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Environment DEC
2008 Archive
December 2008
November 2008
- Deer Management Permits Being Issued; Applications for Leftover Permits Being Accepted - Resident hunters have enjoyed a proud legacy in New York State, and DEC looks forward to helping them have a successful season again this year.
- New Bird Conservation Area Designated - New York State's BCA Program is designed to safeguard and enhance bird populations and their habitats on selected state-owned lands and waters, to provide a model stewardship program and to develop interpretive and educational programs for bird conservation.
- DEC Cleaning Up Gasoline Facilities Downstate - Inspections uncovered non-compliance issues at certain Shell gas stations that must be addressed, not only to correct problems but also to prevent future oil spills.
- Record Number of Youth Attend DEC Environmental Camps in 2008 - At a time when youngsters are spending numerous hours in front of computers, video games and television, disconnected from the natural world, it's encouraging that so many took advantage of DEC's camps this past summer.
- State to Restrict Use of Bug Bombs - DEC has been in discussions with the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regarding the hazards involved in using these products and has the authority to address them and protect New Yorkers.
- Grants Available for Projects to Improve Quality of Drinking Water in NYC Watershed - The critical work being done is essential for the future health of the region, its communities and the drinking water supply for one-half of the population of New York State.
- Tuberculosis Found in Captive Deer in Columbia County - Hunters or others who handle deer should wear protective gloves when field-dressing them and minimize exposure to their blood and other body fluids even if abscesses or other unusual lesions are not evident.
- Landowners Asked to Help Eradicate Invasive Vine Found in Cattaraugus County - Mile-a-minute weed threatens plant diversity and, in turn, could affect wildlife species by diminishing or eliminating native plants that they depend upon for food or habitat.
- Public Meetings Set to Review Drilling Proposals for Marcellus Shale - These meetings are designed to ensure that if the drilling goes forward, it is done in the most environmentally responsible way possible.
- Students Enjoy Learning about "A Day in the Life of the Hudson River" - Students find this hands-on experience inspiring, and they also begin to recognize the fact that cleaning up the river is a work in progress.
- DEC and SCA Celebrate Adirondack and Hudson Valley Stewardship - The service SCA members have provided demonstrates the benefits of stewardship, as they have formed a strong connection with nature, and their work enables others to enjoy nature with a minimum of negative effects on the environment.
- DEC Meets with Quebec Environmental Officials on Franklin County Landfill - The meeting provided a valuable exchange regarding the agencies' respective environmental review processes and programs and included a discussion on public involvement opportunities for new landfill activities in New York State.
- Draft Citizen Participation Handbook for Remedial Programs - Written public comments about the handbook, which provides details about how citizen participation activities are integrated into the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites, are being accepted until February 20, 2009.
- Belleayre Mountain Schedules Skiing Seven Days a Week - The Belleayre Ski Center is important to the local economy and, taking into consideration current financial pressures and energy costs, will offer a full and diverse season.
- Sections of Two Roads on State Lands Reopened to ATVs - ATV riders are an important part of the tourism community, and DEC had agreed to review specific requests to open roads to ATVs when compatible with provisions in the vehicle and traffic laws, such as in this case.
- DEC Partners with Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program - Invasive species have a devastating effect on the environment and the economy, and the challenges they pose are so varied that a regional approach is necessary.
- Pollution Being Reduced at Sites In and Near NYC - DEC has been acting to improve the environment around a sewage-sludge pelletization plant in the Bronx and at former utility company sites in New York City and Long Island.
October 2008
September 2008
- Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Tentatively Scheduled - Most waterfowl populations in New York State are in good shape this year, and the unique configuration of waterfowl management zones provides hunters with open seasons somewhere in the state almost continuously from early September to early March.
- 2008-09 Sporting License Sales - Hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and deer management permits (DMPs) can be purchased at any of DEC's 1,500 license sales outlets statewide.
- Waterfront Brownfield Transformed to Greenway - What was once an environmental wasteland between Buffalo and Lake Erie has been remediated to a spectacular green space and recreational resource.
- Maintaining New York State's Rivers, Lakes and Streams - The new Clean Water Collaborative will focus on funding solutions for the state's mounting wastewater and drinking-water infrastructure needs.
- Green Procurement Updates Available on New Web Page - This resource will provide the public with information about implementation of an executive order to coordinate promotion of green policies by state agencies.
- State Adopts Carbon Cap-and-Trade Program - The New York State Environmental Board has approved regulations to implement the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to enact regulations to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
- New Laws Designed to Spur Investment in Renewable Energy - These laws will expand the net metering of electricity generated by solar, wind and farm-waste power.
- Don't Flush Medications! - Instead of flushing outdated medications or medications no longer needed, residents should use alternative disposal methods to protect New York State's water quality and public health.
- New Adirondack-Based Institute Will Study Northern Forests - This world-class center will focus on research and management, providing education about forestry resources and challenges unique to our region, while also contributing significantly to local economies.
- DEC Enforcement Against Pepsi Results in Recycling Education - To compensate for environmental violations, the company paid $65,000 in fines and support for community benefit projects.
- DEC Acts Aggressively to Halt Northern Snakehead in Catlin Creek - Efforts helped to restore the creek and protect the Wallkill and Hudson River from this invasive predator native to Asia.
- Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Plan - Hearings will be held to obtain public input on the significantly revised draft of the plan.
- Become a Volunteer for the Environment - For those who would like to contribute to the conservation of New York's environment, many volunteer opportunities are available throughout the state.
August 2008
- Governor Paterson Signs Brownfields Reform Legislation - A long overdue victory for the people of New York, the reformed Brownfield Cleanup Program will help revitalize cities and towns while protecting public health and the environment.
- Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Goes Live - The 60-day process opened on July 24 for the first-in-the-nation carbon emissions allowances auction.
- Governor Announces Additional Major Funding for Snowmobile Trails - New procedures ensuring that snowmobile and snowmobile trailer registration fees are dedicated to trail maintenance and related activities will nearly double available funds.
- Two Announcements Affect the Future of Energy Exploration in New York - Governor Paterson recently signed a bill that updates New York's oil and gas drilling laws, and DEC, at the governor's direction, will conduct a public process to review the potential impacts of drilling in the Marcellus Shale Formation for natural gas.
- Public Invited to Review Proposed Management Plan for 46-Corners State Forest - A meeting about the plan for the 18,032-acre area, which includes eight state forests, is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Tuesday, August 5, in the Village of Camden, Oneida County.
- DEC Proposes to Open New Areas to Bear Hunting - Though DEC already hosted several public meetings in mid-July to discuss the proposed changes, comments are still being accepted until August 9.
- DEC Adds Public Hearings on Proposed Rule to Eliminate Open Burning Statewide - Additional hearings will give the public more opportunities to ask questions or comment on the expanded proposal.
- DEC Sweep of Fulton Fish Market Finds Violations of State Law - The cooperative enforcement action involved New York City, state, interstate and federal enforcement personnel, who seized more than 200 illegal fish products.
- Governor Paterson Signs Bill to Create Junior Hunter Mentoring Program - The legislation will boost New York's sporting community and brings New York in line with other states' hunting programs.
- DEC Announces Tentative 2008-09 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons - Early announcement of season dates will allow hunters more time to plan their trips.
- Delaware River Basin States Join in Emergency Thermal Release Program for Fishery Protection - An infusion of cold water from Cannonsville Reservoir will moderate the adverse effects on the fishery that are predicted if water temperatures rise to unseasonably high levels as anticipated this summer.
- Deer Watchers Wanted - DEC invites volunteers to observe and count deer in their areas and report their findings in order to improve DEC's deer management program.
- Camillus Forest Unique Area to Undergo Habitat Restoration - The project will improve habitat for grassland birds, a group that is declining due to loss of important breeding areas to suburban sprawl.
- News From Two Fronts in Battle Against Tree-killing Invasive Beetles - A year later, efforts to eradicate Asian longhorned beetle from an island in New York harbor have been successful so far, and an all-out monitoring effort is underway to determine whether emerald ash borer is present in Western New York.
- DEC Takes Aggressive Action to Halt Northern Snakehead Fish Invasion of Catlin Creek - The action will restore the creek and protect the Wallkill and Hudson rivers from the invasive predator.
- DEC Announces $900,000 in Urban Forestry Grants - The grant funding will help support tree plantings and other projects in small communities and large cities across the state.
- DEC Forest Rangers and Crew Fight California Wildfires - New York State's forest rangers are among the most highly trained, professional wildfire fighting teams in the nation and are routinely called upon by the U.S. Forest Service to assist in other states.
- Additional Discoveries of Didymo in Famed NYS Fishing Rivers - The main stem of Delaware River is now considered infested with the aquatic nuisance algae.
- Miscellaneous News Items - Links to stories about an upcoming leashed tracking dog handler exam, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop, a fish die-off in Lake Erie, and a court decision that prohibits dumping ballast water from ocean-going vessels in New York waters.
July 2008
- Agreement on Brownfield Reform Announced - This agreement balances the need to clean up sites and spur development with the need to provide fiscal controls and prevent situations where developers receive unintended windfalls.
- DEC and APA Form "Quiet Waters" Working Group for ADK Park - Too few places in the Adirondacks offer paddlers the tranquility of a motorless water body, requiring a reevaluation of current designations in response to increased use and demand.
- Universally Accessible Fishing Pier Opens on Lake Champlain - The new, bench-lined pier and sheltered pavilion at South Bay offer accessibility, comfort and numerous opportunities for anglers.
- Efforts Increase to Protect Forests from Invasives and Other Threats - These efforts involve imposing restrictions on the transportation of untreated firewood, informing campers about the dangers in moving firewood and encouraging their cooperation.
- "Quad" Grants Awarded to Schools, Organizations and Governments - The "mini grants" will help fund plans for celebrating the 400th anniversary, or quadricentennial, of the historic voyages of Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain.
- Revised Fishing Regulations for Shad - By allowing a daily take of one American shad per person--which will not significantly affect the shad population--DEC is acknowledging the valuable contributions that recreational anglers make as stewards of our natural resources.
- DEC Acquires Catskill Mountain and Shawangunk Ridge Lands - The land, which was acquired through the Environmental Protection Fund, includes 330 acres in the Catskill Park and 140 acres along Shawangunk Ridge.
- Belleayre Beach Debuts Aquatics Program and Begins Construction on Fully Accessible Building - A new aquatics program is being offered this year at Belleayre Beach, and construction on a building to house Belleayre's adaptive snowsports program has begun as well.
- Submit Your Camp Application Now! - Don't delay; spots go fast at DEC's environmental education camps, where kids enjoy unique outdoor experiences.
- Settlement Paves Way for Sewer/Stormwater Upgrades and Green Infrastructure in NYC - The new compliance schedule and upgrades will significantly improve the quality of New York City's waters and marine environment and make progress toward 'greening' neighborhoods and reducing potential overflow problems.
- Ulster County Environmental Conservation Officer Named 2007 Officer of the Year - The Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association recognized Cynthia Harcher for her 20 years of service with DEC.
- Bachy Marina Purchase - The site, on Lake Ontario, will allow residents and visitors to go boating or kayaking, participate in terrific fishing opportunities and connect to nature year-round.
June 2008
- Report Finds Scant Progress 21 Years After West Valley Cleanup Pact - Only one major aspect of the remediation mandate, the "vitrification" or solidification of liquid, high-level radioactive waste into glass-like logs, has been met.
- Public Comment Period, Hearings Set For Greenhouse Gas Proposal - New York State will be among 10 regional states participating in the nation's first "cap and trade" program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Hearings are scheduled for June 9 in Albany and in Stony Brook on Long Island. Comments will be accepted until June 23.
- DEC Campgrounds are Open for Business - Since May 16, DEC campgrounds in the Adirondacks and Catskills have been welcoming campers to the 2008 camping season. To prevent the spread of invasive insects, DEC reminds campers not to bring firewood from home.
- New DEC "Green Living" Web Feature Has Something for Everyone - With the addition of this new feature, DEC hopes to bring together in one place the day-to-day information you need to live more gently on the Earth.
- DEC Proposes Rule Change to Eliminate Open Burning - The change will address the harmful air emissions and wildfire risks associated with the open burning of residential trash.
- DEC Changes 2008 Recreational Marine Fishing Regulations - New season dates, size limits, and catch restrictions have been set for fluke (summer flounder) and porgy (scup) in order to bolster populations of the two popular species.
- DEC Offers Tips for Encounters with Wildlife - As the weather warms, both people and wildlife are much more active in the outdoors and more likely to encounter each other. Here's how to keep those encounters with young animals and coyotes safe and enjoyable for both you and them.
- Smart Growth/Energy Efficiency to be Promoted Through Clean Water Funding - Clean water programs will incorporate wise land use and energy conservation in future project evaluations.
- DEC Offers Tips for Preventing Problems with Bears - Campers, hikers, homeowners and bears can all benefit if people take a few simple precautions when it comes to preventing destructive encounters with these large, powerful creatures.
- Website Offers a New Mapping Gateway - When using the new gateway, the public and GIS professionals will find that geographic information is now available in several easy-to-use formats.
- New York Announces Suspension and Stop Sale/Use of Four Pesticides - Pesticides must be registered with U.S. EPA, as well as New York State. The four Scotts products were illegally labeled with invalid EPA registration numbers.
- Announcements - Additional shellfish areas closed in Long Island; deadline nears for applications for DEC environmental education camps.
- Early Sturgeon Data Show Unexpected Results - Conventional wisdom is overturned by actual observations in two study groups of Atlantic sturgeon tracked to learn more about their migratory routes and spawning behavior.
- DEC Awarded Federal Forestry Grant - The grant is for testing new urban forestry models in order to reduce combined sewer overflows in the Hudson River and New York/New Jersey Harbor greater metropolitan area.
May 2008
- To Prevent Wildfires, Avoid Open Burning - Fueled by dry brush and debris in early spring, wildfires can begin easily and spread quickly, often with drastic consequences.
- New "Green Living" Feature on DEC's Website - Appropriately enough, this new feature--designed to help people make environmentally responsible choices in their daily lives--debuted on Earth Day.
- DEC Closes Roads on State Lands to ATVs - Forty roads on state reforestation areas in Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties recently closed to ATVs, although qualified people with disabilities may continue to use their ATVs on DEC-designated roads.
- Volunteer Climate Registry Records GHG Emissions and Tracks Efforts to Reduce Them - All New York State businesses, non-profit organizations, universities and municipalities are encouraged to join the registry and begin measuring and reporting their emissions.
- "DEC Outdoor Discovery" New Electronic Newsletter - The newsletter will encourage families to connect to nature by exploring the outdoors and learning about the environment.
- Free Fishing Days Scheduled - Free fishing events throughout the state provide opportunities for those who don't fish to learn about and try it without having to invest in a license first.
- Statewide Green Schools Challenge Encourages Students to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - This is a wonderful opportunity for teaching children about environmental stewardship while putting their lessons into action; it also piggybacks with planning measures recently introduced to encourage more schools to be environmentally friendly.
- Streamside Buffer Plantings In Hudson River Estuary Watershed - Riparian buffers help to reduce pollution, flooding and erosion, increase overall biodiversity and improve in-stream health.
- Alewife Die-off in Lake Champlain - Sudden drops in water temperature may account for the deaths of thousands of these fish--an invasive species particularly susceptible to rapid change.
- Hudson River Estuary Grants Available - The grant process offers opportunities for local municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to partner with the state to promote and further develop restoration goals for the Hudson River and its watershed.
- State Conservation Partnership Program and Land Trust Grants - More than 50 recently awarded grants will allow community-based organizations to conserve natural areas and open space in their communities.
- Optimistic Forecast for Spring 2008 Turkey Season - The above-average nesting season during summer 2007 and another relatively mild winter throughout much of the state likely will result in good turkey numbers, similar to last year's.
- Opening Day Approaches for Prized Freshwater Fish Species - Probably no state in the country provides fishing opportunities as diverse as those found in New York, where the fishing experience gets better with time.
- Record-Setting Spring 2008 CleanSweepNY - Approximately 132,500 pounds of unwanted pesticides and old laboratory chemicals, 35 pounds of elemental mercury, almost 340 mercury-containing devices and about 70 recyclable pesticide containers were collected, representing the largest, single collection among a total of ten such events.
- DEC Land Purchase a Boon to All Concerned - With this transaction, state and local government, conservation organizations and private landowners have addressed the needs of the Village of Old Forge while preserving an important section of the Moose River, thereby benefiting everyone involved.
- DEC Accepting Applications for Urban Forestry Projects - Such projects--funded by EPF grants ranging from $2,500 to $75,000--will add new green spaces and enhance existing ones in cities throughout the state.
- New Maps of Hudson River Boating and Fishing Access Sites Available - A free CD that includes the maps and related information is available by request while supplies last.
- New Draft of Catskill Park State Land Master Plan - The draft plan can be seen on DEC's website, and the public is invited to submit comments until May 19, 2008.
- DEC Accepting Applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants - Eligible rural fire departments can receive $1,000 grants for equipment to enhance their wildfire fighting capabilities.
- DEC Commissioner Visits Recovered River on Trout Opening Day - Seven years ago, a chemical spill in the Hoosic River killed thousands of fish within a ten-mile stretch, but an environmental benefits project has restored the river since then, allowing anglers to cast their lines safely once again.
- Small Bluestone Operations Thrive in New York State - Renewed demand for and limited resources of bluestone, combined with new rules governing the mining of it in New York, have helped to spur growth in this niche industry.
- Meeting Downstate Energy Needs - Governor Paterson has outlined steps to meet Long Island's and New York City's growing demand for energy after expressing his concerns about the Broadwater Liquefied Natural Gas project proposed for Long Island Sound.
- Symposium on Children's Environmental Health - Although progress has been made regarding traditional toxins like lead, mercury and secondhand smoke, additional support such as more funding, increased outreach and collaborative approaches are needed to address emerging environmental health risks.
- Agreement Signed to Improve Dam Safety at Reservoir No. 2 in Ilion - The village must pay a $10,000 penalty and abide by a schedule of inspections, engineering reports and work to repair structural deficiencies to ensure public safety.
- Private Landowners and Timber Theft - Preventive measures are the best defense for landowners who need to protect their property and trees from timber theft.
- Revised Open Space Plan Proposed for Region 7 - The public is encouraged to attend one of the meetings scheduled in May to offer their comments on the proposed plan.
April 2008
- Governor Paterson Announces Smart Growth Grants for Adirondack Park Communities - Projects receiving grants link together the concepts of sustainable development, environmental protection and community livability.
- Date for Nation's First Auction of Greenhouse Gas Allowances Announced - The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) states also selected firms to support implementation of the first CO2 cap-and-trade program in the U.S.
- EPA Decisions on Standards for Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Draw Criticism from DEC - DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis slammed the EPA for blocking states from limiting greenhouse gas emissions from autos, while Assistant Commissioner Jared Snyder criticized the agency for failing to set lower standards for allowable levels of atmospheric ozone.
- Roadmap to Significantly Increase Renewable Energy Generation in New York Announced - Recommendations include more solar energy, funding the state's program to get 25 percent of our electricity from renewable energy, and new business incentives to attract renewable energy companies and create "green" jobs.
- DEC Submits Fish/Wildlife Bills to Legislature - Three bills-one to establish junior hunter/trapper licenses and mentoring programs, another to modernize fish/wildlife law, and a third to increase penalties for violations of Environmental Conservation Law-were introduced.
- New York's Trout and Salmon Season Begins - DEC encourages anglers to introduce someone new to our state's excellent fishing as the annual freshwater seasons start.
- Belleayre Mountain Wildacres and Highmount Resorts Scoping Document Released - The purpose of the final scope is to outline the factors that must be included in the environmental impact statements for the resort project and the unit management plan.
- New York Joins Great Lakes Water Resources Compact - The multi-state agreement will protect and preserve the water resources of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin.
- Great Lakes Protection Grant Applications Being Accepted - Grants up to $500,000 are available from the New York State Great Lakes Protection Fund.
- Report Evaluates Wastewater Infrastructure Needs - Federal support for wastewater infrastructure, which has historically been the main source of funding for sewage-system improvements, has declined steadily.
- New York Joins Elite Company with Certified "Green" Forests - State-owned forests were audited and found to meet the highest standards for protection and sustainability in order to merit the "green certified" designation.
- DEC Announces "Quad Legacy" Plan and Acquisition of Original Livingston Manor Lands - Timed to coincide with the 2009 Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial celebration, legacy projects will focus on conservation of Hudson River and Lake Champlain resources.
- DEC Invites Property Owners to Help Control Nuisance Geese - Along with introducing a new hunting season this past March, DEC is making other tools available to alleviate problems with large flocks of these migratory waterfowl.
- Funds Earmarked to Battle Terrestrial Invasive Species - DEC grants will finance local projects thoughout the state to eradicate troublesome plant invaders.
- DEC Website Use Continues to be High in 2007 - The launch of an improved site with a more attractive and functional page design, and an improved navigation scheme all contributed to another successful year of meeting the public's need for outdoor recreation, conservation and environmental information.
- DEC Invites Hunter Input on Fall 2008-09 Waterfowl Seasons - Task forces consisting of New York State Conservation Council members, established waterfowl hunting organization representatives, and hunters will help set season dates for waterfowl hunting in New York.
- DEC Releases 2007 Deer and Bear Harvest Figures - Numbers of deer taken continues to climb and another season has passed without further detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Bear take also increased throughout all of New York's bear hunting ranges.
- DEC Settles with Hess Over Gas and Oil Storage and Tidal Wetlands Violations - The company will pay a penalty of $1.1 million for the violations, as well as $300,000 to help restore Hudson River Estuary damage.
- DEC Focuses on the Decline of Hudson River Shad Populations - In response to the decline, New York State has issued emergency fishing regulations and is exploring ecosystem-based management strategies.
- Fire Department and Three Individuals Charged in Illegal Controlled Burn - The Ira Fire Department, their chief, the owner of the vacant house that was burned, and the contractor that disposed of burn debris were fined for releasing asbestos to the air and illegal solid-waste disposal among other things.
March 2008
- DEC and TNC Agree to Conserve Finch-Pruyn Lands - The agreement will ensure preservation of critical ecosystems and enhancements and economic benefits to the greater community.
- MTBE Study of LI Gas Stations Released - The study uncovered 32 previously unreported petroleum spills affecting soil and groundwater, one of which threatened a public drinking water supply until DEC intervened.
- State Purchases Most of Tahawus Tract from Open Space Institute - More than 6,800 acres has been added to the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
- Commissioner Grannis Comments on Federal Appeals Court Decision Striking Down the EPA's Clean Air Mercury Rule - The court's decision about the EPA's policy "is a tremendous victory for states like New York that are impacted by the damaging effects of mercury."
- Bat Die-off Prompts Investigation - DEC, wildlife agencies and researchers around the nation are working to find a cause for the die-off, which ultimately could affect hundreds of thousands of bats in the New York State alone.
- Register Now for Second Children's Environmental Health Symposium - During this free, day-long event, experts in research, practice and policy will speak on emerging issues particularly affecting children's environmental health.
- Settlement Resolves Company's Air and Water Violations - The settlement compels Mirant Bowline, Inc. to upgrade its operations, helps safeguard the river and will boost an important field of Hudson River research.
- More than One Million Dollars Available in Environmental Justice Grant Funds - Eligible grant projects must address environmental or related human health problems in the community and educate residents as well.
- Proposed Fishing Regulations Announced for 2008-2010 - DEC will be accepting public comments on the proposals until April 4, 2008.
- Shrub and Tree Seedling Sale - Shrubs and tree seedlings are available from Saratoga Tree Nursery for purchase by homeowners, but schools throughout the state can request free materials for planting.
- Exam for Falconry Apprentice License Scheduled - Applicants must be at least 14 years old, possess a valid New York State small-game hunting license and maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing raptors.
- Supplemental EIS for Gore Mountain Available for Public Review - The purpose of the SEIS is to address the cumulative environmental impacts associated with the proposed projects for the Gore Mountain Ski Center and the historic North Creek Ski Bowl that were not included in the original UMP submission.
- New Safety Regulations Proposed for Dams - If adopted, the regulations would require more dam inspections, regular maintenance, better record keeping and emergency planning.
- DEC Names New Chief to Promote Environmental Equity and Justice - As Chief Advocate for Environmental Justice, Lisa Garcia will pursue community-based initiatives in minority and low-income areas across the state.
- Decline in Population Prompts Lower Limit on Tautog Recreational Catch - In addition to a limit of only four fish, the spring season will be shorter by a month.
- Funding Available for Landfill Closure Projects - The projects will generate electricity from landfill gas and assist in landfill management.
- Firm Cited for Abandoning Barges in Jamaica Bay - The barges present a danger to the sensitive ecosystems of the basin and to navigation in the area.
February 2008
- Multi-State Plan to Reduce Mercury Impacts in Fish wins EPA Approval - While calling on the EPA to implement new nationwide mercury pollution controls, New York is continuing its own in-state control efforts.
- Special DEC Unit to Tackle Dramatic Rise in Invasive Species - The new Office of Invasive Species will coordinate public outreach, legislation and research needs associated with addressing this growing environmental and economic problem.
- DEC Proposes Wind Energy Project Guidelines for Conducting Avian Studies - The assessment guidelines are designed to improve our understanding about the effect of wind turbines on the mortality and behavior of birds and bats.
- February 15 Deadline for Public Comment on Draft Adirondack Trail Plan - The 140-mile Adirondack trail section would connect portions of existing and new trails in New York State to a 4,600-mile long interstate trail network called the North Country National Scenic Trail, stretching from Crown Point, New York, to Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota.
- Hatchery and Marina Overhauls, Habitat Repair Included in Lake Ontario Settlement - A total of $12 million in improvements has been earmarked for more than three dozen projects in counties all along Lake Ontario's shore as part of the settlement with Occidental Chemical Corporation.
- Leadership Team Announced for Quadricentennial Commission - Tara Sullivan has been named to the post and will coordinate activities over a wide area, interacting with several state agencies and municipalities.
- $150,000 Fine Marks Settlement with Syracuse Company - Roth Steel Corporation agrees to upgrade its practices and remedy its problems with solid waste disposal, stormwater runoff, and air emissions.
- DEC Proposes Extending Protection to More Seneca County Wetlands - Public comments on the proposal to add 26 protected wetland areas in the towns of Varick and Romulus will be accepted until February 15.
- DEC Recognizes Sullivan County Officials for Their Environmental Commitment - Town of Rockland Supervisor Pat Pomeroy, and her successor, Supervisor Patrick Casey, have been implementing an advanced program to reduce peak flood levels in their town.
- Reovirus Blamed for Crow Die-offs - An investigation by DEC indicates that this is a new strain of virus, however, it is not thought to be a threat to human health.
- Conservation Officers, Rangers to Train with "Green Ammo" - The ammunition will be phased in at DEC training facilities, and is considered "green" in comparison to standard ammunition because it is lead-free and includes non-toxic primers.
- DEC Cites New Jersey Company for Possession of Banned Pesticide - Investigation into bird kills on Staten Island uncovered alleged violations of state law by the New Jersey-based firm AAA Animal and Pest Control.
- A February Full of Fun at Belleayre Mountain - For skiers and snowboard riders of all ages, Belleayre offers several fun special events during this shortest but busiest month of the winter.
- DEC Ed Centers Warm Up One of Winter's Coldest Months - DEC's four Environmental Education Centers welcome one and all to a wide variety of winter activities, both indoors and out, that run all through frigid February.
- DEC Accepting Applications for Pheasant Release Programs - Applications for the annual cooperative rearing and release programs for these popular game birds are due by March 15.
January 2008
- Effort to Halt Indian Point Relicensing Announced - Papers that have been submitted to deny relicensing of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant identify dangerous deficiencies related to terrorism, earthquakes, evacuation plans and the surrounding population density.
- Governor Signs Executive Order Creating Smart Growth Cabinet - The cabinet, staffed by experienced state agency leaders, will determine how best to discourage sprawl and promote smart land-use practices.
- Governor Announces Environmental Protection Fund Grants - More than $25 million assisted with projects involving waterfront revitalization, historic preservation, open space expansion and public land accessibility.
- Hudson Estuary Grants Announced in Preparation for Quadricentennial - As New York begins preparing for the Hudson-Champlain Quadricentennial in 2009, multiple projects and two appointments have been funded with the objective of creating opportunities for greater enjoyment of the outdoors by state residents.
- Fourth Annual Environmental Excellence Awards Presented - DEC established these awards in 2004 to recognize ingenuity, creative partnerships and leadership efforts that achieve noteworthy environmental, social and economic benefits for New York State.
- DEC Launches "Conservationist for Kids" - The new magazine, designed to encourage children to reconnect with the outdoors and the natural world, will be sent to fourth-graders in public schools throughout the state.
- Recycling Grants for Municipalities and Solid Waste Management Facilities Statewide - More than $25 million in EPF grants is being made available to 92 municipalities and solid waste management authorities for the purchase of equipment, the improvement of facilities and the promotion of recycling.
- Comment Period Extended on Proposed Expansion At and Around Belleayre Mountain - DEC will consider the public's comments prior to drafting a supplemental environmental impact statement, which will guide review of the proposed developments.
- Grants to Finance Numerous Projects for Eradicating Harmful Invasives - DEC has earmarked $1.4 million to battle milfoil, phragmites and other aquatic invasive species throughout the state.
- Policy Veteran Named Special Projects Director - Wallace John has joined the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as a special assistant for natural resources.
- Watch Out for Avalanches in Adirondacks! - Winter visitors to the back country of the Adirondack Mountains should be aware of avalanche danger and take necessary precautions.
- New York, Albany and Erie Counties Awarded Environmental Justice Grants - More than $70,000 was awarded for a rooftop garden and for air-quality and water-quality monitoring projects in communities occupied primarily by minority and low-income populations.
- Entries Sought for Arbor Day Poster Contest - The contest is open to all fifth-graders throughout the state, who should submit their original designs for the theme "Trees are Terrific...Inside and Out" by January 17, 2008.
- Emergency Trapping Regulations Extended - The extension was filed on December 11, 2007 and will be in effect for 60 days, during which time the Department of Environmental Conservation will review comments received from the public on a proposed permanent rule.
- New Year Brings Third Season of Wild Turkey Studies - The annual turkey-banding program and statewide winter flock survey will help guide future management efforts for this popular game bird.
- Lifeguard Testing Begins January 6, 2008 - People who wish to work as lifeguards at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation facilities next summer must pass an examination and meet other requirements to be considered for employment.
- Environment DEC - Free Notifications - Instead of checking at the beginning of each month to see whether the latest electronic newsletter has been published, readers can subscribe to DEC's automatic notification service.
