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Environment DEC
2003 Archive
December 2003
- Come Ski Belleayre Mountain - There is a familiar sound in the air at Belleayre Mountain. It's the sound of friends, fun, and a whole new winter skiing season.
- Conservationist Magazine Makes a Great Gift - Give the gift of nature this holiday season, a full year of the Conservationist magazine for the very special price of only $10.00
- Indian Point Draft Permit Released for Public Review - DEC is seeking input from the public about the power facility's draft discharge permit by February 6, 2004.
- Brownfields Grant for Rensselaer County - In order to plan a cleanup strategy, a former industrial site in the City of Troy will be investigated to determine the extent of environmental contamination.
- Comments Wanted for Hazardous Waste Facility Draft Siting Plan - Legislative public hearings will be held statewide on January 7, 2004.
- DEC Cautions Motorists About Deer Encounters - Motorists should exercise all precautions in avoiding deer on New York's highways, especially at the high-risk times of dawn and dusk.
- Adirondack Stewardship Award Announced - The nonprofit Open Space Institute has been recognized for preserving Adirondack lands.
- Cleanup Plan Proposed for Harbor at Hastings Site - Draft plans for a cleanup at the former Anaconda Wire Plant are available for review and comment until December 29.
- Firearm Safety Initiative Launched - Project ChildSafe will distribute 712,500 gun locks to help protect New York State's children and communities.
- Farmland Conservation Program to Help Improve Water Quality - A joint New York State and USDA initiative will protect surface water.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Compost and Buy Recycled for the Holidays! - The holiday season with its accompanying buying, wrapping and celebrating substantially increases the amount of solid waste we generate. However, there are many opportunities for you to reduce, reuse and recycle the remnants of holiday cheer.
- DEC Web Site Presents Tour of Hudson River - The Hudson River's rich history and striking environmental recovery have made it one of the nation's fourteen American Heritage Rivers. This waterway is more than a river - it is a tidal estuary, an arm of the sea where salty sea water meets fresh water running off the land.
November 2003
October 2003
- Superfund Refinance and Reform Bill Passed - Historic legislation has been passed by both houses of the Legislature to help build stronger, healthier communities throughout New York State.
- Pheasants Released for 2003 Hunting Season - Some 25,000 adult pheasants will be released this year on lands open to public hunting, thanks in large part to DEC's pheasant raising and release programs which bolster hunting opportunities.
- 2003-2004 Waterfowl Hunting Dates - Favorable conditions are expected to provide for a successful hunting season.
- Governor Signs Bill to Enhance Protection of Long Island Pine Barrens - The law will provide for new enforcement authority to further protect valuable natural resources, including drinking water and threatened and special concern plant and animal species.
- Estuary Week Activities on Hudson River - Hudson River Estuary Week, which ran from September 20 through 28, 2003, offered dozens of events from New York Harbor to Troy in celebration of the important coastal habitats that provide New York State with many environmental, recreational and economic benefits.
- Developing Hudson River Fishing Regulations - A new public information document, which is one of the early steps in DEC's development of state regulations for recreational fishing of striped bass in the Hudson River Estuary, is available.
- Fall in New York-Brought to You by The Conservationist Magazine - The Conservationist, DEC's award-winning magazine, focuses on New York State's great outdoors and natural resources. It features stunning photography, informative articles and statewide coverage.
- Firsthand Lessons in Environmental Justice - DEC staff from various divisions around the state had the opportunity this summer to learn about environmental justice (EJ) issues in neighborhoods in or near their hometown.
- Public Meetings to Discuss Adirondack Areas - October public meetings will be held on two separate Unit Management Plans in the Adirondacks, one for Taylor Pond Wild Forest and the other for Wilmington Wild Forest.
- DEC's Nature Trail Places First in National Competition - DEC's State Symbols Nature Trail recently won the National Association for Conservation Information Award in the "Big Ideas, Small Budgets" category.
- Fall Festival at Belleayre - Visit Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, New York on October 11 and 12 during the peak of autumn colors for a great weekend of music, crafts, and fun at Belleayre's Fall Festival.
- DEC Rings In Autumn's Arrival - DEC recently hosted several special events to celebrate the change of seasons.
- DEC Honors Pollution Prevention Week Poster Contest Winners - Several students recieved awards for their ideas about preventing pollution and helping the environment.
- Annual Beach Cleanup Effort - Once again, the public turned out to voluntarily clean up beaches across the state.
September 2003
- Draft of Catskill Park State Land Master Plan Released - The public is encouraged to provide input for the plan, which will guide future management of New York's holdings within the Catskill State Park.
- New Boats to Aid Marine and Freshwater Law Enforcement - Four new 31-foot patrol boats are being added to DEC's fleet of new personal watercraft (PWC) to help enforce marine and freshwater fisheries operations and the Navigation Law.
- 2003-2004 Sporting Licenses Now Available - As of August 18, 2003, hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, and deer management permits could be purchased by mail, by phone, or at one of New York's 1,600 license sales outlets statewide.
- Grants for Non-point Source, Stormwater Management Water Quality Projects - September 30 is the application deadline for most Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Grants.
- Grants Announced for Projects in New York City and Westchester County - These funds will help organizations promote active community stewardship of urban shorelines, waterways, parklands and open spaces.
- Winner of 2003 New York State Mined Land Reclamation Award Announced - Southern Tier Stone Products, LLC, located in Binghamton, Broome County, has won the 2003 New York State Mined Land Reclamation Award for reclamation of a mine near Chenango Valley State Park.
- Fourth Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble Scheduled - This year's Hudson River Valley Ramble, which is open to the public, will be held on September 20-21, 2003.
- NYS Sends Firefighters to Assist with Montana Wildfires - Specially trained Forest Rangers and civilians joined the effort to combat fires raging out of control.
- Governor Announces Recipient of 2003 Environmental Stewardship Award - The Chambers families of Washington County recently received the award for addressing the conservation needs of their farm, particularly by preventing erosion on the bottomlands of the White Creek Valley, where much of their cropland is located.
- Governor Signs Bill to Convene Task Force on Invasive Species - The law will create an Invasive Species Task Force to examine how invasive species are introduced to New York State and the impact they have, and to make recommendations.
- Hunters Enjoy Successful Spring Turkey Season - Despite a slight drop in the harvest, hunters had a good turkey hunting season this past spring.
- Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Program Continues - This ongoing effort to protect the lake's fishery from non-native parasitic fish will benefit native trout and salmon populations, as well as anglers.
- Delaware River Catch-and- Release Catches On - According to a recent study funded by the states of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, more than 80 percent of American shad and nearly all striped bass caught in the Delaware River are released by recreational anglers.
August 2003
- Commissioner Crotty Named "Conservationist of the Year" - DEC Commissioner Erin Crotty recieved the Adirondack Council's highest honor, becoming the first woman to be named the Council's "Conservationist of the Year."
- Wildlife Pathology Facility Modernized - The new laboratory updates will assist in efforts to study wildlife mortality and protect public health from the threats of rabies, west nile virus, botulism and chronic wasting disease.
- DEC Program Receives National Award - The New York Natural Heritage Program has been recognized as the 2003 Outstanding Natural Heritage Program by NatureServe.
- State Provides Funding for Park Projects in Queens - Environmental benefit projects will preserve resources in sensitive areas of Queens County.
- New Features on DEC's Website Improve Access to Information - DEC's has two new web-based features; an environmental permit application search and information updates on IBM's cleanup in Endicott.
- Duck Permits Needed for Opening Weekend in Two Western New York Areas - Special permits for Oak Orchard and Tonawanda will increase the safety of hunters and the quality of the hunt.
- State Receives Federal Clean Vessels Grant - Funds will help marinas install waste facilities for recreation boats.
- Shellfish Area Closures - When water quality is unsatisfactory, DEC will announce the temporary closure of areas where clams, oysters, mussels and scallops normally can be caught. Shellfish area closure announcements are available by phone and Internet.
- Governor Announces Cooperation on Clean Air Initiative - Nine northeast states have agreed to participate in a regional strategy to curb emissions of carbon dioxide.
- DEC Records First Breeding of Sandhill Cranes in New York - A pair of sandhill cranes were found with offspring in the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area.
- State Preserves Land Along Shawangunk Ridge, Turkey Point - More than 500 acres have been set aside in the Hudson River Valley.
- Outdoor Recreation Access Improved in Oneida County - Located west of Utica, the Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area offers outdoor recreation including hiking, birdwatching, hunting, fishing and trapping, and now access to the Mohawk River.
- DEC Helps Sponsor Great Hudson River Paddle - The Great Hudson River Paddle 2003 celebrated a river with rich natural resources, a great wealth of cultural history, and greatly improved environmental quality.
- Tentative Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Announced for 2003-2004 - The tentative dates will be made final in September.
- DEC Announces Pollution Control Award Winner - The Chemung County Elmira Wastewater Treatment Facility has been honored for its outstanding maintenance program that protecs the Chemung River.
- New Pesticide Application Regulation Adopted - The regulations will improve the effectiveness of warning markers and set standards for lawn care contracts.
July 2003
- DEC Announces Preservation of Adirondack Acreage - The preservation of 840 acres of land in the Adirondacks will help to protect wildlife habitat and ensure sustainable forestry.
- Hudson Valley Power Plant Installing New Equipment to Curb Emissions - This landmark settlement will result in major air pollution cuts at the Lovett coal-fired plant and improve air quality throughout the region.
- Governor Announces More than $400,000 in Brownfields Cleanup Funds - The projects being funded are located in Cayuga, Columbia, Dutchess, Onondaga, Saratoga, Westchester and Yates counties.
- DEC, Town of Greece to Acquire 108 Acres Near Braddock Bay - Two parcels will be added to the Braddock Bay State Wildlife Management Area, conserving open space, protecting rare natural resources and enhancing public recreation.
- DEC Joins Community Organizations in Fishing for Justice Event - DEC staffers Craig Thompson and Joe Sicluna loaned fishing equipment and provided instruction in the rudiments of fishing to more than three dozen young anglers.
- Time Warner Completes Site Cleanup in Syracuse - Time Warner Cable worked with DEC and the State Department of Health to investigate and complete remediation of the abandoned property.
- Clean Water Linked Deposit Programs Legislation Unveiled - Governor Pataki proposes financial aid for clean water projects for businesses, farmers and homeowners.
- State Settles with GE Waterford Facility - In addition to funding environmental projects, General Electric will pay penalties for violations and implement upgrades at its facility in the Town of Waterford, Saratoga County.
- DEC and Albany Boys and Girls Club Hold Kayaking Classes for Urban Youth - Students were encouraged to focus on using their small watercraft safely and to learn to appreciate nature and outdoor activities.
- First Day of Summer Ushers in Bass Season - DEC encourages residents and visitors to take advantage of New York State's many opportunities for bass fishing.
- Emergency Permits for Spring Ice Storm Debris Removal in Western New York - Eligible western New York counties must submit their permit applications by August 29, 2003.
June 2003
- 10,000 Acres Preserved in Adirondacks - In keeping with his 2002 State of the State Address commitment to preserve 1 million additional acres of land over the next 10 years, Governor Pataki recently announced an agreement to permanently protect approximately 10,000 acres in the heart of the High Peaks region of the Adirondack Mountains.
- New Policy to Control Fine Particulate Emissions - Public Comments Due June 13 on Policy to Protect Health, Minimize Environmental Impacts.
- State Seeks Cleanup of Buffalo "Garbage Train" Site - New York State has filed a lawsuit aimed at the immediate removal of waste from an illegal transfer station.
- Applications Due for Governor's Pollution Prevention Award - June 30, 2003 is the deadline for businesses to apply for the tenth annual Governor's Pollution Prevention Awards.
- New Bird Conservation Areas - Sites will Protect Critical Bird Habitats, Expand Research and Education.
- Governor Announces $9 Million for Water Projects - Financing will help communities to provide safe drinking water and prevent water pollution.
- Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention at Hospitals - Hospital representatives from across New York State recently participated in DEC's Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention Conference for Hospitals in Albany.
- New York and Vermont Work Together on Lake Champlain Projects - The Governors of New York and Vermont pledge additional funding for Lake Champlain cleanups and plan to allow anglers to fish with only one license, either from New York or Vermont, in most of Lake Champlain.
- DEC Inspires Conservationists of Tomorrow - At events across the state, DEC hosts activities that teach kids to become stewards of the natural world.
- Celebrate Fishing During Free Fishing Days and Family Fishing Clinics - The tremendous wealth of water resources throughout the state provides habitat for more than 45 species of game and panfish, including popular species like bass, walleye, pike, trout and salmon.
- Governor Pataki Calls for Joint Approach to Fight Climate Change - Neighboring states have been asked to join a regional initiative to curb power plant emissions.
- Hudson River Water Trail to Promote Recreation - A new kiosk at Peebles Island State Park in Saratoga County is the first of 60 along the Greenway Trail to be installed.
- State Accepting Applications for Environmental Protection Fund Grants - Eligible local governments and organizations may apply for EPF grants in three categories: the Hudson River Estuary Grant Program; the Parks, Historic Preservation and Heritage Area Program; and the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.
- EPA Honors Staff from Division of Water - Phil DeGateano and Bob Cronin received 2003 EPA Environmental Quality Awards.
May 2003
- Governor Pataki Announces Selection of Beacon as Site for Research Center - The world-class Rivers and Estuaries Research Center will have satellites at RPI and Columbia.
- DEC Acquires Acreage in Old Place Creek Wetlands - This purchase of nearly 12 additional acres will expand the wetlands complex and help to preserve critical habitat.
- Dedication of "Patriot Tree" and Poster Contest Commemorate Arbor Day - In observance of Arbor Day, Governor George E. Pataki dedicated a Patriot Tree in tribute to New York State's military personnel, and DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty announced the winner of the statewide 2003 Arbor Day Poster Contest.
- Black Bear Hunters Enjoy Successful 2002 Season - Last year, 912 black bears were harvested, indicating that the state's bear populations are doing well and that New York State continues to offer abundant hunting opportunities.
- Bond Act Grants Will Fund Cleanups in Yonkers, the Mohawk Valley, and Erie and Niagara Counties - These brownfields will be investigated for environmental contamination, cleaned up and then redeveloped.
- Applications Due for Fire Assistance Grants - Rural fire companies that plan to apply to DEC for Volunteer Fire Assistance grants have until May 15, 2003 to do so.
- Cleanup Plan Proposed for GE Hudson Falls Plant - A public meeting was held on April 30, but written comments on the cleanup plan will be accepted through May 27.
- DEC Announces Changes to Marine Recreational Seasons - The open seasons for summer flounder, scup and striped bass have been expanded.
April 2003
March 2003
February 2003
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