Among other species, fishers have expanded their range to Southwest New York, and sightings are of interest to New York Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologists. You can help by becoming a citizen science wildlife observer. Submitted photo

Most people enjoy observing wildlife, but many do not realize they can become much more involved on an official, but volunteer, basis as citizen science wildlife observers.

Local folks everywhere can help the NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife by sharing wildlife sightings. Your role as a citizen science wildlife observer is not just about observing but about making a significant impact on wildlife conservation. In many cases, all that is required is recording what you see while bird watching, hunting, hiking, scouting, etc.

For example, some of the wildlife and sighting surveys of interest to the DEC include ruffed grouse drumming, summer wild turkey sightings, furbearer sightings and others.

For instance, with the furbearer sighting survey, many of these species are secretive and elusive. That makes them difficult to monitor. One of the ways that the Bureau of Wildlife learns more about the occurrence and distribution of these animals is by asking the public to report their sightings. Becoming a volunteer is as simple as using the online “Furbearer Sighting Form” to report sightings of fisher, bobcat, river otter, weasel, American marten, gray fox, snowshoe hare, and fox squirrel anywhere in New York. It’s that easy to become a citizen science volunteer. Visit this link: https://dec.ny.gov and search for citizen science.

This program is one of many programs funded by the “Return a Gift to Wildlife” program.

RAGTW is the only dedicated source of state funding made available to DEC to explicitly address the needs of all wildlife species. Your contributions to RAGTW are not just donations, but vital support for the conservation of our precious wildlife. So, because it’s tax time, I thought I would share with all our readers that there is a voluntary contribution line on the state income tax form that allows every taxpayer an easy, simple way to support fish and wildlife conservation. I have donated one dollar since the beginning, which doesn’t hurt. All contributions are tax-deductible on the following year’s return.

Established in 1982, Return A Gift to Wildlife receives approximately $450,000 annually from resident tax return contributions. Since its inception, more than 250 projects have been totally or partially funded through RAGTW, and many of these projects would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our citizens. These projects have led to the recovery of endangered species, the restoration of vital habitats, and the education of thousands of students about the importance of wildlife conservation.

RAGTW also funds a host of other programs, including Project WILD, an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program that focuses on wildlife and habitats for school kids from kindergarten to 12th grade. Project WILD aims to develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment, resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.

The program includes field investigation activities with STEM activity extensions, WILD work career connections, and outdoor components. My one dollar goes a long way. There are 19.87 million people in New York state. Food for thought.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

April 2-3: NYS Hunter Education, Westfield Fish/Game Club, 5:30-9:30 p.m., 5831 Ogden Road, Westfield, register online at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/hunter-education.

April 5: King of Spring Perch Tournament, Cayuga Lake, heaviest perch, $100 team registration, Info: Drake at Doc’s Tackle, 585-229-2277, email: docdavid@229bass.com.

April 6: NYS Hunter Education, Evans Rod/Gun, Angola, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., register online at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/hunter-education.

April 9-10: NYS Hunter Education, Bear Lake Rod & Gun, 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Road, Stockton, 5:30-9:30 p.m. each night, register https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/226045. Info NYSDEC: 585-226-5463.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.