New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that DEC will accept written comments on the draft New York State Interagency Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Risk Minimization Plan for an additional two weeks through September 15, 2017. 

The plan describes potential regulatory changes and actions that DEC and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets believe are necessary and appropriate to minimize the risk of CWD entering or spreading in New York. The plan was designed to protect both wild white-tailed deer and moose, as well as captive cervids, including deer and elk held at enclosed facilities.

The New York State Interagency CWD Risk Minimization Plan has had extensive outreach and vetting by stakeholder groups in the state to address concerns while maintaining the goals of protecting wildlife resources, the public, and the environment. The plan updates reporting and testing requirements of captive cervid owners, improves communication to stakeholders, and simplifies regulations to reduce confusion while protecting natural resources.

The draft plan is available for review on the DEC website (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7191.html). Written comments on the draft plan will be accepted through September 15, 2017. Comments can be submitted by e-mail (wildlife@dec.ny.gov, subject: "CWD Plan") or by writing to NYSDEC, Bureau of Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754.