 6.

According to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, SWAP "is New York State’s guiding document for managing and conserving species and habitats before they become too rare or costly to restore." It has to be updated every decade so New York stays eligible for conservation federal grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It identifies species and habitats and the threats they face, while offering recommendations to protect them. This 2025 draft is the last chance for the public to review the plan before it's submit

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