NY S09220

Establishes the Great Swamp Reserve Commission, a 13-member body with representatives from state, county, and local governments to coordinate management of the Great Swamp wetland ecosystem spanning over 6,000 acres in Dutchess and Putnam counties.

Requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to prepare and adopt a Great Swamp Protection Land Use and Management Plan within 12 months, with draft plan subject to public hearings and town board review in Dover, Pawling, Patterson, and Southeast.

Allows dedication of state-owned, local government-owned, and privately-owned land (via conservation easement) to the Great Swamp Preserve, with publicly-dedicated lands requiring two successive legislative sessions to alienate.

Commission duties include conducting environmental studies, reviewing and approving land dedications, providing grants to municipalities for plan implementation, and meeting at least quarterly (or twice annually after plan adoption).

Preserves existing local zoning and land use authority, state police powers, and federal conservation activities; does not regulate hunting, fishing, or recreational activities except as otherwise provided by law.