Over 65 years ago, the major private groups concerned with conservation and the state of our environment, were those representing the sportsmen and women of this country. The majority of the population lived in rural areas. Conservation meant much more than conserving, preserving or wasting not. It meant knowing  that the wise use and management of our natural resources was the best objective and goal to be used to assure healthy and long-lasting resources for future generations.

Today we face a changing society where, there is an increasing move from rural to more urbanized. One, where less and less are aware of the principles of  wise use and management of our resources.  As our economy base has also shifted, ties to the land and its bounties has changed.

One principle remains true, however,  without clean water, clean air and a clean habitat nothing can survive. For over 65 years the New York State Conservation Council, Inc. has been a leader in advocating the wise use and management of New York’s valuable natural resources; this to assure that it is protected for our children's children.

As a not-for-profit (501-C3) independent outdoorsmen/women organization, it receives no state or federal or other governmental funding.