DEC seeks public input on
the future of Lake Ontario fisheries
Series of public meetings to help develop objectives

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will hold a series of public meetings in January and February 2003 to obtain comments on the Lake Ontario fishery that will help the agency develop new fish community objectives. Fish community objectives are broad-based goals that will guide DEC and Province of Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in managing Lake Ontario fisheries.

DEC encourages people with an interest in Lake Ontario to participate in this process. Prior to attending a meeting, participants should review the fish community objectives document prepared in 1997 and a brief summary of ecological changes that have taken place in the Lake Ontario ecosystem and fishery since that time. Background information is available on the internet at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/lkontfco03.html or www.glfc.org/lakecom/loc/lochome.asp#pub. This background material also can be obtained from the Cape Vincent Fisheries Station by writing to: NYSDEC Cape Vincent Fisheries Station, P.O. Box 292, Cape Vincent, New York 13618. 315-654-2147.

Anyone who is unable to participate in a public meeting, but wishes to submit comments should send them to the fisheries station at the above address or via e-mail to srlapan@gw.dec.state.ny.us

DEC biologists, staff from cooperating agencies and universities, and fishery participants will present information at the beginning of each meeting describing the current status of the Lake Ontario fishery. The public will then have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any information presented. Following this question and answer session, participants will be asked to answer a series of written questions that will assist DEC and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources with planning efforts for the future of the Lake Ontario fishery. After a short break where refreshments will be available, an open forum will be offered, providing an opportunity for people to address issues that were not covered in the presentations and questionnaire.

Meetings will be held at the following times and locations:

• Tuesday, January 14 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Ingle Auditorium at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). For information, contact Web Pearsall in the DEC Avon office at 585-226-5339.
• Tuesday, January 21, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Niagara County Cooperative Extension, 4H Training Center Auditorium, 4487 Lake Avenue (Route 78), Lockport. For information, contact Steve Mooradian in the DEC Allegany suboffice at (716) 372-0645 or Mike Wilkinson in the DEC Buffalo office at (716) 851-7010;
• Wednesday, January 29, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Watertown Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street, Watertown. For information, contact Russ McCullough at (315) 785-2496; and
• Monday, February 3, 2003, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Oswego County BOCES, County Route 64, Mexico, New York. For information, contact Dan Bishop in the DEC Cortland office at (607) 753-3095.

The Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Natural Resources is also hosting meetings to collect public comments.