2026 RESOLUTION RESULTS
01-2026: In Support of the Voluntary Best Management Practices (BMPS) for reducing unintended Ingestion of lead ammunition residues in wildlife developed by the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and adopted by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York state Conservation Council recognizes a need to support and advocate for voluntary adoption of alternatives to lead ammunition and to provide best practices on the use of lead ammunition; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council adopts the Voluntary Best Management Practices for reducing unintended ingestion of lead ammunition residues in wildlife developed by MAFWA and AFWA.
02-2026: In Support of a need for the updating of the way tick bites, which are a major cause of Lyme disease, are handled. To include re-educating doctors, testing of the tick, testing of the person bitten by the tick and continuing research into effective and affordable treatment of all tick-borne diseases
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that New York State Conservation Council recognize a need to support the updating of the way tick bites, which are a major cause of Lyme disease, are handled. To include re-educating Doctors, testing of the tick, testing of the person bitten by the tick and continuing research into effective and affordable treatment of all tick-borne diseases.
03-2026: To secure proper representation for individual salt water anglers on each of the three management bodies affecting New York’s Marine Fisheries
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the New York State Conservation Council shall request that the Governor and the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation 1) recognize that shorebased and private-boat anglers are, by far, the largest component of New York’s recreational saltwater fishery, and generate the largest share of the social and economic benefits gleaned from that fishery; and 2) correct the gross underrepresentation of New York’s shore-based and private-boat anglers on fishery management bodies by appointing such anglers to the seats controlled by the DEC on the Marine Resources Advisory Panel, appointing a Governor’s Appointee to the ASMFC who will represent the interests of New York’s private-boat and shorebased anglers, and nominating a private-boat or shore-based angler as the Governor’s first choice for the next open seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
04-2026: Resolution Opposing a Ban on Lead Ammunition and Endorsing a “Your Ammo, Your Choice” Model
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council formally opposes any statewide ban on lead ammunition; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSCC endorses a “Your Ammo, Your Choice” model, which preserves the ability of hunters and shooters to select lawful ammunition based on their individual needs, equipment, and circumstances; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSCC supports science-based wildlife management, voluntary conservation practices, and education over broad prohibitions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSCC urges policymakers to work collaboratively with the sporting and conservation community to develop balanced approaches that protect wildlife while safeguarding hunting traditions, access, and participation in New York State.
05-2026: Tax Break/Credit for Property Owners to Allow Clubs Access for the Purposes of Hunting, Fishing and Trapping
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The NYSCC should present this resolution to the state legislature for consideration to establish a pilot program. After a set amount of time, if the program is determined to be successful, the resolution will be presented to the legislature to be passed into law statewide.
07-2026: Support of a Constitutional Right to Hunt, Trap, and Fish With Science- Based Regulation by the State of New York
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council affirms its strong support for the right of the people of New York State to hunt, trap, and fish; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this right shall be exercised subject to science-based regulation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to promote conservation, protect wildlife populations, ensure public safety, and uphold ethical standards, and that hunting, trapping, and fishing shall be recognized as preferred, legitimate, and scientifically supported tools of wildlife management.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council urges the renewal and advancement of efforts to support legislation and a constitutional amendment to the New York State Constitution recognizing the right of law-abiding citizens to hunt, trap, and fish, and that copies of this resolution be transmitted to appropriate state officials and legislators to express the Council’s position in support of a constitutional right to hunt, trap, and fish, and the responsible state regulation thereof.
06-2026: Removal of paragraphs 1,2, and 3 under Coyotes within the NYSCC Positions Statement, dated 9/2021
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council, Inc. (NYSCC): Remove their position on coyotes within their NYSCC Positions 2021, and let the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation manage them as currently managed.
E2-2026: Protection of Natural Resources from Impacts of Large-Scale Development
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council opposes the siting and construction of large-scale development projects of any kind when such projects would cause significant avoidable adverse impacts to fish and wildlife populations or habitat, forests, public lands, or other important natural resources, and supports a policy of avoidance first, minimization second, and meaningful mitigation for impacts that cannot reasonably be avoided; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NYSCC urges state and local governments and their respective agencies and authorities to require meaningful environmental review of the direct, indirect, associated, and cumulative impacts of large-scale development and its supporting infrastructure; prioritize previously developed, disturbed, or environmentally suitable locations whenever practicable; provide meaningful opportunities for public and natural-resource agency input; and ensure that New York’s economic and infrastructure needs are balanced with the longterm protection and conservation of the State’s natural resources.
C1-2026: Supporting the Removal of Imperial Dam and Restoration of the Saranac River
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council supports the removal of the Imperial Dam and the restoration of the Saranac River to allow improved fish passage and access to historic spawning habitat; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council supports collaborative efforts among local governments, state agencies, conservation organizations, and stakeholders to restore the ecological integrity of the Saranac River system; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council encourages the continued evaluation of obsolete or unsafe dams throughout New York State where removal or modification may improve public safety, fisheries habitat, aquatic connectivity, and overall environmental health.
E1-2026: Oppose Legislation Bill S4408/A10483A
THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NYSCC OPPOSE changes to the current forest management plans which may restrict use of state forests for which they were originally intended;
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSCC set up their petitions online function (action campaign) to be able to send emails letting legislators know that the NYSCC opposes this legislation.
2026 Resolutions
All voting members in good standing will have the ability to vote on these resolutions in person at the Fall Convention. If your delegate cannot attend the fall convention, your organization can vote by proxy by completing the proxy form.