Following the notable wildlife seizure in Chemung County in October, DEC undertook an internal investigation of agency wildlife enforcement procedures. At the direction of the Governor, in my initial few weeks as acting commissioner, I have prioritized a review of our current wildlife protection and enforcement process to protect New Yorkers and this agency from similar incidents in the future. We have carefully reviewed all the public feedback and we understand the distress caused to communities throughout the state. We know that we can do better moving forward.

Our agency is committed to developing additional protocols to address illegally possessed wildlife and ensuring that our staff and environmental conservation officers have the necessary resources to carry them out. In addition, DEC will be welcoming a new Deputy Commissioner for Public Protection & Emergency Response.

We recognize that these improvements are necessary and in my new role I will ensure that DEC is focused on its mission to deliver clean air and water for every New Yorker while protecting the environment and our invaluable natural resources for future generations.