New York Governor Andrew Cuomo must have been inspired by his recent striped bass fishing trip because he has just signed legislation that will help get more people fishing in his state.
On Thursday, July 12, Gov. Cuomo enacted a plan that expands the number of free fishing clinics throughout New York state. Previously, the nine New York Department of Environmental Conservation districts could only hold four of these clinics a year, and a DEC official had to participate. The new legislation does not put a cap on these clinics and gives organizations the power to run them without a state official, which allows non-profits and sportsmen’s groups to take advantage of the program.
The biggest benefit of these clinics is that you do not need a fishing license to participate, which makes them very accessible for people of all levels.
“This new law will allow more New Yorkers to take advantage of free fishing clinics, so our young people and other outdoor enthusiasts can get learn to fish without having to purchase a license,” said Gov. Cuomo in an official release. “Fishing is both a fun, outdoor activity, and an economic generator for communities across the state. I thank the bill sponsors for their leadership in helping this bill become law.”
According to Syracuse.com, New York‘s sport fishing industry generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually, supporting nearly 17,000 jobs. Hopefully this will boost those already impressive numbers. –Brian McClintock
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