I have to correct you on that. The Conservation Fund moneys are NOT redirected to the General Fund. NYS CFAB is the watchdog over the CF money, and the accounting for the CF money is very, very specific and well-documented. However, perhaps what you meant to say is that the CF money, which is used solely for the NYSDEC, is not as well spent as it should be, especially when we understand that 51% of the CF money goes to pay for things like employee health benefits (full ride stuff, not HMO and co-pay), reitrement benefits, etc, etc. That's right, 51%. The other 49% goes to fund the actual activities.

NY is different in how this department gets funded. It is typically structured as 50% from the CF and 50% from the NYS General Budget, although that ratio fluctuates with each new State Budget. This is different than other State's like PA, where the PAFGC is funded 100% by the PACF, receiving not one penny from the PA State General Fund.

Then, of course, we also should recognize that the NYSDEC is not solely involved in Fish and Game, and habitat conservation. They are also enforcing industrial pollution control, Clean Air Acts, etc., etc, and many of these responsibilities would perhaps be best handled by a separate department? When it comes to ECOs, they are involved in enforcement of all of this stuff, not just the fish and game laws. The ECOs are not what you would term "Game Wardens", they are much more, and this, too stretches their resources way too thin.

I have heard some horror stories with "confrontations" with ECOs. I have never had to endure anything like that in Region 9. I am very proud and very happy with the ECOs in our Region. Starts with the Supervising Lt Tom Scott, and his "firm but fair" approach has shown the trickle down affect perhaps more Regional ECOs could use? And the guys here in Region 9 are truly stellar, including the 2005 ECO Of the Year Winner, Mark Maczurkewiecz. ECO Mike Phelps, ECO Roger Thompson, and the others are great to work with, very well trained, and very fair. May not be the same in other Regions.

But this is also due to a lot of hard work and liaisoning between the DEC LE and the Erie County Federation of SPortsmen's Clubs. Our law enforcement committee works very close with the DEC ECOs to develop outreach to the Federated Clubs, getting to know the officers, etc. And the officers make the time to attend the Federation Meetings and discuss with us and update us on the goings on in LE in Region 9 and Erie County. We are a very active, very large Federation and we work closely with these folks, which is a positive for all sportsmen and women in Region 9 and Erie County.

Are any of you guys involved with your county's respective Federation? Do you know if similar efforts are engaged in with your Federation? (I will exempt those living in Genesee County from this Q, as Genesee County doesn't have their own voice, they must work through Oswego County Federation, and the rep that is appointed to handle the Genesee County concerns and desires.)