Volunteers making a difference in New York Conservation
Submitted Photo The New York State Conservation Council annual convention concluded on Sunday morning with the swearing-in of newly elected officers and directors. Their work reaches into the complicated world of laws, regulations, public policy, and conservation debates — often working behind the scenes to make sure the voices of sportsmen, conservationists, landowners, anglers, hunters, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Submitted Photo Dan Tone of West Falls was honored with the NYS Conservation Council Lifetime Achievement Award. Tone is noted as a visionary leader, mentor, collaborator and champion of youth outdoor education.
Submitted Photo The New York State Conservation Council annual convention concluded on Sunday morning with the swearing-in of newly elected officers and directors. Their work reaches into the complicated world of laws, regulations, public policy, and conservation debates — often working behind the scenes to make sure the voices of sportsmen, conservationists, landowners, anglers, hunters, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Submitted Photo Dan Tone of West Falls was honored with the NYS Conservation Council Lifetime Achievement Award. Tone is noted as a visionary leader, mentor, collaborator and champion of youth outdoor education.
Trending
The New York State Conservation Council (NYSCC) has been busy these past several years -- reorganizing, rebuilding, examining conservation priorities, developing legislative proposals and, perhaps most importantly, bringing renewed energy to the important work of representing New York's outdoor community.
That energy was evident at the 2026 NYSCC Convention, which concluded Sunday morning with the swearing-in of newly elected officers and directors. The weekend included thoughtful discussions about a potential multi-year dues structure, a junior board of directors, improvements to the legislative committee process, and an open roundtable question-and-answer session.
It was a productive weekend, but the real story is the people.
NYSCC is an organization powered by volunteers who willingly give their time, knowledge and passion to something larger than themselves. Their work reaches into the complicated world of laws, regulations, public policy and conservation debates -- often working behind the scenes to make sure the voices of sportsmen, conservationists, landowners, anglers, hunters, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts are heard.
That is no small responsibility.
The council’s purpose is ultimately about stewardship: protecting and improving New York’s natural resources while supporting sensible, practical conservation and preserving opportunities for future generations to enjoy the outdoors. Its effectiveness comes from people willing to participate, ask questions, study issues, respectfully debate difficult subjects and work toward positive solutions.
The newly elected 2026-27 leadership team deserves congratulations: President Brian Krawczyk; 1st Vice President Keith Tidball; 2nd Vice President Anthony Pittore; Legislative Vice President Anthony Kordziel; Secretary Rod Bola; and Treasurer Diane Steel. Also elected were Region 1 Director Ron Sineo; Region 4 Director Andrew Work; Region 4 Alternate Director Bill Lyons; Region 6 Director Guy Case; and Director-at-Large Dan Owen.
Saturday evening provided another opportunity to recognize those who have contributed so much. The 2026 NYSCC award recipients included Conservation Educator Bill Schwerd; Volunteer Conservationist of the Year John Braico; Professional Conservationist Denise Appleby; Busy Beaver Award recipient Brian Krawczyk; Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dan Tone; the New York Crossbow Coalition, recipient of the President’s Award; and Diane Steel, recipient of the Swiss Army Knife Award.
A special thank-you goes to our Western New York representatives, Dan Tone and Diane Steel, whose commitment and service are excellent examples of what volunteer conservation leadership can accomplish.
Assemblyman Joe Angelino also presented the council with a joint resolution from the New York State Senate and Assembly -- a meaningful recognition of the organization’s continued efforts.
And in a fitting moment, President Krawczyk presented outgoing President and President Emeritus Keith Tidball with an engraved compass in appreciation for his leadership over the past two years.
Congratulations to every newly elected officer and director, and sincere congratulations to every award recipient.
Most of all, thank you to the volunteers of NYSCC.
Organizations like this remind us that positive change does not always begin in a government office or a boardroom. Sometimes it begins with ordinary citizens who care deeply about the land, water, wildlife and outdoor traditions of their state -- and who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work.
That kind of commitment deserves our respect, our gratitude and our support.
The NYSCC appears to be entering its next chapter with renewed purpose, fresh energy and a strong group of people ready to carry the mission forward. For the New York outdoors, that is something worth celebrating.
Gotta love the outdoors.
Outdoor Calendar
Sept. 3: 3D Archery & Spaghetti Dinner, 4-7 p.m., members $5, non-members $8, dinner $8; West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls, NY; Info: (716) 652-4650.
Sept. 3: 3D Archery, 20 targets Bear Lake Rod and Gun, 4 p.m. start, $10 fee, open to public, 4391 Stockton-Cassadaga Road, Stockton, NY; 716-397-9717.
Sept. 5: NYSDEC Hunter Ed, Harmony Conservation Club, Panama, NY, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., taught by Charles W Dole, register: https://decals.events.east.licensing.app/em/events/389/registrations/new, or call 585-226-5463.
Sept. 6: Annual Club Picnic, Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., members $30, non-members $45, Info: 716-366-8836.
Sept. 6: Allied Sportsmen Labor Day Trap Shoot, 8:30 a.m.-noon registration, shooting starts at 9 a.m.; 12846 Clinton St., Alden. 716-937-3615.
Sept. 7: Hawkeye Bowmen Labor Day Shoot, 7 a.m.-12 p.m., 13300 Clinton St., Alden. $15. Info: https://www.ecfsc.org/ecfscevent/hawkeye-bowmen-labor-day-shoot/.