DEC Launches 'Snapshot NY,' New Citizen Science Wildlife Monitoring Program

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton, in collaboration with the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University, today announced the launch of Snapshot NY, a citizen science program that allows the public to participate in wildlife monitoring through the deployment of trail cameras. The project will help improve the way DEC monitors and manages more than a dozen wildlife species.

"More than 60 percent of land in New York is privately owned, and this new collaborative effort will help DEC biologists collect critical information about wildlife in areas where our experts have historically lacked access," DEC Commissioner Lefton said. "As an added bonus, Snapshot NY is a fantastic opportunity to get outside, connect with the outdoors, and directly contribute to wildlife conservation efforts in New York State."

Dr. Angela Fuller, Leader of the United States Geological Survey New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Professor at Cornell University said, "Snapshot NY represents an unprecedented opportunity to generate large-scale, long-term data on wildlife populations across New York. This collaboration exemplifies how partnerships among agencies, scientists, and the public can advance wildlife conservation and management in meaningful and measurable ways."

The high-quality data collected through Snapshot NY will help DEC continue to make informed decisions, improve the effectiveness of wildlife conservation and management strategies, and track changes in wildlife populations over time.

How to Participate

To become a volunteer for Snapshot NY:

• Access to land: Volunteers are encouraged to place trail cameras on private property across New York State. For the project, the state has been divided into ~4,500 grid cells, with a goal to get a camera in as many cells as possible. Those without access will need permission to set up a camera on nearby public land.
• A trail camera: Use your own trail camera (preferred) or apply to borrow a trail camera through the Snapshot program. Trail cameras detect heat signatures and motion and snap photos of passing animals.
• Access to internet and a willingness to upload photos: Volunteers download the Snapshot NY app and periodically upload images (about once every two weeks) to the Snapshot NY website, including GPS coordinates, time, and date to contribute to the statewide dataset.
• No prior experience required: Whether you are someone who loves nature or a hunter scouting for the upcoming season, the program is open to all. It's a great way to glimpse the hidden lives of New York wildlife.
• Create an account: Volunteers can create an account on the Snapshot NY website and select one of the survey blocks to deploy a trail camera. If your chosen block is already reserved, DEC strongly encourages participants to consider selecting a block on nearby available public lands or to sign up for the waitlist for the preferred block.

 For information about Snapshot NY, visit the Snapshot NY website. 

At left, James W. proudly holds his Snapshot NY camera and gear. At right, a black bear captured on a trail camera in Western New York.