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Environment DEC
2004 Archive
December 2004
- State First Government Customer to Lease New 2005 Honda FCX Vehicle - A partnership with Honda Motor Corp. demonstrates New York's leadership in promoting clean energy technologies.
- DEC Announces Proposed Cleanup Plan for Onondaga Lake - Written public comments on the proposed plan are being accepted from now until March 1, 2005.
- Deer Hunting in New York State's Southern Zone - The 2004 regular deer hunting season opened at sunrise on Monday, November 22 in New York State's Southern Zone and will close at sunset on Tuesday, December 14.
- New York State Joins Regional Initiative to Halt Backyard Burning - A new resolution calls for cooperation to prevent dangers to public health and the environment.
- DEC Accepting Habitat/Access Funding Grant Applications - Projects will target improved habitat and outdoor recreational opportunities.
- DEC Reminds Hunters about Benefits of Donating Venison - Deer hunting helps to control deer populations, and donations of venison help food banks to meet ever-growing demands.
- Enjoy All the Season Has to Offer at Belleayre - With all that Belleayre Mountain Ski Center has scheduled during the winter, don't even think about hibernating through it.
- Nearly 52,000 Pounds of Pesticides Removed from Eight Counties - The CleanSweep Program targeted pesticides in Chenango, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Otsego and St. Lawrence counties.
- DEC Recognizes National Disability Awareness Month - An event at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center highlighted DEC's efforts to make New York State's outdoors more accessible to the disabled.
- Commissioner Crotty Reminds Hunters to Follow Safe Hunting Guidelines - Hunters can avoid injuries by wearing hunter orange, carefully planning each hunt, and insisting that all members of a hunting party follow five simple safety rules.
- DEC Employees Receive Awards for Environmental Stewardship - Bill Rudge and David Lee were honored for their dedication to conservation efforts affecting the Catskill region and the eastern United States.
- Rogers Environmental Education Center Hosts Partner Recognition Reception - Fifty people received certificates and were cited for helping Rogers further its mission of educating New Yorkers about the state's natural resources and how to use and manage them wisely.
- DEC Cautions Motorists about Encountering Deer on Roadways - According to DEC statistics kept since 1985, the peak times for deer-vehicle collisions are at dawn and dusk during the three-month period from October through December.
November 2004
- Governor Marks First Anniversary of Superfund Reform Legislation - Appropriately enough, the Governor also announced more than $3 million in brownfields funding for six New York State communities.
- DEC Helps Students Learn About Hudson River - Environmental Educators teamed up with local students to help create A Day in the Life of the Hudson River by investigating fish, aquatic plants, the water, and tides, and sharing their observations with staff of the Hudson River Estuary Program.
- Governor Applauds Vote to Fund Watershed Efforts - Congress approves $105 million over a period of 7 years for watershed projects in New York City.
- DEC Announces Results of Spring Turkey Harvest - Because of a number of poor production years for turkey poults, the spring 2004 harvest showed a decline of 28 percent compared to 2003, but it was not unexpected.
- More than $220 Million Announced for Bronx Parks - Ratification of an MOU on the Croton Filtration Plan clears the way for massive improvements.
- Governor Welcomes National Green Power Conference to New York State - A three-day conference in Albany highlighted the success of Green Power initiatives in New York State and nationwide.
- Governor Announces $18 Million for Water Quality Projects - The funding will enable 12 communities to undertake important projects that will protect the environment, enhance the quality of life for community residents, and ensure clean water for generations to come.
- DEC Announces Winner of 13th Annual Adirondack Stewardship Award - Dr. Chad P. Dawson received a plaque in recognition of, his stature in the national wilderness management community and his substantial contributions to our Adirondack Forest Preserve planning and land stewardship efforts.
- DEC Issues Additional Deer Management Permits - Deer management permits will be issued to hunters who were denied permits earlier this year during the DMP Instant Lottery.
- DEC Issues Draft Unit Management Plan for Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest - A public meeting is scheduled for December 7, 2004, and written public comments on the draft plan will be accepted until January 10, 2005.
October 2004
- DEC'S "Lark in the Park" Celebrates Catskill Park's 100th Anniversary - The ten-day "Lark in the Park" celebration will run from October 2-11, 2004, and showcase the Catskill Park's storied history by paying homage to everything from fly-fishing and hiking to artistic movements.
- Governor Signs Bill Creating Niagara River Greenway Commission - The Niagara Greenway will reconnect surrounding communities to the Niagara River, promote tourism and create new jobs.
- Governor Announces $4.2 Million for Clean-Fueled Buses - Five local government and transit agencies will receive funds to purchase clean-fueled hybrid electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
- Governor Announces Milestone Expansion of Fahnestock State Park - The recent 261-acre acquisition consists of vacant wooded land with 2,000 feet of frontage on Oscawana Lake and has helped to double the size of this scenic park.
- DEC Releases Pheasants for Hunting Season - The majority of the pheasants, raised at DEC's Reynolds Game Farm in Ithaca, will be released at state wildlife management and cooperative hunting areas that are open to public hunting.
- State Continues Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Program - The pesticide treatments being used are helping to improve the numbers and sizes of trout and salmon in the lake.
- Governor Pataki, Congressman Quinn Announce Buffalo Waterfront Project Grant - The project will improve public access to Times Beach-a former brownfield site considered to be one of the best birding areas in the northeastern United States.
- DEC Seeks Input from Hunters for Study on Ruffed Grouse - Hunters are asked to record their activities and sightings of ruffed grouse to help DEC learn more about and monitor these birds.
- New York State Fair DEC's Largest Outreach Effort - Nearly one million people visited this year's New York State Fair, where more than 300 DEC staff worked during the fair's 12-day run.
- Governor Participates in Release of Atlantic Sturgeon in Hudson River - The sturgeon release is part of a project to research the habitat use, movement, homing instincts, and health of wild and hatchery-raised immature Atlantic sturgeon in the Hudson River Estuary.
- DEC Enforces Public ATV Access Restrictions in Adirondacks - Public ATV access to the Aldrich Pond, Black River, Independence River and Watson's East wild forests in the western Adirondacks is limited and will be enforced, effective immediately.
- $8 Million Earmarked for Brownfields Projects - Bond Act funds will be used to investigate and clean up sites in a half dozen communities within the state.
- State Enforcement Targets Quality of Water Near New York City - New York State has negotiated a consent order with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) governing their implementation of the combined sewer overflow (CSO) abatement program.
- DEC Announces Final 2004-2005 Waterfowl Hunting Dates - Favorable conditions, such as healthy waterfowl populations, are expected to provide hunters with a successful season this fall.
- DEC Releases Draft Plan for Wild Turkey Management - Public comments on how New York State's wild turkey population should be managed will be accepted until October 15, 2004.
- DEC Honors Pollution Prevention Week Poster Contest Winners - September 20-26 was designated as Pollution Prevention Week in New York State, during which the winners of DEC's Pollution Prevention Poster Contest were announced.
- New State Park Opens on Lake Ontario - The Robert G. Wehle State Park will offer waterfront views and recreation in Jefferson County.
September 2004
- Statewide Waste Tire Cleanup to Begin this Fall - Nearly 30 million discarded tires will be collected throughout New York State and recycled for use in highway projects.
- Progress Being Made on Cleanup of Onondaga Lake - A feasibility study coupled with information submitted by Honeywell International, Inc. will form the basis for DEC's development of a Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) slated for public review later this year.
- Governor Announces Funding for New York City Watershed - More than $1 million has been earmarked to enhance and monitor the water quality in New York City's watershed.
- DEC Sponsors Catskill Park Centennial "Lark in the Park" - The public is invited to participate in the "Lark in the Park," when dozens of activities and events will be offered during a ten-day celebration of the Catskill Park.
- DEC Adopts Emergency Rules Regarding Acid Rain - A delay in reducing emissions cited in the Acid Deposition Reduction Program (ADRP) would have a negative impact on public health, the environment, and the general welfare of New York State.
- DEC and IBM Enter into Consent Order on Endicott Cleanup - The consent order provides a blueprint for IBM to further investigate and clean up the contamination at and around the Endicott site.
- Minimum Size Limit Raised for Recreational Fluke - The minimum size limit is now 18 inches and will remain in effect until the end of the fishing season on September 6, 2004.
- Grants to Fund 11 Water Quality Projects in the Peconic and South Shore Estuaries - The grants will fund 11 water quality projects in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
- DEC and RPI Launch Innovative Hudson River Project - "Riverscope" will link monitoring sites along the Hudson from Staten Island to Troy to provide data about short-term events and long-term changes on the river.
- Governor Announces $12.7 Million to Improve Water Quality - The funding will be used to assist municipalities and soil and water conservation districts in combatting water pollution by constructing new wastewater treatment facilities, upgrading existing facilities and reducing runoff.
- More than $5 Million Earmarked to Safeguard Water Resources in Nine Communities - Grants and financing provided by the New York Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving funds assist communities in undertaking critical water and sewer projects.
- 2004-05 Sporting Licenses Available Now - Hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and deer management permits (DMP) for 2004-05 can be acquired by mail, phone or in person at any one of DEC's 1,600 license sales outlets statewide.
- DEC Announces Amended Wetland Maps for Westchester County - Previously overlooked and unmapped, more than 5700 acres of wetlands within and adjacent to the New York City Watershed have been added.
- Public Invited to Fifth Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble - This year's Ramble offers more than 135 guided outdoor experiences through which people can explore the vast riches of the Hudson River Valley.
- Grants Announced for Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste - More than $3 million in New York EPF grants will cover half the cost to collect and dispose of household hazardous wastes in municipalities across the state.
- Public Feedback to Advise Future Web Site Improvements - The DEC web site survey offers users an opportunity to provide feedback which will influence future site improvements
August 2004
July 2004
- Governor and Congressional Representatives Announce "Hudson River Caucus" - The Hudson River Congressional Caucus, chaired by Congressman John Sweeney and Congresswoman Nita Lowey, will coordinate and bolster revitalization of the Hudson River.
- DEC Begins Effort to Develop "New York Environmental Leaders" Program - A recent meeting between DEC staff, New York members of NEPT and representatives from USEPA provided a forum for sharing experiences and ideas to encourage greater environmental performance.
- NYSDEC Corrective Action Program Receives National Award - The award recognizes NYSDEC's consistent leadership in the Corrective Action Program.
- Governor Announces Preservation of 60 Acres in Pine Barrens - The acreage, located in the Core Preservation Area, has one of the greatest concentrations of endangered, threatened and special concern plant and animal species in New York State.
- New York State Beach Cleanup Needs You - Please consider joining a cleanup team or forming one of your own for the International Coastal Cleanup scheduled on Saturday, September 18, 2004.
- New York State Urban and Community Forestry Council and Releaf Conference - "Planning for Green - A Hudson Valley Perspective" will offer workshops and tours of the area, highlighting successful urban and community forestry efforts.
- Agreement Reached on New Niagara River Greenway Commission - A greenway along the Niagara River from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie will help communities reconnect to the river, encourage tourism, and create new jobs.
- Adirondack and Catskill Park Improvements Funded - EPF grants totaling $1.5 million will be used to restore, renovate or rehabilitate recreation and comfort facilities for visitors, and to improve access to those facilities.
- New York State Unveils New Air Quality Health Advisory - A new public notification tool, the Air Quality Health Advisory, will expand upon the ozone advisory and include information about fine particulate matter.
- DEC Releases More Than 100 Atlantic Sturgeon into Hudson River - Ten sturgeon wearing sonic tags will gather data for research to help restore their populations.
- Governor Announces Purchase of Acreage in Sullivan County - The acquisition of 942 acres will enhance recreational opportunities and protect resources along the popular Shawangunk Ridge.
- Governor Announces Preservation Grants for Genesee Valley - A total of $440,000 in funds has been allocated for open space and preservation projects in Monroe and Orleans counties.
- Draft Unit Management Plan Released for Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest - Written public comments about the plan will be accepted until July 31.
- State Aims to Limit Public ATV Access in Adirondack Forest Preserve - DEC has submitted proposed amendments to amend unit management plans for the Aldrich, Independence River and Black River wild forest areas, and has proposed administrative actions for the Watson's East Wild Forest Area.
June 2004
- Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Moves Forward - The primary goal of the RGGI cap-and-trade program is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in participating states, while maintaining affordable and reliable energy, and accommodating diverse policies and programs in individual states.
- New York Campgrounds Among Best in the Nation - ReserveAmerica ranks 10 New York State campgrounds in the Top 100 Family Campgrounds in the nation.
- DEC Accepting Applications for Environmental Excellence Awards - The new award recognizes environmental sustainability and innovation. Applications are due by July 15.
- Fishing Season Is Underway - Seasons for open-water fish species have begun across New York State-come celebrate at a DEC fishing clinic.
- First School District in New York Operates Entire Fleet of Clean-Fuel Buses - The Long Beach School District purchased the buses with help from a grant from the State's Clean-Air School Bus Program.
- DEC Announces Public Meeting on Brownfield Cleanup Program - A meeting on June 8 will discuss Brownfield Cleanup Program incentives and requirements.
- Frogs: A Chorus of Colors Opens at American Museum of Natural History - This captivating exhibition at New York City's famed American Museum of Natural History features more than 200 live frogs, and introduces visitors to the colorful and richly diverse world of these popular amphibians.
- DEC Prepares Management Plan for West Canada Lakes Wilderness Area - Public meetings, scheduled for June 22 and 23, will discuss land management options at West Canada Lakes.
- ECO Larry Johnson Named Conservation Officer of the Year - A conservation group selects 24-year DEC veteran, ECO Larry Johnson, for winner of the Shikar-Safari annual award.
- Catskill Park Centennial Celebration Activities - Festivities will be held across the Catskill Park, throughout the year.
- Crotty Honored as Guardian of Long Island Sound - DEC Commissioner Erin Crotty was recently honored for her Long Island Sound restoration efforts.
- Tenth Annual Earth Day Environmental Fair at Five Rivers - More than 1,000 students and teachers from Capital District schools participated during the course of this three-day event.
- GE to Build Tunnel System at Hudson Falls Site - General Electric Company has agreed to implement measures to address PCB contamination as part of the State's Record of Decision for the GE Hudson Falls State Superfund site.
- Governor Announces Brownfields Grant for Westchester County - A Bond Act grant has been awarded to investigate contamination near the City of Yonkers' waterfront.
- Belleayre Mountain Segues into Spring and Summer - Changing with the seasons, Bellayre Mountain Ski Center offers opportunties for different kinds of recreation during the warmer months.
- Shellfishing Restricted in Four Towns in Suffolk County - The affected areas include Great South Bay, Little Peconic Bay, Cutchogue Harbor and Southold Bay.
- Governor Announces $573,000 for Capital Region Brownfields - Schenectady and Glens Falls have received grants to address contamination at technology parks.
- Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License Exam Scheduled - Interested individuals should apply to take the exam by August 1. The exam is scheduled for August 20.
May 2004
- Largest Land Preservation Action in New York State History - The state and International Paper Company will preserve nearly 260,000 acres encompassing 9 counties and 34 towns within the Adirondack Park.
- Final Policy on Environmental Management Systems - The policy establishes steps that DEC will take to motivate New York State's regulated community to implement systems to improve environmental performance.
- Catskill Park Celebrates 100th Anniversary - Throughout the next 12 months, the Catskill Park will be commemmorated for its importance to New York State's history, natural resources, economy and recreational offerings.
- State Accepting Applications for Environmental Grants - State agencies that implement these programs are holding public information meetings to provide information about program requirements and how to complete applications, and will include workshops for the new Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program and the enhanced Environmental Restoration Program.
- Funding Announced for Alice Brook Snowmobile Trail - The Alice Brook Trail will provide a legal route for snowmobiles to travel from trail networks in Lewis County to trails in the northern parts of the Adirondacks and help keep them off busy State Route 3
- New York State Commemorates Arbor Day 2004 - During a ceremony held at Albany's Corning Preserve, the importance of urban forestry was highlighted, and the 2004 Arbor Day Poster was unveiled.
- DEC Accepting Applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants - Volunteer Fire Assistance grants provide funding to rural fire departments for expenses directly related to the suppression of wildfires.
- Record Take for 2003 Bear Seasons - Although bear populations, hunters and harvests vary, last year hunters took the largest number of black bears-1864-in the history of New York State.
- Governor Celebrates Earth Day at Locations Throughout State - Governor Pataki announced funding for clean-fuel school buses in Monroe County, and the preservation and protection of nearly 34 acres of land along the Carmans River in Suffolk County.
- DEC Seeks Public Input on Draft Dental Mercury Regulations - Written comments on the proposed regulations will be accepted until Friday, May 21, 2004.
- State Holds Meetings on Brownfield Funding - The meetings will provide potential applicants with information about the Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) and the new Brownfields Opportunity Areas (BOA) program, including eligibility requirements and how to complete the application process.
- Troy Area College Gets Clean Energy Plant - Hudson Valley Community College now has a co-generation plant that combines natural gas with methane gas from a local landfill, thereby creating fuel from an otherwise wasted source and reducing air pollution as well.
- Caution Urged Due to Muddy Trails in Adirondacks - Hiking in the muddy conditions of the high peaks should be avoided through early June because it can damage vegetation and soft ground.
- Changes Made to 2004 Recreational Fishing Regulations - The changes supersede 2003 regulations regarding summer flounder (fluke), scup (porgy) and black sea bass.
- DEC Announces Cormorant Management Plans - DEC and the USDA will conduct cormorant management actions to reduce conflicts between a burgeoning cormorant population and fish and other wildlife.
- New BCA at Thacher and Thompson's Lake State Parks - The John Boyd Thacher/Thompson's Lake BCA in Albany County will support 102 confirmed or probable species of breeding songbirds in the area.
April 2004
March 2004
- Governor Announces Brownfield Grant for Amsterdam - New funding will help to address contamination at the Mohasco Mills Complex, a former carpet manufacturing facility.
- Applications Being Accepted for DEC Environmental Camps - Young campers enjoy a week's worth of unique educational and outdoor experiences at DEC's camps during the summer.
- 2003 Report Shows Continued Progress in DEC Law Enforcement - Environmental violators agreed to pay $1.8 million for projects that cover restoration of habitat, expansion of outdoor recreation, improvements to water quality and reductions in air pollution.
- Governor Announces $9.7 Million in Landfill Closure Funds - The counties receiving grants must close their landfills according to state requirements that ensure protection of public health and the environment.
- Annual Sale of Tree and Shrub Seedlings Underway - This program provides low-cost planting material to encourage private landowners to enhance New York State's environment for future generations.
- 2003 Safest Year for New York State Hunters - The number of hunting-related injuries reported to DEC last year was 32, beating the previous low of 43 in 2000.
- State Signs Cleanup Consent Orders with Honeywell - Honeywell must perform an interim remedial measure (IRM) at one site, conduct preliminary site assessments (PSA) at two others, and develop and implement a remedial design/remedial action (RD/RA) plan at another location.
- State Receives Wetlands Donation on Lake Ontario - The 40-acre parcel will provide opportunities for birding, hiking, hunting, observing wildlife, and fishing.
- Governor Announces Grants for Hudson Valley Waterfront Projects - One of the projects, a Rivers and Estuaries Center, will advance the understanding of rivers, estuaries and watersheds, help guide conservation and management policies, and offer educational programs.
- Pesticide Violation Case Settled - Reckitt Benckiser, Inc. will pay fines and give free compliance software to the entire pesticide manufacturing industry.
- Draft UMP for Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area Released - A public meeting will be held on March 29, and comments will be accepted until April 25, 2004.
- Public Comment Sought on Draft Shandaken Tunnel Discharge Permit - The draft permit includes a compliance schedule for projects that will help reduce turbidity of water entering the intake portal at the Schoharie Reservoir on a long-term basis.
February 2004
- Policy to Control Fine Particulate Emissions Made Final - DEC's new policy on PM2.5 will protect public health and the environment.
- Two New Bird Conservation Areas Proposed - The proposed sites will protect critical habitats, expand research and promote education.
- Snowmobile Plan Public Hearings Begin Soon - All interested parties are invited to participate in the upcoming public hearings or to provide written comments before March 31, 2004.
- DEC Offers Lifeguard Tests - The tests are scheduled from February 28 through early June 2004.
- Loon Migration Project Launched - DEC, along with several partenering organizations, will study the wintering grounds of these Adirondack birds.
- Annual Report Issued on Environmental Cleanups - New York State shows continued progress on contaminated site cleanups.
- Urban Forestry Grants Awarded to Four Cities - New forestry projects will be funded in New York City, Yonkers, Syracuse and Albany.
- Public Comment Period Extended for Draft Hazardous Facility Siting Plan - A new hearing will be held on March 16, 2004, and comments will be accepted through April 19, 2004.
- Applications Accepted for Pheasant Release Program - Anyone who wishes to participate in the pheasant release cooperative programs should apply by March 15, 2004.
- Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator Exams To Be Given in Spring - There is no charge for DEC's exams to become licensed volunteer wildlife rehabilitators and apprentices in falconry.
January 2004
- Draft Citizen Participation Plan Released for Endicott - The public has until March 1, 2004 to submit written comments on the plan.
- Governor Announces Lake George Open Space Acquisition - The agreement includes protection of 1,310 acres, which will help to enhance water quality and critical habitat.
- DEC Seeking Public Input on Crossroads Resort Proposal - Hearings will be held in mid January; the comment period ends on February 24, and an Issues Conference is scheduled for March 9, 2004.
- State Environmental Board Adopts Ozone Regulation - The regulation requires an additional 25 to 75 percent reduction in NOx emissions beyond existing requirements for stationary combustion engines.
- Fifth-Graders Encouraged to Create Posters for Arbor Day Contest - Students still have time to submit their posters by the deadline of January 9, 2004, but they must HURRY!
- Draft Plan Released for Snowmobile Use in Adirondacks - The draft plan envisions development and maintenance of an integrated snowmobile trail system on public and private land in the Adirondack Park while still protecting natural resources.
- DEC Accepting Applications for New Brownfield Cleanup Program - The new Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) is modeled on the former Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and addresses hazardous wastes, hazardous substances and petroleum contamination.
- Clean Water Projects Funded with $36 Million - Within the next year, 12 communities will improve their control over water pollution and the safety of their drinking water.
- Winter Activities at DEC's Environmental Education Centers - DEC's EECs have scheduled a variety of seasonal classes, programs and activities-most of them free of charge-for children, adults and families.
- Visitors to Adirondacks and Catskills Reminded of Potential Seasonal Hazards - Be prepared for existing and changing conditions-even the possibility of avalanches- when engaging in winter activities in the Adirondacks and Catskills.
- State Acquires 187 Acres of Catskill Wilderness - The Peck Hollow parcel, which includes a significant trout habitat, will become part of the Catskill Forest Preserve.
