Archive: Opinions

First, I would like to be clear that Dan Veaner always reports exactly what was heard at meetings. To his credit he tapes both meetings and interviews and transcribes quotes accurately. I was not referring to inaccuracy of reporting but an error of omission on the topic.

The quote from the article-- "I agree with you," Binkewicz said.  "I have brought it up.  I'm a hunter.  It's not that I'm against hunting.  But I don't think that property is suitable for shotgun hunting at all.  I think we need to argue from a town perspective that if there's shooting there, sure there are no buildings too close to the shooting, but Myers Park has tons of people.  You could have overshooting over Salmon Creek.  This is not a safe place for gun hunting." -- was only referring to shotgun hunting of deer.  That is the question I had turfed to the DEC. If I did not make that clear in the discussion, that is my error not his. I apologize for any public aspersion.

I understand there has been concern that hunting is an endangered activity at Salt Point. I would like to clarify that the discussion about the potential conflict of hunting and passive recreation emerged when it was noted that- due to the warm fall weather- goose hunters were present on the point at the same time as picnickers and waders. My first thought was, “How frustrating for the goose hunters.” My second thought was, “We need accurate signage to inform people that there is hunting in season and other recreational activities should be adjusted to ensure everyone’s safety”. When the Town of Lansing signed the lease with the DEC in 2006 to manage ‘Salt Point’, there was a stipulation in the management plan that preserved hunting and fishing access on the property. That stipulation still stands and is not being challenged by the Town of Lansing.   In addition, the management plan established goals of: improving the habitat on the point for wildlife, creating trails for visitors and birders, and reducing vehicle access to the majority of the point (because of the damage to habitat that free range vehicles had caused to the property). Hunters have always been listed as a group who would benefit from the habitat improvement activities.

Several months ago I asked the DEC to send representatives from various departments (fisheries, hunting, handicapped accessibility) to Salt Point to assess our improvements and to help guide us with plans going forward. Because so many people with different interests use the point, it is very important that the Town understand the specific hunting activities that take place at Salt Point and have guidance in installing signs that inform and guide recreational use. Walkers, picnickers, birders, and boaters need a clear understanding of where and when it is safe to recreate at Salt Point.

In the last 12 months, the current board has supported the goals of the original plan and various parties have helped with completing parts of the plan: Lansing Parks and Rec. Dept., Lansing Highway Dept., The Cayuga Bird Club, Lansing Trails Committee, Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Steve Kress), NYSEG Forester Paul Paradine, and other interested individuals. I was liaison to the Friends of Salt Point in 2004 when the goals for the management plan were drawn up. I have stayed involved with Salt Point projects because: I am interested in wildlife, I am knowledgeable about habitat, I am an avid bird-watcher and hunter, and as Town board member I am concerned with safety of our townspeople- first and foremost.

Recently the Town Board did ask the DEC for clarity about whether shotgun hunting of deer is an allowable use on that property. The point is narrow and there are many areas where you cannot see Salmon Creek or Myers Park. I am a shotgun hunter myself and I wondered if the proximity of Myers Park and non-motorized activity in Salmon Creek constituted a risk similar to the proximity of buildings. The DEC hunting representative is still considering this specific question. Bow hunting is of benefit to Salt Point because the deer population in Lansing is high, browsing of shrubs and trees in the winter can be quite damaging, and Lyme disease is becoming quite prevalent in our area and is spread by deer ticks. If a deer is to die, I prefer that it is not killed dangerously on the road but that it ends up productively in the freezer.

As we move forward with forming a new advisory committee for Salt Point, it is important to include hunters and fishermen. Their input is critical to guiding future habitat restoration plans. Future activities at Salt Point will be driven by management plan adherence, community involvement, and subsidized by donations and grants. The Town Board has not allocated tax money in 2014 for Salt Point.

If you have any questions about this information, or would like to be a part of Salt Point planning, do not hesitate to call me at 280-0231 or talk to the Lansing Parks and Recreation Department (533-7388).

Sincerely,

Katrina Binkewicz
Town Board Member/ Salt Point Advisor
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