educational resources for teaching the principles of

environmental conservation in New York state.

Inventory of educational resources for teaching the principles of environmental conservation in New York state. l. Legislative findings. The people of the state of New York, through the temporary state commission on youth education in environmental conservation, have expressed the need for resource information assistance if they are to improve their local programs in environmental education.

The legislature hereby affirms this need and declares that a regionally responsive system for identifying resources through a statewide inventory and for referring inquiries to appropriate sources must be developed if we are to maintain and improve the quality of our environment.

The department, in consultation with the department of education and the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation shall compile and maintain an inventory of education resources for teaching the principles of environmental conservation in New York state.

2. This information shall be used as the basis for a clearing house for materials pertaining to environmental conservation education which shall be available for public use. A revised and up-to-date inventory shall be available to the public and widely distributed on or before September 1, 1991. The clearinghouse shall maintain information on, but not limited to, the following:

a. Natural resources and facilities which can be used for educational purposes.

b. Conservation and environmental organizations, both public and private.

c. Resource personnel.

d. Curriculum resources.

e. A calendar of environmental education activities.