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Recent News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Changes 2008 Recreational Marine Fishing Regulations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced changes in recreational fishing regulations for summer flounder, also known as fluke, and scup, also known as porgy. The new emergency regulations are effective imme...
Public Comment Period, Hearings Set For Greenhouse Gas Proposal
New York State today announced a 45-day comment period for the revised draft regulations for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a program that will reduce emissions from power plants. This will include public hearings in Albany and Lon...
DEC Proposes Rule Change To Eliminate Open Burning
In an effort to reduce the impacts of pollutants such as dioxins, particulate matter and carbon monoxide and to limit the risks of wildfires, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing to extend the ban on open ...
Report Finds Scant Progress 21 Years After Feds Signed West Valley Clean-Up Pact
In May 1987, the U.S. Department of Energy signed an agreement to begin the process of cleaning up radioactive waste at the Western New York Nuclear Service Center (“West Valley”) in Cattaraugus and Erie counties. Exactly 21 years later, it has y...
Shellfish Area Off Suffolk County Closed Following Detection Of Biotoxin
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that shellfish harvesting in certain bays in Long Island Sound have been temporarily closed due to the detection of a marine biotoxin. The closure impacts approxi...
Media Advisory - NYSDEC Releases Results of Staten Island Deer Survey
In response to an increasing population of deer in Staten Island, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Suzanne Mattei, Director of Region 2 (New York City), will hold a press conference at the Staten Island Greenbelt ...
Alewife Die-Off Prompts DEC Action
As a major die-off of alewives, a fish that is an invasive species to inland waters in New York, has continued on the surface and shores of Lake Champlain, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has reached out to help provide Ne...
DEC Seeks to Recruit “Lapsed” Anglers to Increase Fishing License Sales
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that New York State will join 30 states cooperating in a new effort to encourage lapsed anglers to buy a fishing license. Anglers who have not ...
DEC Partners With The City Of Albany To Host Free Family Fishing Event
A free family fishing event will take place on *Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.* (rain or shine) at the City of Albany's Six Mile Waterworks, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis and Albany Mayor Jer...
New York Announces Suspension and Stop Sale/Use of Pesticide Products
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced that DEC has suspended the New York State registration of four pesticide products manufactured by the Scotts Company. Any unregistered product may no...
Opening Day Approaches for Several Prized Freshwater Species
With the opening of the season for many popular warmwater and coolwater gamefish species, fishing season in New York State is now in full swing. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today provided some valuable tips fo...
Spring 2008 “Trees for Tribs” Initiative Scheduled to Begin
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Program’s “Trees for Tribs” Initiative will be coordinating a number of stream buffer plantings this spring throughout the Hudson River Estuary Watershed (See s...
Grannis Announces Initiative to Promote Smart Growth & Energy Efficiency Through Clean Water Funding Programs
To modernize New York State’s drinking water and clean water loan programs, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that energy efficiency and smart growth will be included as factors to help prioritize f...
DEC Launches Free Electronic Newsletter for All New Yorkers
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that a new family electronic newsletter is now available to all New Yorkers named “DEC Outdoor Discovery,” that will focus on kid-friendly events and seasonally-orie...
DEC Announces Free Fishing Events Throughout the State
New York State is among the nation’s premier, year-round fishing destinations, and to help newcomers or those interested in learning how to fish, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has scheduled free fishing events i...
Earth Day 2008 Kicks Off With The Green Schools Challenge
To mark Earth Day 2008, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Education today announced a new Green Schools Challenge contest to bolster recycling in every school across the state. The yearlong comp...
DEC Joins Six Public and Private Organizations on North America’s Largest Climate Initiative
To celebrate Earth Day 2008, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that DEC and six public and private organizations have signed on to a pioneering effort to track emissions that le...
DEC Region 8 Commemorates Earth Day
Every day is Earth Day at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). With 18 different divisions and nine regional offices, DEC is in the streams, the streets, the woods and the halls of government working to enhance the he...
Media Advisory
To mark Earth Day, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis and state Education Department officials will announce a new yearlong contest to bolster recycling programs in every school across the state, with...
DEC Announces Availability Of Hudson River Estuary Grants
Applications are now being accepted for the newest round of Hudson River Estuary Program grants, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. Approximately $1 million is available to help...
DEC and Land Trust Alliance Announce $825,000 in Conservation Partnership Grants
A major investment in land conservation was announced today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Land Trust Alliance. DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis joined members of the New York State Legislature and loc...
Media Advisory- DEC Announces Free Fishing Event in Saratoga
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is holding a free fishing clinic on Wednesday, April 16, at Saratoga Spa State Park. The event will be held at 11 a.m. at Geyser Brook during the annual state park fish stocking. ...
Media Advisory
An unprecedented investment in New York’s land trusts will be announced on Wednesday, April 16, by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Land Trust Alliance. DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis will join members of...
MEDIA ADVISORY
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) will be convening the next Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting in the state’s open space ...
Media Advisory
This is a reminder to media that reporters, producers and other representatives should NOT call the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) 24-hour Dispatch Center for information on ongoing emergencies and investigations. ...
Spring Turkey Season Opens May 1
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today reminded prospective turkey hunters that the 2008 spring season opens for all hunters on May 1, and the special Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend will take pl...
State and City Partner for Major Landscape Restoration Effort on Staten Island
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York Cares, and MillionTreesNYC partnered in a major landscape restoration effort today at Mount Loretto Unique Area in Staten Island. DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, State ...
Media Advisory
*DEC Commissioner Grannis and Local Elected Officials Join More than 100 Volunteers to Plant 2500 Trees at the Mt. Loretto Unique Area* The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), New York Cares, and MillionTrees...
DEC Accepting Applcations for Urban Forestry Projects
Applications are now being accepted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for approximately $900,000 to support urban forestry projects across the state, Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. DEC is seeking prop...
DEC Reports: Demand, New Rules Spur Bluestone Growth
Nestled primarily in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, New York’s bluestone mining industry has grown steadily over the last decade, according to a new report by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The number of blu...
Media Advisory
Pursuant to the notification requirements of Section 17-1743 of the Environmental Conservation Law, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Spill Hotline received the following report: Spill reported: April 7, 2008 ...
New Maps of Hudson Boating and Fishing Access Sites Now Available
The Hudson River Estuary provides extensive opportunities to enjoy nature and reconnect with the past, and with new maps developed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), it will now be even easier to find public access sites....
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Standard Available to Help Measure and Verify Emissions
A new reporting standard to help track the emissions of greenhouse gases in North America was announced today by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis. The Climate Registry, a nonprofit partners...
Grannis Marks Opening Day of Trout Season with Visit to Recovered River
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today marked the opening day of the 2008 trout season by returning to the scene of an environmental mishap to highlight the recovery of the Hoosic River and a ...
Media Advisory
To mark the traditional April 1 opening day of trout season, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis will return to the scene of an environmental disaster to highlight the recovery of the Hoosic Rive...
Pesticide Cleansweep Program on Long Island
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that DEC will hold its Spring CleanSweepNY program on Long Island covering Nassau and Suffolk Counties throughout the week of March 31, 2008. ...
Media Advisory
Pursuant to the notification requirements of Section 17-1743 of the Environmental Conservation Law, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Spill Hotline received the following report: <br>*Spill reported:* March 26,...
Dec Accepting Applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that the agency is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance grants, which provide funding to rural fire departments to enhance thei...
New York Trout and Salmon Season Opens on April 1
The traditional kick-off to New York’s annual freshwater fishing seasons is approaching with the April 1 start of trout and salmon seasons, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has some tips and reminders for anglers in eve...
Funds Earmarked to Battle Terrestrial Invasive Species
Ten municipalities and organizations will receive a total of $555,000 to help wipe out infestations of non-native terrestrial species across the state, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announc...
DEC Focuses on the Decline of Hudson River Shad Populations
The Hudson River American shad population is at historic lows, prompting the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to implement fishing restrictions and study other opportunities to further protect this important species an...
Media Advisory
Pursuant to the notification requirements of Section 17-1743 of the Environmental Conservation Law, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Spill Hotline received the following report: <br>*Spill reported:* March 13,...
Report Evaluates Wastewater Infrastructure
New York State’s sewage-treatment infrastructure is aging out and in need of an estimated $36.2 billion in repairs over the next 20 years, according to a new report issued today by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The report points ou...
Media Advisory
The Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Office of Environmental Justice (EJ) invites members of local community organizations to attend a public workshop on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, to learn about the EJ Community Impact Grant Program...
DEC Submits Fish/wildlife Bills to Legislature
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that the following bills regarding Fish and Wildlife programs have been submitted for introduction during the 2008 Legislative Session: *1. Junio...
New York Joins Elite Company with Certified “Green” Forests
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that state-owned forests have regained their status as “green certified” by internationally recognized standards, meaning they are managed with the h...
DEC Temporarily Closes Shellfishing Areas in Nassau and Suffolk Counties
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that it has designated shellfish harvesting areas in Nassau and Suffolk Counties as temporarily closed to shellfishing. These temporary emergency closures are in re...
Spring 2008 Wildlife Rehabilitator Examination Scheduled
A written examination for New Yorkers interested in becoming licensed volunteer wildlife rehabilitators will be given on Friday, April 11, 2008, Patricia Riexinger, Director of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources for the State Department of Envir...
DEC Announces “State Of Lake Ontario” Meetings
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced three upcoming public meetings to discuss Lake Ontario fisheries. The tenth annual “State of Lake Ontario” public meetings will be held in Monroe, Niagara, and Osweg...
DEC Invites Hunter Input on Fall 2008-09 Waterfowl Seasons
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today invited waterfowl hunters to submit recommendations to regional Waterfowl Hunter Task Forces for the dates of the Fall 2008-09 duck hunting seasons. New York State is divid...
Great Lakes Protection Grant Applications Being Accepted
Projects that will help protect, restore and improve the health of New York’s Great Lakes Basin could be eligible for up to $500,000 in grants being made available by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Commissioner ...
Grannis Announces ‘Quad Legacy’ Plan, Acquisition of Original Livingston Manor Lands
As part of the 2009 Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today unveiled a plan for developing on-the-ground projects tied to the commemoration. Grannis al...
Governor Spitzer, Commissioner Grannis Slam EPA Decision To Block States From Regulating Automobile Emissions
Governor Eliot Spitzer and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis today criticized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) finalized decision to block California, New York and about a dozen other states from...
Bellyare Scoping Document Released
The final scoping document for the environmental reviews related to (a) the proposed Wildacres and Highmount Spa Resort complex, and (b) the unit management plan for the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center has been released, the New York State Departmen...
DEC Enters Into Agreement With Hess Over Storage and Tidal Wetlands Violations
Hess Corporation will bring 65 gasoline stations and oil storage facilities into compliance with state requirements and fund an important habitat restoration project in the Hudson River Estuary under an agreement announced today by New York Sta...
DEC Invites Property Owners to Help Control Goose Populations
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today released information to help property owners prevent or reduce problems with Canada geese, which are becoming more widespread every year. New York's ...
DEC Announces Environmental Justice Grant Writing Workshops
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will hold a series of grant writing workshops in New York City (NYC) on March 5 and 6 for the 2008 Environmental Justice Community Impact Grant Program. This year, more than $1.2 m...
DEC Announces 2007 Bear Hunting Results
Bear harvest numbers increased in 2007 in all three of New York State’s bear hunting ranges, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. Statewide, hunters took 1,117 black bears, a s...
DEC Releases 2007 Deer Harvest
Hunters harvested approximately 220,000 deer in the 2007 season, a 16 percent increase over the previous season, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. Harvest numbers increased...
DEC Releases MTBE Study of Long Island Gas Stations
Four years after the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) was banned from New York, the impacts of the chemical continue to pose environmental and public health threats to Long Island’s aquifer, according to a new study released to...
DEC Announces Proposed Fishing Regulations for 2008-2010
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced proposed changes to freshwater fishing regulations to enhance fishing opportunities and protect fisheries resources statewide. DEC will be acce...
DEC’s Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale Underway
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) annual sale of tree and shrub seedlings is underway and will continue through May. DEC’s Saratoga Nursery produces over 50 species of trees and shrubs, many native to New York, ...
Exam for Falconry Apprentice License Scheduled for April 25
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the examination for individuals seeking an apprentice license to practice the sport of falconry has been scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Appl...
Media Advisory
Pursuant to the notification requirements of Section 17-1743 of the Environmental Conservation Law, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Spill Hotline received the following report: <br>Spill reported: February 13...
DEC AND TNC Announce Agreement to Conserve Former Finch, Pruyn Lands
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have reached a conceptual agreement to protect lands formerly owned by Finch, Pruyn and Co. in the Adirondack Park. The agreement will secure the fu...
Gore Mountain Supplemental EIS Available for Public Review
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released a draft supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the updated Gore Mountain Unit Management Plan which takes into consideration the connecting ski trails...
DEC Proposes New Dam Safety Regulations
As part of a continued upgrade of dam oversight, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today a proposal that requires more dam inspections, regular maintenance, better recordkeeping, and emergency planning. Th...
Statement by DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis on the Favorable Federal Appeals Court Decision
*The EPA's policy for coal- and oil-fired power plants was not only detrimental but also illegal, as the court clearly recognized. This is a tremendous victory for states like New York that are impacted by the damaging effects of mercury. New Y...
DEC Names New Chief To Promote Environmental Equity And Justice In New York State
Lisa Garcia has been named Chief Advocate for Environmental Justice, a new position created by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to spearhead and pursue community-based initiatives in minority or low-income areas across the state,...
With Tautog Population Down, DEC Imposes New Limit on Recreational Catch
With the tautog (blackfish) population in decline, the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) today announced new, emergency regulations to lower the recreational catch limit and shorten the season. The new regulations, which are effe...
DEC Announces $7.5 Million for Landfill Closure Projects
Nine communities across New York State will receive $7.5 million from the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to complete landfill closure and gas recovery projects, Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. The grants will help ...
$300,000 Settlement Resovles Mirant’s Air, Water Violations
Mirant Bowline Inc. has agreed to a $300,000 settlement to resolve alleged air and water violations at its West Haverstraw (Rockland County) power plant, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis annou...
DEC Begins Monitoring Staten Island Deer Population
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has begun to collect data on the location and number of deer in Staten Island. This effort, which will run through the end of February, responds to a growing number of sightings fr...
Bat Die-Off Prompts Investigation
Thousands of hibernating bats are dying in caves in New York and Vermont from unknown causes, prompting an investigation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), as well as wildlife agencies and researchers around the ...
DEC Education Centers To Participate In Global Warming “Teach-in”
There will be numerous sites across New York State where people can participate in the two-day Focus the Nation “2% Solution” web cast event. The web cast will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 30, and be followed by a national "teach-in" about globa...
DEC Urges People to Use Caution on the Ice
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today encouraged those enjoying the outdoors to use caution on frozen water bodies, especially when using vehicles. Those participating in outdoor activities on or near ice shou...
DEC Announces Availability of More than $1.2 Million in Environmental Justice Grants
Aiming to help neighborhood organizations address local concerns, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today it is now accepting applications for Environmental Justice Community Impa...
Marine Construction Firm Cited for Barges Abandoned in Jamaica Bay
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a notice of violation to Pile Foundation Construction, Inc. for allegedly abandoning two barges in Jamaica Bay’s Barbadoes Basin last fall. Under New York State’s Tidal ...
Niagara Fishing Access, Research, Promotion Receive Major Boost in Lake Ontario Settlement
Ten projects totaling $1.1 million will boost sportfishing, tourism and research in Niagara County as part of a far-reaching plan to restore the fisheries of Lake Ontario and its tributaries, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation...
New, Better Fishing Access, Tributary Repairs Mark Local Lake Ontario Settlement Projects
Major upgrades for fishing access sites, boat launches and Irondequoit Creek are some of the $1.5 million Greater Rochester highlights of a far-reaching plan to restore the fisheries of Lake Ontario and its tributaries, New York State Department o...
Fish Hatchery, Research Station, Salmon River Upgrades
Major upgrades for the Salmon River fish hatchery and long-needed riverbank repairs for the Salmon River are part of a far-reaching plan to restore the fisheries of Lake Ontario and its tributaries, New York State Department of Environmental Conse...
Media Advisory
Finalizing a long-running lawsuit over Love Canal pollution, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis will unveil Western New York projects funded by the $12 million settlement due to natural resource damag...
DEC Proposes Wind Energy Project Guidelines for Conducting Avian Studies
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today proposed guidelines to assist commercial wind energy developers assess the potential impacts turbines may have on birds and bats. Developed in consultation with energy officia...
Hatchery and Marina Overhauls, Habitat Repairs Highlight Local Projects in Lake Ontario Settlement
New York State will renovate boat launches and marinas, repair critical fish spawning habitat and rebuild the Cape Vincent fish hatchery as part of a $12 million restoration of Lake Ontario fisheries and its tributaries, New York State Department ...
Media Advisory
Finalizing a long-running lawsuit over Love Canal pollution, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis will unveil local projects that will be funded by the $12 million settlement regarding natural resource ...
DEC Cites New Jersey Company for Possession of Banned Pesticide
As a result of an investigation into last month’s bird kills on Staten Island, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a notice of violation to New Jersey-based AAA Animal & Pest Control for possession of Avitr...
$150,000 Fine Marks Settlement with Syracuse Company
A Syracuse company has agreed to pay a $150,000 fine and upgrade its practices to resolve alleged violations regarding solid waste, storm water runoff and air emissions, and to ensure that contaminated material does not flow into Onondaga Lake, th...
Plan to Reduce Mercury Impacts in Fish Approved by EPA
A multi-state plan to reduce mercury in the waters of New York and New England has been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. The app...
DEC Recognizes Sullivan County Officials For Environmental Commitment
Recognizing the efforts of the Town of Rockland, Sullivan County officials, Pat Pomeroy and Patrick Casey, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today presented them with a token of appreciation fo...
DEC Accepting Applications for Pheasant Release Programs
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the agency is accepting applications for two cooperative programs designed to enhance opportunities for pheasant hunting in New York State. The Day-Old Pheas...