You can purchase a Habitat & Access Stamp at a license issuing agent location or through the online license issuing system. An annual donation of $5 is all that is required to help invest in the future of New York's outdoor recreational opportunities. The 2024-25 Habitat & Access Stamp features a brook trout!
Donate Toward Improving New York's Habitat and Increasing Access for Fish and Wildlife Recreation
New York's habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources for all to enjoy! Whether you are an angler or hunter, birder or photographer, purchasing a $5 Habitat & Access Stamp is the perfect way to help conserve New York's remarkable wildlife heritage and habitat. Created in 2002 by Legislation, the Habitat & Access Stamp helps supply financial support towards the department's efforts in improving and conserving fish and wildlife habitat, as well as increasing access to public and private lands for fish and wildlife recreation.
Please note: a stamp is not required to hunt, fish or trap, nor do you have to buy a sporting license to donate for a stamp.
Projects Supported by Your Donation
All funds from stamp purchases are deposited directly into the DEC Habitat Conservation and Access Account (HCAA). It is used for ongoing and upcoming projects aimed towards conserving habitat and increasing fish and wildlife recreational access.
Some of the projects completed by DEC and partners include:
- Improved angler access and parking areas on Otego Creek (Town of Oneonta), Snyders Lake (Town of North Greenbush), and Fishkill Creek (Town of Beekman)
- Grassland habitat improvement at Upper Lisle Wildlife Management Area and several Wildlife Management Areas in Schuyler and Seneca counties
- Constructed accessible fishing site with parking area on Kayderosseras Creek (Town of Milton)
- Improved accessible access at Eighteen Mile Creek (Town of Evans)
- Constructed parking area and accessible fishing platform on Salmon River (Franklin County)
- Stream habitat improvement projects on Batten Kill (Washington County) and Wiscoy Creek (Wyoming County)
- New fishing platform on Buttonwood Creek (Town of Greece)