2008 Archive

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 benefitting 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.

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