DEC Has Chosen Its 'Cover Model,' Now They're Hunting For Illustrators

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Smile, brook trout. It's time for your close-up.

The votes have been counted and the winner of the 2024-25 Habitat & Access Stamp featured species contest has been decided. New York State’s official state fish, the brook trout, won the election beating out other finalists, including the North American porcupine, the common raven and the eastern hellbender.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said this is now a doubly special year for brook trout, not only because it will be featured on the Habitat & Access Stamp, but the agency is also in the midst of developing a new plan to manage the species.

SEE ALSO: There's Still Time To Help The DEC Choose Its New Cover Model

That plan will be released for public review and comment soon, but in the mean time, the agency is looking for an artist to do the brook trout justice in its new place of honor. The NYSDEC will be accepting artwork submissions for the brook trout stamp design until Monday.

Here is an example of a previous NYSDEC stamp for inspiration, but you'd better hurry — the contest closes soon.

Original pen and ink, black and white line drawings can be submitted for consideration before the submission form closes on May 20. Artists can submit their work here.