Press Release: NYS, March 31, 2000

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that a new directory of more than 100 public fishing access points throughout New York State is now available online. The directory will be posted on the websites of the State Departments of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Conservation (DEC) in preparation for the start of trout fishing season on Saturday, April 1.

"From the famous trout streams of the Catskills to the lakes and rivers of the Adirondacks to the Great Lakes tributaries and the Finger Lakes, some of the finest trout fishing in the world can be found in New York," Governor Pataki said. "Thousands of anglers, boaters, families and tourists will be able to take advantage of this new web directory to locate some of the best public fishing waters across our state.

"As we continue to make New York's waterways cleaner, we are also working to provide more improved access to the state's lakes and streams for residents and visitors," the Governor said.

Visitors to the web site will find a map of New York State depicting the general location of fishing access sites, typically along many of the state's fine trout streams. Following the convenient map is a listing by county of each fishing access point, giving the nearest town, highway and stream for easy location.

For example, in Cortland County, the guide lists three recently constructed sites in the Towns of Willet, Virgil and Cuyler. Erie County also boasts three DOT fishing spots on Route 16 at the Cattaraugus Creek and two sites in the Town of Evans, on Route 20 and Route 4 at Eighteen Mile Creek. From the Bog River on Route 421 in St. Lawrence County to the Suffolk County fishing site on Route 27 at Rattlesnake Creek (Connetquot River) residents and tourists will be able to go on-line to locate the most convenient spot to fish.

"This is another example of the Transportation Department's response to Governor Pataki's environmental initiative," State Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said. "This Department is committed to incorporating environmental enhancements into its capital projects and daily operations. Making it safer and easier for New York State's residents and visitors to take advantage of our wonderful fishing streams is part of this effort."

"New York State offers legendary trout fishing opportunities for anglers year after year," Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner John P. Cahill said. "I urge anglers to renew their licenses, review their regulation guide, and make plans for another great trout fishing season."

The new on-line directory is part of DOT's expanded effort to work with DEC to identify additional suitable locations and to construct even more fishing access sites and boat launch facilities along state highways.

The New York State Department of Transportation is recognized as a national leader in transportation-related environmental enhancements. This past year, DOT received two national awards for its new environmental policy.

Those interested in learning more about DOT constructed fishing sites and DEC-operated boat launching facilities, can access the information at: www.dot.state.ny.us or www.dec.state.ny.us.