I hear it more and more: "Why isn't there more small game on public land?" or "Why isn't the State doing more to manage and sustain wildlife habitat on its lands?" Simply put, the reason is money ... or rather, not enough, according to State officials. And the forecast for the future isn't all that promising that things will change.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has more divisions and subdivisions than Ken Lay had excuses for what happened to Enron. Considering the floundering economic climate that exists in the state, particularly after the 9/11 attack, the State, including DEC, has been operating on very shaky budgets, compared to the income it once enjoyed. Lagging budgets, attrition and changing priorities have hurt just about all State agencies, but particularly so in those responsible for fish, wildlife and habitat, much of that dependant on the NYS Conservation Fund.