New York finalizes Wildlife Conservation Plan for next decade

ALBANY- New York has finalized a new 10-year plan to guide conservation efforts for wildlife species considered most in need of protection, the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced.

The 2025–2035 State Wildlife Action Plan identifies 570 wildlife species as Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including 147 designated as high priority. The plan also identifies 269 plant species for the first time.

DEC assessed 920 wildlife species as part of the update, examining population trends, habitats, and threats. The plan will guide conservation and management efforts and is required for New York to remain eligible for federal State and Tribal Wildlife Grants.

The plan, species list and individual species assessments are available through the DEC website.