New York lawmakers have agreed to lower the threshold for hunting drunk, a misdemeanor, to the same blood alcohol limit for driving or boating while intoxicated. The Senate on Wednesday voted 56-5 to amend the law effective Sept. 1. That followed … [Read more...] about NY Legislature lowers limit for hunting while intoxicated
Sewage overflows heighten budget debate
An estimated 6.25 billion gallons of sewage overflowed pipes and treatment plants, most going into New York’s waterways, during the state’s most recent fiscal year, according to environmental officials. The 2,550 separate incidents came from 207 … [Read more...] about Sewage overflows heighten budget debate
DEC requests another hold on rail line abandonment
By MICHAEL VIRTANEN New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation has asked federal authorities to put an additional 60-day hold on its request to declare the 30-mile rail line from North Creek to the former Tahawus mine in the central … [Read more...] about DEC requests another hold on rail line abandonment
NY lawmakers pass gun-storage requirement
New York lawmakers voted Monday to require storing guns in a locked container or with a gun lock in homes with children under 16. The storage or locking requirement would apply to guns that are out of the owner’s “immediate possession or control.” … [Read more...] about NY lawmakers pass gun-storage requirement
DEC eyes improvements to forestry tax breaks
State conservation officials are holding public meetings across New York to consider possible improvements in the program that provides property tax breaks to the private owners of forestland. Established under a 1974 amendment to an earlier law, … [Read more...] about DEC eyes improvements to forestry tax breaks
DEC maintains stance on paddling rights
New York authorities have maintained their guidance that there are recreational canoeing rights through navigable streams on private land about two months after a state judge ruled that uninvited paddlers have no right to canoe the 1.8-mile Mud Pond … [Read more...] about DEC maintains stance on paddling rights