State government efforts to protect fish, wildlife, and marine resources began with the establishment of the Fisheries Commission in 1868. Established to promote the propagation of fish in the State's rivers, lakes, and streams, the Fisheries Commission was combined with the Forest Commission to form the Fisheries, Game, and Forest Commission in 1895. This commission was renamed the Forest, Fish and Game Commission in 1900. In 1911, the legislature combined the powers and duties of the Forest, Fish and Game Commission, the Water Supply Commission, and the Forest Preserve Board to form the Conservation Commission. The Conservation Commission included a Division of Fish and Game among its three organizational divisions. Following the 1925 constitutional reorganization of State government, the legislature established the Conservation Department to assume the responsibilities of the Conservation Commission, the Water Control Commission, and the Water Power Commission, all of which were abolished. The new department retained the Division of Fish and Game as one of its sub-agencies. When the Department of Environmental Conservation succeeded the Conservation Department in 1970, the Division of Fish and Game was renamed the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Division of Marine Resources existed as separate entities within the department until 1996, when they were merged to form the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources.
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The Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources is responsible for managing and preserving the fish, wildlife, and marine resources of the State under the mandate of Article 11 of the Environmental Conservation Law. Division functions and responsibilities include developing programs for licensing and educating fishermen, hunters, trappers, and outdoor guides; operating fish hatcheries and stocking freshwater fish and pheasants; protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitats; monitoring toxic contaminants and preventing public consumption of contaminated fish and other marine life; protecting freshwater wetlands; regulating hydropower development to ensure the protection of fish and wildlife species and habitats; and ensuring public access to the fish, wildlife, and marine resources of the State.
L. 1868, Ch. 140; L. 1895, Ch. 395; L. 1900, Ch. 20; L. 1911, Ch. 657; L. 1926, Ch. 619.
