Reynolds Game Farm Closing

Sent: 12/5/2008 4:29:58 P.M.
Eastern Standard Time

Subj: Closure of the Reynolds Game Farm

FYI>>> Patricia Riexinger 12/5/2008 3:01 PM >>>

I have very little information to share, other than to advise that as part of the state's effort to address the budget shortfalls, we have been told verbally by the administration to close the Reynolds Game Farm and dispose of the birds as quickly as possible. We are attempting to identify viable alternatives for orderly execution of the directive, though the short notice and lateness of the season will make this a very difficult task. We passed word to Game Farm staff yesterday, and Gordon Batcheller has traveled to Ithaca today to meet with staff.

We hope to match staff reassignments up as best we can with their interests and Division needs. We don't know if the property and facility itself will remain a Department asset, nor the timetable for its disposition. Pheasant propagation has been a very visible and popular part of the state's wildlife management program since the establishment of a game farm in Sherburne in 1909.

The Reynolds Farm has been in operation since 1927, and since 1999 has been the sole facility supporting the statewide pheasant program. The game farm staff have always been extremely professional and dedicated to doing a first rate job to meet the desires of sportsmen and landowners; I encourage you to join me in supporting them in the weeks ahead. The Commissioner still intends to meet with sportsmen to discuss this with them but word is getting out quickly and we wanted to have you hear about the impending closure from us.

We are developing a communication plan; Yancey's on board; and I'm glad it's the weekend. I promise to keep you posted.

patty