This weekend, the state announced that golf courses and marinas would be reopened, with limitations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In addition, the numerous state-owned boat launches across the state of all types and sizes are open and can be used as well, according to a written statement Sunday by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

“New York State recognizes the importance of recreation and continues to encourage the public to get outside locally and responsibly to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the DEC said. "To support the alignment of policies in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and the region’s ongoing response to COVID-19, on April 18, Empire State Development issued updated guidance on marinas and use of boats and it removed the temporary suspension on the use of boat launches for recreation.”

Thursday, the DEC issued a written statement that use of its boat launches — many unmanned — would be temporarily suspended.

The reaction of Upstate anglers, recreational boaters and others to the announcement was immediate and in many cases negative, as many thought it was unnecessary and more applicable to Downstate launches where the state’s population and numbers of COVID-19 are higher.

Bill Girvan, president of the Oneida Lake Association, said launch closures would have a devastating effect on anglers getting out to enjoy the May 2 opening of the state walleye fishing season. Assemblyman Will Barclay wrote, R-Pulaski, wrote a letter asking that the state reconsider its decision to close golf courses and boat launches.

A online petition on change.org requesting that they be reopened was started by Sean Silvernail, of Schenectady, and gathered more than 21,000 signatures.

Friday and Saturday, the state did relax rules about golf courses and marinas — though they are not operating as they would in pre-coronavirus conditions.

The decision was made in concert with boating policies in Connecticut and New Jersey, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office. The goal, Cuomo said in a statement, is to implement a regional approach to stemming the spread of the virus.

Sunday, the DEC sent a written statement to NYup.com confirming the relaxing of rules also applied to the state-owned boat launches.

The DEC also recommended that anglers be responsible in not spreading the coronavirus and follow certain guidelines:

If an angler arrives at a parking lot and there are several cars, they should consider going to another parking lot.

Do not share a car, boat, canoe, or kayak with people not in your household while traveling to fishing or boating sites.

Anglers fishing from boats should always be able to maintain at least six feet of distance between one another.

As of April 17, New Yorkers are required to wear masks in public when appropriate social distancing cannot be maintained.

Decisions about the operation of municipally owned boat launches, however, will be made by the municipality, DEC said.

Meanwhile, the state’s essential business guidance continues to determine that commercial fishing remains essential, but fishing charters and guides are not.

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