STATE SENATE PASSES BILL THAT WOULD NAME THE WOOD FROG THE OFFICIAL AMPHIBIAN OF NEW YORK STATE

Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C, Syracuse) today announced that the New York State Senate passed his bill (S.3502) that would name the wood frog the official amphibian of the State of New York. This bill was inspired several years ago by an elementary class in Skaneateles that led the charge to have the wood frog become the State’s official symbol. 

Various species have been adopted as a state symbol, but New York does not have an official state amphibian. The wood frog, a small frog that uses natural anti-freeze to survive in cold climates, only carries an unofficial designation as the state amphibian. This bill would designate it as an official New York state symbol.

In 2013, Senator DeFrancisco was contacted by a student, who was studying state government at State Street School in Skaneateles. The student requested that New York state name the wood frog an official state symbol. Students from the class then visited Albany, met with state lawmakers, and continued to advocate for the legislation. The bill passed several years in the Senate, but stalled in the Assembly.

“The important lessons in state government and the legislative process for these students will be long remembered by them. Their advocacy efforts were outstanding. They now can see that government does work,” concluded Senator DeFrancisco. 

The bill has been delivered to the State Assembly and awaits action by that body. 
 

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