New York State Wildlife Pathology Unit State Wildlife Pathologist Subject and Correspondence Files

Alphabetical.

The Wildlife Pathology Unit is one of the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) program areas at the Wildlife Research Center in Delmar, NY. It is responsible for handling and examining deceased animals, as well as diagnosing, monitoring, and (when needed) controlling the causes of sickness and death in New York State's amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The unit also provides forensic wildlife pathology services to DEC's law enforcement and other agencies; performs field investigations related to the impact of environmental contamination (e.g. oil spills, industrial discharges, pesticide use and misuse, hazardous waste sites, and landfills) on wildlife; and conducts original research in the fields of wildlife pathology, physiology, and toxicology.

Ward Stone supervised the DEC Wildlife Pathology Unit for forty years. He joined the DEC in 1969 as a Senior Wildlife Pathologist and became an Associate Wildlife Pathologist in 1970. He was at the forefront of numerous environmental issues and was often interviewed for local newspaper articles and radio programs. He retired from DEC in 2010.

This series consists of correspondence, published and unpublished reports, memorandums, field notes, survey data, program proposals, and policies and procedures relating to the functions of the Department of Conservation's Wildlife Pathology Unit and state wildlife pathologist Ward Stone (1969-2010). Records primarily contain information regarding the evolution of ecological standards across New York State and its impact on wildlife management. Records also document Stone's tenure with the department and highlight the numerous environmental issues he raised while leading the Wildlife Pathology Unit.

B2668Series B2668, State Wildlife Pathologist Site Investigation Files, contains related records.

Restricted in part. State Archives staff will review requests for documents and disclose information pursuant to the State Freedom of Information Law.