You can read the 11 page draft NYSDEC management plan for Mute Swan here:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/muteswanmgmtpln2013.pdf
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/muteswanmgmtpln2013.pdf
--Dave Nutter
On Jan 30, 2014, at 05:42 PM, Dave Nutter <[email protected]> wrote:
Well said, Jody. In addition to the passion for birds which people bring to the listserv, I really appreciate the knowledge which people share (I find this especially helpful to correct my tendency toward speculation). If you have sites in mind, Jody, where we can get more factual info than the goosewatchnyc folks present, please do not hesitate to share them. Meanwhile, for anyone wishing to weigh in with the DEC, note that tomorrow, 31 January, is the deadline to send comments.--Dave Nutter
On Jan 30, 2014, at 09:53 AM, Jody W Enck <[email protected]> wrote:Hi all,I encourage folks on the listserv to consider this issue carefully and to provide comments to DEC during this period when the agency is seeking public comment. A word of caution, though. As I am sure all of you can appreciate, issues like this are rather complex -- they are not black and white with simple answers. I certainly can appreciate and respect the opinions of folks who don’t want to see any animals killed if at all possible. If that is how you feel, then the petition being circulated by goosewatchnyc is something you might really want to sign. However, if you are interested in seeking more information about why Mute Swans are classified as invasive species, how the DEC arrived at a statewide invasive species plan, and scientific information about thine ecological and human impacts of Mute Swans, then I encourage you to look elsewhere to become informed.Although I am on the Conservation Committee for the Cayuga Bird Club, I am writing this post as just a private person because I really feel like folks should have the best available information so they can provide their informed opinion and input to DEC. Statements on the website linked below about “bad science” being used reflect only a minute part of the data used in the decision by DEC, and they are largely taken out of context. It is a little bit like someone dismissing the idea of climate just because they woke up to a really cold morning. Further, the web link below describes how Mute Swans live by the thousands in the UK in harmony with other waterfowl. I don’t have any problem with that, but the context for the proposed action is that because Mute Swans are not native to North America, they have ecological and social impacts here that differ from what happens in the UK.The group presenting the petition against removing Mute Swans is fairly clear in their desire not to have any animals killed if at all possible. Like I said earlier, if that is consistent with your personal beliefs, then by all means, please consider signing the petition. However, if you are considering signing the petition because the link below tells you to think DEC has used bad science or has not considered the right things in its decision, then I would encourage you not to sign the petition. The information provided on the website relating to those issues is not factual.One of the things I really like about the birding community served by this listserv is that it is really passionate about birds and bird-related issues. I am very glad to see folks bring to our attention things like the DEC plan and that there are groups both in support of, and against, the plan. I also believe that an important service that some of us with experience in these matters can provide is assistance sorting through rhetoric. Maybe the executive committee of the Cayuga Bird Club might want to develop an official position on the DEC proposal (I am not suggesting that the executive committee do that), but I don't think it is up to the Conservation Committee to necessarily come out in support or opposition to it. I do think, though, that members of the committee and other informed folks should help the rest of us sort through the noise in the communication so we can make the best informed decision for ourselves.Hope this has been useful for folks to think about.Jody EnckFrom: Linda Orkin
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 2:12 PM
To: John and Sue Gregoire
Cc: CAYUGABIRDS-L, KHAMOLISTSERVJust wanted to let everyone know that there are indeed two sides to the issue of killing all Mute Swans. Here is a link which I received.
http://www.goosewatchnyc.com/mute-swan-plan/
Perhaps there is no truths on this analysis, however...
Given the DEC's NYS "management" policies towards Coyotes, no daily bag limit, can be killed day and night and fair game for hunting contests, I am very inclined to dislike their policies.
Linda Orkin
Ithaca, NY 14850
On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 7:26 AM, John and Sue Gregoire <[email protected]> wrote:Be aware of the special deer season throughout Tompkins County when you venture out
in January. The second and third item propose Black Bear and Mute Swan management
plans and are open for comment.
J.
DEC Releases Two Draft Species Management Plans
Plans Will Guide Management of Black Bears and Mute Swans for the Next Ten Years
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released
draft species management plans for black bears and mute swans, and will be accepting
public comments on these management plans through January 31, 2014.
"Wildlife management can present challenges in trying to balance populations,
hunting opportunities and environmental impacts," Commissioner Martens said. "These
plans will guide the management of these species for the next 10 years, and we
encourage people to review and submit comments on the draft plans."
Mute Swans
The draft Management Plan for Mute Swans in New York State is available on the DEC
website. The mute swan is a non-native, invasive species brought to North America
from Eurasia for ornamental purposes in the late 1800s.
Mute swans are most numerous on Long Island and in the lower Hudson Valley, but have
expanded their range in recent years, especially around Lake Ontario. Mute swans can
cause a variety of problems, including exhibiting aggressive behavior towards
people, destruction of submerged aquatic vegetation, displacement of native wildlife
species, degradation of water quality and potential hazards to aviation.
This draft management plan supports actions by DEC to eliminate free-ranging mute
swans from New York by 2025, while allowing responsible ownership of these birds in
captivity. DEC recently proposed listing mute swan as a "prohibited species" under
new Invasive Species regulations, which would prohibit the sale, importation,
transport, or introduction of this species in New York.
Comments on the draft mute swan plan may be submitted in writing through January 31,
2014 to: NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, Swan Management Plan, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY
12233-4754 or by e-mail to [email protected] (please type "Swan Plan" in
the subject line).
--
John and Sue Gregoire
Field Ornithologists
Kestrel Haven Avian Migration Observatory
5373 Fitzgerald Road
Burdett,NY 14818-9626
Website: http://www.empacc.net/~kestrelhaven/
"Conserve and Create Habitat"
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