To: NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife
Re: Swan Management Plan
I support the DEC's plan to eliminate free-ranging Mute Swans in New York State over the long-term. I have read the plan. I agree with the plan's premises regarding the threats to native wildlife, to wetland habitats, and to humans of continued increase and spread of this non-native invasive species. I think the plan is very reasonable in addressing several potential objections. The plan allows birds to be kept in captivity by permit under conditions which prevent their release or propagation and which allow the source to be traced in case of escape. This should help address objections by people who want to enjoy ornamental birds. The plan encourages live capture for diversion of birds from free-ranging to captive non-breeding status. This reduces the killing of birds for those who object to killing. If hunting of Mute Swans is eventually allowed, the plan seeks to prevent accidental killing of Tundra and Trumpeter Swans by disallowing hunting where these native species are present. The plan prioritizes limiting Mute Swans' range expansion and disallows hazing, which could encourage expansion. I suspect that many petitioners who object to the plan have not read it, are not aware of these provisions, and have been misled by statements made by promoters of the petitions.
I think it is important for New York State to join other states working to counter this invasive species. The plan is good in that it recognizes that efforts under DEC's previous plan have not been sufficient and it therefore recommends further steps, as well as continued monitoring and another evaluation in a few years as to whether this plan is effective. It would be good if our state can ensure it is not the source of Mute Swans to neighboring states who are working to reduce their populations. I hope enough resources can be put toward implementing this plan that it can be effective.
Re: Swan Management Plan
I support the DEC's plan to eliminate free-ranging Mute Swans in New York State over the long-term. I have read the plan. I agree with the plan's premises regarding the threats to native wildlife, to wetland habitats, and to humans of continued increase and spread of this non-native invasive species. I think the plan is very reasonable in addressing several potential objections. The plan allows birds to be kept in captivity by permit under conditions which prevent their release or propagation and which allow the source to be traced in case of escape. This should help address objections by people who want to enjoy ornamental birds. The plan encourages live capture for diversion of birds from free-ranging to captive non-breeding status. This reduces the killing of birds for those who object to killing. If hunting of Mute Swans is eventually allowed, the plan seeks to prevent accidental killing of Tundra and Trumpeter Swans by disallowing hunting where these native species are present. The plan prioritizes limiting Mute Swans' range expansion and disallows hazing, which could encourage expansion. I suspect that many petitioners who object to the plan have not read it, are not aware of these provisions, and have been misled by statements made by promoters of the petitions.
I think it is important for New York State to join other states working to counter this invasive species. The plan is good in that it recognizes that efforts under DEC's previous plan have not been sufficient and it therefore recommends further steps, as well as continued monitoring and another evaluation in a few years as to whether this plan is effective. It would be good if our state can ensure it is not the source of Mute Swans to neighboring states who are working to reduce their populations. I hope enough resources can be put toward implementing this plan that it can be effective.
David Nutter
243 Cliff St
Ithaca, NY 14850
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