Albany -- More than $100,000 will be given to local projects across New York State to improve habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as increase public access for outdoor recreation as part of a grant announcement made today by Department of Environmental Conservatio Commissioner Pete Grannis. Funding for the grants is generated from the sale of DEC’s Habitat Access Stamps.

A total of $108,673 will be awarded to fund 10 fish and wildlife habitat management and access improvement initiatives through New York State. Applications were submitted by municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for small scale projects that would benefit the management of and access to fish and wildlife resources in New York. The awardees were selected from among 41 proposals received by DEC.

The state’s Habitat and Access Stamp is sold by license sales agents throughout New York. Proceeds from the sale of habitat stamps are deposited into a special “Habitat Account” within the Conservation Fund and are used specifically for projects like those announced today. A Habitat/Access Stamp is not required to hunt, fish or trap, nor is it necessary to purchase a sporting license in order to buy a habitat stamp. The Habitat Stamp costs $5 and included in the purchase is a complimentary lapel pin with the 2006-07 season design of a wild turkey.