Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - DEC Biologist Recognized for Outstanding Work on Trout Streams

Above photo: NYS DEC Fisheries Biologist, Josh Choquette has been recognized by the NYS Region 4 Fish and Wildlife Management Board (FWMB) for his outstanding work in preserving public access to trout streams throughout the region. Josh, who serves as our regional Fishing Access Coordinator has been working tirelessly to save public access in the nine counties that comprise Region 4. Josh Choquette, pictured in the foreground on the left, received the award from Chairman of the Region 4 FWMB, Larry DiDonato. Pictured in the background behind Josh is Regional Fisheries Manager, Chris Van Maaren.

  NYS DEC Region 4 Fisheries Biologist, Josh Choquette was recognized by the Region 4 Fish and Wildlife Management Board (FWMB) for his outstanding efforts to preserve access to trout streams throughout the region. Josh is a DEC veteran. A fisheries biologist now serving as Region 4’s Fishing Access Coordinator, Josh works out of DEC’s Stamford Sub-Office. But he’s just as likely to be found on a trout stream in any one of the nine counties that make up Region 4. From NY’s border with Massachusetts and Vermont west to Otsego, then south to Delaware County on the Pennsylvania state line, Josh is working with FWMB representatives, sportsmen and women, and municipal partners to keep from losing access to stock trout on private and public lands across the region. In some instances, that effort has actually increased public access to streams. 

 A testament to his humility, Josh was genuinely shocked when he learned at a Region 4 FWMB meeting held at DEC’s Schenectady Office that he was the recipient of the placque and its attending recognition. 

 The mission of the FWMB is to enhance and improve public access and habitat for hunting, fishing, trapping, and outdoor recreation. Josh’s hard work and dedication have certainly been put to good use in furthering that mission.

  DEC has stocked streams with trout for decades. However, a centralized statewide mandated Stream Access Verification Program (SAVP), which has been controversial in its methodology in its attempt to verify landowner access, has led to an alarming decrease in locations to stock trout across the state. That in turn has led to reduced numbers of trout stocked in many instances. 

 Thanks to Josh’s extraordinary work ethic and coordination with partners, the effort has helped stem the tide of the loss of access and trout stocked in Region 4. Josh scours available parcel ownership records, then hits the pavement and streamsides, frequently partnering with FWMB members, sportsmen, and municipalities to reduce losses of both access and trout available for anglers. In a few cases, locations that can now be accessed to stock trout in the region, have actually been added to the list. 

 If each DEC region had a Fishing Access Coordinator like Josh Choquette, access to trout streams would be maximized for the benefit of all New Yorkers. So, please join me in congratulating DEC’s Josh Choquetteon a job well done!

Happy hunting, ice fishing, and trapping until next time!

News and Notes

Greene County

The Catskill Mountain Fish & Game Club in conjunction with the Stony Clove Rod & Gun Club is hosting their Annual Children’s Ice Fishing Derby at Rip Van Winkle/Tannersville Lake on Sunday, February 22nd. Registration begins at 9:00 am, fish from 10:00 am to noon. Kids up to 16 years of age can compete in two divisions for prizes. Live bait, refreshments, and a few tips will be available. For more information, call Bob Monteleone at 518-488-0240.

Albany County

The SUNY Cobleskill Bass Fishing Club is hosting their Ice Fishing Derby in Albany County on Warner’s Lake on Saturday, February 21st from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Park right in the lot for Maple on the Lake as the restaurant doesn’t open until after the event. Cost for adults 16 and older is $10.00. Contestants 15 and under are free. Prizes will be awarded for the largest perch and largest pickerel. Students of the SUNY Cobleskill’s Bass Club will be selling hot dogs and hot cocoa. Bring your own minnows and bait as the closest bait shop. “Trainas” in Berne will be closed until 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 21st. 

The Albany County Conservation Alliance is hosting their Annual Ice Fishing Derby on     Warners Lake on Saturday, February 28th from 7:00 am to noon. Registration is $5.00 and begins at 7:00 am and qualifies you for a door prize. Look out for additional raffle tickets for just $1.00. If you’ve never fished through the ice before, equipment is available on loan for the day. Parking for the event is at the Maple Inn at Warner’s Lake. There will be two prize divisions, one for youth 15 and under and one for adults 16 and older. Prizes will be awarded at 12:30 pm. Contact Chuck Berenger at 518-466-4259 or at the_stump3@hotmail.com.  All proceeds from the event go to sending kids   to NYS DEC Conservation summer camps.    

*All NYS Fishing Regulations apply to all listed ice fishing events

Ducks Unlimited Greene County Chapter Banquet is Coming Up on March 7th  

The Greene County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is holding its annual banquet, dinner and auction on Saturday, March 7th at Anthony’s Banquet Hall located at 746 County Route 23B in Leeds. Doors open at 3:30 pm with buffet dinner starting at 5:00 pm, followed by a live auction. Tickets are available online at www.ducks.org/newyork/events. For more information, call Dana Hanusik at 518-821-1773 or Jeff Holiday at 965-6105. 

Remember to report poaching violations by calling the 24-hour ECO Dispatch at: 

1-844-DEC-ECOS.