Environment DEC
From the May 2007 issue
DEC's New Public Website Goes Live
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis has announced the unveiling of DEC's redesigned website. The significantly improved website went live on May 4, 2007, complete with a new address, www.dec.ny.gov. DEC's website now provides features that make it easier for users to find the information they need. The site also uses automated content management to handle an already large and growing amount of data with speed and reliability.
"This redesign is the product of many months of vigorous effort by DEC's web team and other staff," said Commissioner Grannis. "A key element in DEC's mission is to raise awareness of the environment and environmental issues in the minds of New Yorkers. With millions of visitors each year, the website is a powerful tool for accomplishing this mission."
In the ten years since its inception, DEC's website has grown tremendously, and the number of visitors has multiplied each year. Last year, more than 9.2 million new and returning visitors consulted the site for answers to their environmental questions. With more than 33,000 files, information ranges from where to get a sporting license and when a local hazardous waste site will be cleaned up, to what kinds of animals live in New York and how to help reduce global warming.
The website redesign project was accomplished in consultation with site users and DEC staff, incorporating ideas from a focus group, site-use records and suggestions received via website feedback. It represents a large investment of resources in content development and management.
Along with updating the look and feel of DEC's website, the redesign project introduces automated web-content management to maximize the benefit that users will get from this investment. This new system will provide "breadcrumb" navigation, printer-friendly page versions and other important features. In addition, automated content creation and editing will make it easier for staff to keep information current and provide more reliable management of our site.
