York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner PeteGrannis today encouraged New Yorkers to participate in the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey, which kicks off in August.
Since 1996, DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to estimate
the average number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide and among major geographic regions of the state. This index allows DEC to gauge turkey populations and enables wildlife managers to predict fall harvest potential. Weather, predation and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons can all significantly impact nest success, hen survival, and poults survival.
“Citizen science efforts such as this not only provide our wildlife managers with
invaluable data and but also give people the opportunity to partner with DEC to help monitor New York’s natural resources,” Commissioner Grannis said.
During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of
all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those who want to participate can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website to record your observations. Detailed instructions can be found with the data sheet. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting your regional DEC office, by calling (518) 402-8886, or by e-mailing fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (please type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line).
On the DEC website:
Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html
Citizen Science Initiatives: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/1155.html
DEC Regional Office Contact Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html
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Gary Goff, Sr. Ext. Assoc., Rm. 104 Fernow Hall, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853
ph. 607-255-2824 fx. 607-255-2815 e-mail
www.cornellmfo.info
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