The public is invited to attend a public meeting and comment on the Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) which will guide management of the Ontario Plains Unit for the next ten years.

The meeting will be held Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street, Watertown, New York.

Written comments will be accepted until August 30, 2017. Those unable to attend the meeting may submit comments by mail to the contact listed above or by e-mail to the address listed above.

This notice announces the availability of two draft tentatively approved specifications on Batteries (new) and Single Use Food Containers (amended). The two specifications were tentatively approved by the Interagency Committee on Sustainability and Green Procurement (Committee) co-chaired by the Commissioners of the New York State Office of General Services (NYS OGS) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) on April 28, 2017.

Public comment on the draft specifications will be accepted at least through August 30, 2017.  Comments should be submitted to the name and contact information listed above.

2016-2017 Annual Hunting and Trapping License Year Final Day - permits are valid from September 1, 2016 thru August 31, 2017.

DEC invites the public to comment about an investigation report and proposed cleanup measures to address contamination related to the 11 Spencer Street Site (Brooklyn), within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through August 31, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the proposal and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed at: Brooklyn Public Library - Clinton Hill Library, Attn: Tracey Mantrone, 380 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11238; phone: 718-398-8713  --and--  Brooklyn Community Board 3, Attn: Charlene Phillips, 1360 Fulton St., Room 202, Brooklyn, NY 11216; phone: 718-622-6601.

Date/Time: Thursdays, June 1 through October 12, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM

Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP)

Take part in ongoing research on monarch butterflies. For more than 15 years, data collected at Five Rivers has been contributed to this continent-wide citizen science project conducted through the University of Minnesota. The goal of the MLMP is to better understand how and why monarch populations vary, with a focus on their distribution and abundance during the breeding season in North America. Volunteers in the United States, Canada and Mexico aid in conserving monarchs and advance understanding of butterfly ecology and migration in general. Meet at the Nature’s Accessible Backyard Trail kiosk, at the south end of our parking lot. Go to www.mlmp.org to learn about the project.

DEC has received a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application for a site known as 71 New Street Project, site ID #C152248. This site is located in the Town of Huntington, Suffolk County, at 71 New Street. Comments about the application must be submitted no later than September 1, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the site and how to comment.

The application can be reviewed at: Huntington Public Library, 383 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743.

DEC has received a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application for a site known as Former Globe Woolen Mills, site ID #C633084. This site is located in the City of Utica, Oneida County, at 811-827 Court Street, 933 Stark Street, and 814 Warren Street. Comments about the application must be submitted no later than September 1, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the site and how to comment.

The application can be reviewed at: Utica Public Library, 303 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501.

DEC has received Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) applications, Draft Remedial Action Work Plans, and Final Investigation Reports for the following two nearby sites:

• Concourse Village West Apartments - North, site ID #C203091. This site is located in the Bronx, at 180 East 156th Street
• Concourse Village West Apartments - South, site ID #C203092. This site is located in the Bronx, at 741 Concourse Village and 702 Grand Concourse.

Public comments about the applications and draft work plans will be accepted through September 2, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the sites and how to comment.

The applications and work plans can be reviewed at: NY Public Library - Melrose Branch, 910 Morris Ave., Bronx, NY 10451  --and--  Bronx Community Board 4, 1650 Selwyn Ave., Suite 11A, Bronx, NY 10457

DEC invites the public to comment about a proposed remedy to address contamination related to the Cottage Place Gardens Phase 3 Site (Yonkers, Westchester Co.), within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through September 2, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the proposal and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed at: Yonkers Public Library, Riverfront Library, One Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY 10701; phone: 914-337-1500.

Date/Time: Saturday, September 2, 10:00 AM

Guided Walk: BEAVER TREE TRAIL

There’s a reason the Beaver Tree Trail is a favorite of families visiting Five Rivers. There’s always something exciting to see! Join us as explore for recent beaver activity, watch for the Great Blue Heron, and keep our eyes open for turtles.

Enjoy the light of the moon as we search for critters of the night while following a nocturnal scavenger hunt. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up.

I Bird NY

Citizen Science: Early Birders

Celebrate the dawn chorus as we monitor the progression of fall bird migration. These outdoor surveys begin at 7:30 AM. Meet at the bird-viewing window in the visitor center. After a brief introduction, we’ll head out on the trails. Beginners are always welcome. Binoculars are helpful but not necessary. In case of inclement weather, these programs will be canceled. For more information, call 518-475-0291.

Thursdays, September 7, 14, 21, 28 at 7:30 AM

DEC has received a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application for a site known as 25 Rano Street, site ID #C915323. This site is located in Buffalo, Erie County, at 25 Rano Street. Comments regarding the application must be submitted no later than September 8, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the site and how to comment.

The application can be reviewed at: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203.

DEC has received a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application for a site known as Carlson Park, site ID #C828199. This site is located in the City of Rochester, within the County of Monroe, and is located at 100 Carlson Road. Comments regarding the application must be submitted no later than September 8, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the site and how to comment.

A copy of the application and other relevant documents are available at: Rochester Public Library – Winton Branch, 611 Winton Road North, Rochester, 14609.

DEC invites the public to comment about a draft plan to investigate contamination related to the Third Avenue Yard Site (First Street, Brooklyn), within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through September 8, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the proposal and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed at: Brooklyn Public Library - Pacific Branch, 25 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217; phone: 718-638-1531  --and--  Brooklyn Community Board 6, 250 Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201; phone: 718-643-3027.

DEC has received a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application for a site known as 37-88 Review Avenue, site ID #C241203. This site is located in Long Island City, Queens, at 37-88 Review Avenue. Public comments about the application must be submitted by September 9, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the site and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed at: Queens Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432  --and--  Queens Community Board #1, The Pistilli Grand Manor, 45-02 Ditmars Boulevard, Suite 1025, Astoria, NY 11105.

DEC invites the public to comment about a draft plan to investigate contamination related to the 805-825 Atlantic Avenue Site (Brooklyn), within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through September 9, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the draft plan and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed at: Brooklyn Public Library - Clinton Hill Branch, 380 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238; phone: 718-398-8713  --and--  Brooklyn Community Board 2, 350 Jay Street, 8th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; phone: 718-596-5410.

DEC invites the public to comment about draft investigation and interim measures work plans to address contamination related to the 1777 East Henrietta Road Site (Henrietta, Monroe Co.), within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the draft work plans will be accepted through September 9, 2017.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the draft work plans and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed at: Henrietta Public Library, 455 Calkins Road, Henrietta, NY 14623; phone: 585-334-3401.

Watchable Wildlife: Rodents

Rodents, such as mice, squirrels, beaver and porcupine, are fascinating mammals. They are an abundant and varied group, but all have incisors that constantly grow and are kept short by gnawing. Signs of these animals are often overlooked. Join us on Saturday, September 9th @ 10:00 am for an introduction indoors, followed by an outdoor walk to look for signs of their activities and to learn about the types of rodents found at Five Rivers and elsewhere in New York State. We will make a squirrel feeder for you to bring home.

Enjoy hearing a nature story, followed by a guided walk in the woods. For children ages 3 to 7. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up.

Five River's Accessible Trails

Everyone benefits from spending time outdoors in nature, but not everyone feels comfortable walking across uneven terrain. On Saturday, September 9th @ 2:00 PM we’ll explore Nature’s Accessible Backyard Trail and the Woodlot Trail, both of which are easy to travel by foot, stroller, wheelchair or walker. Our journey will take us through forest, field and wildflowers, and past a small frog pond.

Take a guided walk to search for seasonal birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up.

HMBC Speaker Series: Birding Eastern Gondwana, Part 1: New Zealand

Monday, September 11, 7:00 to 9:00 PM join members of the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club for their monthly speaker series. Details for this month’s program, presented by Gregg Recer and Cathy Graichen, are at https://hmbc.net/content/birding-eastern-gondwana-part-1-new-zealand.

The Marine Resources Advisory Council meeting will be held at:

The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS),
Stony Brook University - Endeavour Hall, Room 120

Directions to Endeavour Hall at SoMAS:

Take Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) to exit 62 (Nicolls Road/County Route 97). Go North on Nicolls Road for about 9 miles. After crossing Route 347 take a left at the 2nd traffic light (South Entrance of Stony Brook University's Campus) onto South Drive. At the next light, turn right onto Marburger Drive. Less than 1000' turn right into Marine & Atmospheric Sciences entrance and immediately bear right. Follow the road to the School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences and Endeavour Hall. You may park in the lot in front of the building.

4H Training Center
556 Middleline Rd.
Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Building Flood Resiliency at the Local Level: A Climate Smart Communities Webinar
Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

The frequency of heavy downpours in the Northeast U.S. increased by 71 percent between 1958 and 2012. The costs associated with flood damage are rising across the nation and in New York State. Local governments have a key role in protecting their communities against flooding. In this webinar, participants will learn about how one New York town lowered its flood insurance premium rates by participating in the federal Community Rating System. Speakers will also discuss community flood resiliency in general and a project in Monroe County that is seeking to reduce flood-related problems, in partnership with the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council and The Nature Conservancy.

Please provide us with your name and community affiliation, either via email or telephone to the Office of Climate Change at climatechange@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-8448. In the event that we cancel or postpone this webinar, respondents will be notified.

To join the webinar on September 14th, follow these steps:

1.   First, click on this link: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php? MTID=e07b1b1f21f345df5ba61a065ec1b782d
2.    Enter your name and email address.
3.    Enter the meeting password: NYSDEC1
4.    Click "Join".
5.    Audio by phone: Click “Call Me” in the onscreen “Audio Connection” box and enter your phone number to have the system call you. Alternatively, call 1-844-633-8697 and enter the Event Number: 645 179 573, followed by your Attendee ID (which will be displayed on your screen in the Event Info tab) to join the audio portion. (The Attendee ID is recommended but not required.)
6.   Audio via computer: Listen via your computer's built-in audio, or via VoIP, by going to the Audio menu and selecting Call Using Computer. For more details, review this short video: https://help.webex.com/videos/1290

For assistance with WebEx, call 1-800-697-1323 or 518-408-6487. This webinar can be accessed using an Android mobile phone, an iPhone, an iPad, or other computer running a Windows or Mac operating system.

Note that you may have to download the WebEx plug-in and/or restart your browser to connect to the webinar, especially if you are using a Mac computer. Please join the webinar at least five minutes early to allow yourself some time to get connected.

Two days before webinar, test the computer you plan to use by clicking on the following link: http://www.webex.com/test-meeting.html

Important Notice: This WebEx service includes a feature that allows audio and any documents and other materials exchanged or viewed during the session to be recorded. By joining this session, you automatically consent to such recordings. If you do not consent to the recording, discuss your concerns with the meeting host prior to the start of the recording or do not join the session. Please note that any such recordings may be subject to discovery in the event of litigation.

Family Fun: Outdoors After School

Are you tired of sitting at a desk all day? It's time to get your wiggles out!  Join us after school to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and have fun outdoors. Meet at the visitor center to begin our adventure. Each week will have a different theme and will include time to explore outdoors. Come for as many sessions as you’d like, and dress for outdoor activity. For children in grades K-5 and their caregivers.

Date/Time: Thursdays, September 14 through October 26, 4:30 to 5:30 PM

NYSDEC will host a public availability session to provide information on a recently finalized habitat management plan for Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in the Towns of Hector, Catharine, and Cayuta, Schuyler County; Towns of Enfield and Newfield, Tompkins County.

Come join us to learn about the goals of the plan and future management at this WMA. The meeting will include a presentation and time for questions. An open house will begin at 6:00 and a formal presentation at 6:30. The plan can be viewed on the Connecticut Hill WMA webpage.

Meeting Location:
Newfield Fire Department
77 Main Street
Newfield, NY 14867

For more information, contact Adam Perry at 607-753-3095 x240.