DEC Encourages Anglers to Safely Enjoy Ice Fishing this Winter Review Ice Safety Guidelines Before Heading Out

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded anglers to be safe when venturing onto the ice this season, especially given recent variations in weather conditions.

"New York State has been experiencing wide-ranging temperatures and weather conditions, from freezing to fairly mild," Commissioner Seggos said. "Given these unpredictable fluctuations in weather, it is critical that winter recreationists exercise extreme caution when doing anything on the ice, including fishing, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience."

Ice anglers should check the thickness of ice before leaving the shore. Four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Checking the ice can easily be done with an auger or spud bar at various spots. In addition, fishing with a family member or friend is also encouraged for safety. Local bait and tackle shops are a great source for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching.

Those interested in trying ice fishing for the first time should mark the weekend of Feb. 18-19 on their calendars. As a designated free freshwater fishing weekend, the need for a freshwater fishing license is waived during these days. This free fishing weekend is also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce someone new to fishing.

For some fish species, ice fishing can be more productive than open-water fishing. Given good ice conditions, anglers normally limited to shore fishing can access an entire transformative projects that will be ready for near-term implementation with an infusion of DRI funds. rello said, "This is great news for Dunkirk and all of Chautauqua County. This $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant will enable Dunkirk to pursue its vision as a gateway to Chautauqua County and a destination for business, industry and tourism. This investment will enable Dunkirk to redevelop its waterfront and business district to capitalize on the city's historic connection to Lake Erie. It will pave the way for private investment and generate new opportunities for long-term growth in Dunkirk and surrounding communities. Dunkirk is one of only 10 communities across New York to receive a $10 million DRI award. That's a testament to the vision of the city of Dunkirk and its citizens. I want to congratulate Mayor Rosas and thank Gov. Hochul and New York State for recognizing the need to support communities in Western New York as they reinvent themselves and build a brighter future for our residents." waterbody.

Dunkirk has been awarded $10 million in state funding and investments to revitalize its downtown neighborhood and generate new opportunities for long-term growth following the local planning process. Dunkirk joins the communities of Jamestown, Olean, Lockport, Niagara Falls Bridge District, North Tonawanda and Buffalo's Broadway-Fillmore Neighborhood, which were Western New York's winners in the rst five DRI rounds.

Dunkirk will begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the eort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will examine local assets and opportunities to identify economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with each community's vision for downtown revitalization and that are poised for implementation. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that will advance the community's vision for its downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state's $10 million investment. Plans for the DRI's sixth round will be complete in 2023.

Assemblymember Andy Goodell said, "Governor Hochul delivered great news to the City of Dunkirk in announcing a $10 million downtown revitalization grant. This grant will be a tremendous benefit in helping Dunkirk revitalize its downtown and generate longterm growth and opportunities aimed at making its downtown strong and vibrant."

Beginning ice anglers can download the Ice Fishing Chapter of DEC's I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing for helpful information on how to get started. For a more interactive option, DEC released a series of six ice fishing videos on the agency's YouTube channel late last season. Visit the playlist ) to check out the brief instructional videos. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on the DEC ice fishing webpage, and also through the new Tackle Box feature in DEC's HuntFishNY app. Fishing regulations, access information, fish species present and more can be accessed from a mapbased interface, all within the convenience of a smart phone. The use of bait fish is popular when ice fishing and may be used in most, but not all, waters open to ice fishing. For more information on bait fish regulations visit DEC's website.

To protect New York's waters from invasive species and the spread of fish diseases, anglers are advised to take these critical steps when using baitfish while ice fishing: Review and follow DEC baitfish regulations; Ensure the use of baitfish is permitted in the waterbody by checking the special 'regulations by county' section of the fishing regulations guide;

Use only certified diseasefree bait fish purchased from a local tackle store (buyers must retain the receipt provided to them while in possession of the baitfish);

Personally collected bait fish may only be used in the same waterbody from which they were caught; and Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.

DEC reminds anglers to make sure that they have a valid fishing license before heading out on the ice. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "New York's Downtown Revitalization Initiative has created a renaissance in downtown resurgence that shows no signs of slowing down, and Dunkirk is the next city to benefit from this innovative program. With this funding, Dunkirk will work to develop projects that activate the Lake Erie Waterfront and connect it to downtown, transforming this neighborhood into a vibrant hub of activity for residents and visitors alike and generating sustainable economic growth for generations to come."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Dunkirk's future is as expansive as its Lake Erie views, validated by recent private and public investments that confirm the powerful potential of a shoreline city with a historic business district. DRI funding will enhance that vision, by funding projects that will further catalyze economic development and fuel the vibrancy of this waterfront community."

Western New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Eric Reich said, "New York State's community-driven DRI program is transforming our downtown neighborhoods into vibrant hubs, and we are pleased to see the City of Dunkirk announced as Western New York's latest DRI recipient. The city will now get to work on a strategic plan aimed at attracting investment, reenergizing the waterfront and redeveloping the historic business district. Dunkirk has an exciting future, and we can't wait to see the city reach its potential."

State Senator George Bor-

Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosa said, "The City of Dunkirk is so very grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for the New York State investment in the revitalization of Downtown Dunkirk. The DRI will provide funding to leverage prior investment in our Lake Erie waterfront and establish Dunkirk as a regional destination. We will continue the investment up Central Avenue that will reverberate throughout Dunkirk. Thank you Governor Hochul for giving Dunkirk the support our transformative vision that will make a difference."

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative: The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.

In the first five years of the program, the state committed $600 million investing in 59 downtowns ripe for revitalization and that have the potential to become magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, greater economic and housing diversity and opportunity. Participating communities are nominated by the state's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils based on the downtown's potential for transformation. Each community is awarded $10 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community's vision for revitalization and leverage additional private and public investments.

Jamestown, N.Y. – Children’s books are powerful tools to connect children to nature and establish a strong foundation for their educational journey.

Audubon Community Nature Center’s (ACNC) next monthly First Sunday Storytime is February 5, 2023, 12:30 – 1 p.m.

With ACNC storyteller Claire Certo in the lead, children will go on literary adventures with animals, through habitats and seasons, and discover new things with every page.

Doors open at 12:20 p.m. for ages 2 – 8 and their adults for this free, nature-based story time.

The building fully opens at 1:00 p.m. Participants are welcome to stay afterward and explore the Nature Center building.

Both the program and Sunday admission are free. Come for story time and stay to explore the indoor Nature Play Area, live animals, and exhibits. Then go outside to enjoy the outdoor Nature Play Area and visit Soren the Red-tailed Hawk.

Participation is limited to 15.

Although this is a free event, reservations are requested by Saturday, February 5, 2023. To reserve your space, call the Nature

Center during open hours at (716) 569-2345 or go to AudubonCNC.org and click through “Programs and Events.”

Walk-ins are welcome if there is room.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. You can visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, and hike, snowshoe or cross country ski over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free.

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for non-Nature Center members.

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 5692345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.