The Spruce Grouse is an endangered species in New York State.   Based on the recent research conducted on Spruce Grouse in New York State by Angelena Ross at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) and Dr. Glenn Johnson from SUNY Potsdam immediate action to protect this species and its habitat is needed.

The research of Ross and Johnson, along with over 25 years of previous Spruce Grouse research conducted by Dr. Robert  Chambers and graduate students  R.S. Fritz, P.B. Gradoni, and R.P. Bouta at SUNY ESF clearly illustrates a continued decline in Spruce Grouse numbers in New York  It is time for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to make Spruce Grouse a priority for increased management and conservation.

NYSOA urges the NYSDEC to allocate sufficient funds to finalize and implement the recovery plan for Spruce Grouse in NYS, and to provide funds for monitoring of recovery efforts.  NYSOA further urges that biologists from the Endangered Species Unit and at the Regional level be assigned to work on the recovery efforts in cooperation with leading Spruce Grouse researchers, landowners, and conservation organizations such as The Nature Conservancy.

NYSOA recognizes that NYSDEC is not able to actively manage for Spruce Grouse on state lands because of constitutional restrictions.  However, with the recent acquisitions of large conservation easements on timber company lands by the State of New York, the opportunity exists for active habitat management to support the survival of the Spruce Grouse in New York State.

NYSOA urges NYSDEC to consider active habitat management techniques on timber company lands with conservation easements to help ensure that Spruce Grouse persists in New York State.