Printer-friendlyEnvironment DEC
Welcome to Environment DEC, DEC's online newsletter. Each issue presents news about New York State's environment, natural resources and DEC's environmental quality programs. Look for a new Environment DEC at the beginning of each month. Subscribe to our free e-mail notification, and you will be notified when each new issue becomes available.
May 2008
To reduce the chance of open burns getting out of contol, never leave a fire unattended and avoid burning on windy daysTo 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.
Check out "10 Things You Can Do To Help The Environment Right Now" on the Green Living main pageNew "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.
ATVs are restricted from certain roads under DEC's jurisdiction beginning April 15, 2008DEC 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.
DEC is joining the Climate Registry and will begin reporting the agency's emissions dataVolunteer 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.
Fun activities for all seasons and family-friendly events at DEC environmental education centers will be featured"DEC Outdoor Discovery" New Electronic Newsletter
The newsletter will encourage families to connect to nature by exploring the outdoors and learning about the environment.
Participants will be provided with equipment and learn about technique, angling ethics and aquatic ecologyFree 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.
Participants in the Green Schools Challenge will be practicing the "Three R's" every dayStatewide 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.
Volunteers will be needed to plant over 4500 native trees and shrubs on Hudson Valley streambanksStreamside Buffer Plantings In Hudson River Estuary Watershed
Riparian buffers help to reduce pollution, flooding and erosion, increase overall biodiversity and improve in-stream health.
The thousands of dead alewives do not present a health or environmental problemAlewife 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.
The Hudson River estuary covers nearly half the river's length, extending to the Troy damHudson 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.
The grants help protect wetlands, wildlife habitat, farmland and other environmentally important landsState 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.
Hunters need a special turkey-hunting permit and must report turkeys shot to DECOptimistic 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.
Take a friend fishing! Bass season is underway. Walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskellunge season starts May 3Opening 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.
CleanSweep gives residents a safe and environmentally sound way to dispose of toxic substancesRecord-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.
The hilly terrain and rocky outcrops offer beautiful views of this new forest preserve along the Moose RiverDEC 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.
$1000 'Quick Start' Arbor Day grants are also available to help communities promote urban tree programsDEC 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.
This map of the Stony Point section of the Hudson includes driving directions, hours, information on accessibility and fishing and boating tipsNew 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.
Significant changes to the master plan strive to balance recreational opportunities with resource protectionNew 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.
Rural fire departments serving underprotected communities are encouraged to applyDEC Accepting Applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants
Eligible rural fire departments can receive $1,000 grants for equipment to enhance their wildfire fighting capabilities.
The Hoosic's high, swift waters precluded much trout fishing on opening day, but DEC Commisioner Pete Grannis and Rensselaer Land Trust director John Middlebrooks were optimistic about new recreation opportunitiesDEC 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.
Bluestone is a 100 million dollar industry for New York and is found only here and in PennsylvaniaSmall 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.
The natural resources of Long Island Sound would be threatened by Broadwater's plans for a Floating Storage and Regasification UnitMeeting 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.
Children are especially sensitive to environmental toxins, even at levels safe for adultsSymposium 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.
The dam at Reservoir # 2 must be brought into compliance with safety standards by the end of October 2010 - photo courtesy Carl Quance, Division of WaterAgreement 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.
Large, high-value hardwood trees such as black cherry, sugar maple and red oak are especially attractive to timber thievesPrivate Landowners and Timber Theft
Preventive measures are the best defense for landowners who need to protect their property and trees from timber theft.
Fairhaven Beach State Park is an important staging area for migratory birds and a popular open space areaRevised 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.PREVIOUS ISSUE: 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.
