FRANKLINVILLE, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced that 1,000 eight-inch lake sturgeon have been released into Cattaraugus Creek.

The fish release marks a major milestone in efforts to restore the species in Lake Erie. The release — carried out in partnership with the Seneca Nation of Indians and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — is the first step in a 25-year plan to reestablish a self-sustaining spawning population in the creek.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the effort demonstrates the progress being made to strengthen the Lake Erie ecosystem.

"Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership and in partnership with the Seneca Nation of Indians and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New York is making tremendous strides in restoring and

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