DEC invites the public to comment about a proposal to address contamination related to the Cahoon Parcel Site-Off-Site #C859026A (Wolcott, Wayne County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through May 30, 2022.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the proposal and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C859026A/

And at:

NYSDEC Region 8
6274 E Avon Lima Rd
Avon, NY 14414
(585) 226-5349

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a draft Access and Public Use Plan (APUP) for the Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for public review and comment. Ashland Flats WMA contains 2,028 acres of primarily open meadows, and second-growth and young forests in Jefferson County east of Lake Ontario.

In conjunction with WMA regulations, APUPs serve as overarching guidance for providing access to wildlife lands and determining public use activities appropriate for each area. This draft APUP complements the existing Habitat Management Plan (HMP) for Ashland Flats WMA and addresses management objectives for wildlife-dependent recreation, access features, and facility maintenance. Together, the APUP and HMP form a comprehensive management plan for the WMA. These plans guide management for wildlife and public access over a 10-year time period, after which DEC will assess conditions and needs and update the plans as needed.

The public is invited to provide comments on the draft APUP for 30 days until June 1, 2022. Comments can be sent to DEC's Bureau of Wildlife, Region 6, 317 Washington St. 7th Floor, Watertown, NY, 13601 or by email information.r6@dec.ny.gov with the subject line "Ashland Flats WMA draft APUP."

Join us after school to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and have fun outdoors. We’ll meet in front of the visitor center to head out on an adventure. Each week will have a different theme and will include time to explore. Come for as many sessions as you’d like, and dress for outdoor activity. For children in grades K–5 and their caregivers.

Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by the Monday prior to register.

New York State Public Hearing on Draft Disadvantaged Communities Criteria -- Finger Lakes/Southern Tier (Online/Virtual)

Criteria to Guide Equitable Implementation of State’s Ambitious Climate Law
 
May and June In-Person and Virtual Hearings to Provide Public Opportunities to Share Input on Draft Criteria
 
Comments Accepted Until July 7, 2022
 
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will hold 11 public hearings across the state to receive public input on draft disadvantaged communities criteria and advance the finalization of criteria to help guide the implementation of the State's nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
 
New York’s Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG), which consists of representatives from environmental justice groups from across the State and representatives of several State agencies, voted in December to release the draft criteria for identifying disadvantaged communities for public review. The Draft Disadvantaged Communities Criteria Public Comment Period commenced in March with a 120-day public comment period that ends July 7, 2022.
 
The criteria are based on geographic, public health, environmental hazard, and socioeconomic factors, and once approved, will be used to help meet the directives of the Climate Act related to reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to inform regulatory impact statements and the State's clean energy and energy efficiency investments. 
 
Public Hearing  
 

Event: Finger Lakes/Southern Tier   

Location: WebEx  

Date: Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 6 p.m.  

Call In Number: 518-549-0500
Event Password: DACHearing-2022
Event Number: 2348 291 6486

Please check the DEC calendar of events to confirm if the Public Hearing in your area of the state is in-person or online/virtual.
 
All persons, organizations, corporations, and government entities are encouraged to attend the public hearings and submit oral or written comments. Each participant will be given two minutes to provide public comment. Lengthy statements should be submitted in writing and summarized for oral presentation. PowerPoint presentations are not allowed, but individuals may provide written supporting documents or visuals. 
 
If in-person hearings cannot be held due to changing COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, hearings will shift to virtual at the same date and time. Pre-registration for virtual hearings is strongly encouraged but not required. 
 
Priority in speaking will be given to those who pre-register based on their place of residence for the regional hearings. Individuals can pre-register using the WebEx link for the meeting. All hearings will be professionally recorded and transcribed as part of the official record and posted on the Climate Act website.
 
Members of the public who want to provide oral comments must attend either in-person or join a virtual hearing. Equal weight will be given to oral and written statements.
 
The virtual public hearings will include live closed captioning. American sign language and language interpretive services shall be made available upon written request at no charge. Requests for interpretation must be received at least 10 days before the hearing date. Requests for interpretation should be directed by mail to NYSDEC, Office of Communication Services, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500), by telephone (518-402-8044), or by email (language@dec.ny.gov). 
 
Written comments can be submitted through July 7, 2022, via the online public comment form, Draft Disadvantaged Communities Criteria Public Comment Period , via email to DACComments@dec.ny.gov, or via U.S. Mail to Attention: Draft DAC Comments, NYS DEC, Attn. Office of Environmental Justice, 625 Broadway, 14th Floor, Albany NY 12233.
 
For more information about the Climate Justice Working Group, visit the Climate Act website.
New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the Climate Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandate of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy-wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $33 billion in 102 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings. 
 

DEC invites the public to comment about a draft plan to investigate contamination related to the 113 7th North Street site #C734152 (Liverpool, Onondaga County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the draft plan will be accepted through June 3, 2022.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the draft plan and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C734152/

And at:

Liverpool NY Public Library
310 Tulip Street
Liverpool, NY 13088
(315) 457-0310

DEC invites the public to comment about a draft plan to investigate contamination related to the 2435 Pacific Street site #C224322 (Brooklyn, Kings County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the draft plan will be accepted through June 3, 2022.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the draft plan and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C224322/

And at:

Brooklyn Public Library - Brownsville Branch
61 Glenmore Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11212
(718) 498-9721

Brooklyn Community Board 16
444 Thomas Boyland Street, Rm. 103
Brooklyn, NY 11212
(718) 385-0323
bk16@cb.nyc.gov

DEC invites the public to comment about a draft plan to investigate contamination related to the Grand Union Hotel Bowling Alley site #C360222 (Port Chester, Westchester County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the draft plan will be accepted through June 3, 2022.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the draft plan and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C360222/

And at:

Rye Brook Public Library
1 Haseco Avenue
Port Chester, NY 10573
(914) 939-6710

Are you looking to expand your knowledge of trees? Join us on a guided walk to enjoy our less-common tree species and learn tips to identify them.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Registration is required for ALL programs unless otherwise indicated; call 716-683-5959 to register. 
• If you call outside of normal business hours, you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. 
• Registration is limited to two programs/month. If you want to sign up for additional programs, you will be added to the waitlist. No limit for virtual programs.
• Social distancing and mask protocols are subject to change with current COVID guidelines.
• If you or a family member feels ill, is waiting for COVID test results or have COVID symptoms, please stay at home.
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
  
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

DEC invites the public to comment about a proposal to address contamination related to the 800 Hiawatha Blvd. West site (Former Roth Steel) #C734083 (Syracuse, Onondaga County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through June 4, 2022.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the proposal and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C734083/

And at:

Onondaga County Public Library
The Galleries of Syracuse
447 South Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
(315) 435-1900

NYSDEC Region 7
Attn: Karen Cahill
615 Erie Blvd West
Syracuse, NY 13204
(315) 426-7551
(By appointment only)

While outside, do you ever wonder what that bird is? Spend some time outdoors and learn some of the common birds found here. This program will review some of the birds found in the workshop on 5/28, but previous attendance is not necessary. Bring binoculars if you have them. A limited supply will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Space is limited.

Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, June 1 to register.

At this free fishing clinic you and your family can learn how to fish for free! This annual learn-to-fish day is held at the Barney Road Park in Clifton Park, Saratoga County and is co-sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Town of Clifton Park, Parks and Recreation Department. In addition to learning how to fish, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics, aquatic ecology, and more! No freshwater fishing license is required, but all other statewide fishing regulations remain in effect.

Registration for this event may be required. Please contact Myla Kramer with the Town of Clifton Park - Parks and Recreation Department at 518-371-6667 for more information.

Location/Directions: Barney Road Park, 1A Barney Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Visit the Free Fishing Clinics page for more information on this and other upcoming events held statewide.

Join us for a guided tour of the geology of Western New York and the changes this region has gone through. For adults and children ages 8 and older. 

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Registration is required for ALL programs unless otherwise indicated; call 716-683-5959 to register. 
• If you call outside of normal business hours, you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. 
• Registration is limited to two programs/month. If you want to sign up for additional programs, you will be added to the waitlist. No limit for virtual programs.
• Social distancing and mask protocols are subject to change with current COVID guidelines.
• If you or a family member feels ill, is waiting for COVID test results or have COVID symptoms, please stay at home.
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
  
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Learn how to fish for free with DEC from 10:30 AM- 2:00PM at Red House Lake in Allegany State Park. This free fishing clinic event, sponsored by DEC, offers participants the opportunity to practice basic fishing skills and learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics, aquatic ecology and more! Rods and reels will be available to borrow, and fishing bait will be provided. All ages are welcome to attend.

No freshwater fishing license or enrollment in the recreational marine fishing registry is required for participants during the event; however, all other statewide fishing regulations remain in effect.

Address/Directions: Allegany State Park - Red House Lake, Route 1, Salamanca, NY 14779

Visit the Free Fishing Clinics page for additional information on this and other upcoming clinics.

Are frogs still calling? Join a guided walk to learn which ones live here and where they live. No registration required.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Registration is required for ALL programs unless otherwise indicated; call 716-683-5959 to register. 
• If you call outside of normal business hours, you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. 
• Registration is limited to two programs/month. If you want to sign up for additional programs, you will be added to the waitlist. No limit for virtual programs.
• Social distancing and mask protocols are subject to change with current COVID guidelines.
• If you or a family member feels ill, is waiting for COVID test results or have COVID symptoms, please stay at home.
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
  
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Learn to fish for free during the Community Trails Day Event at the Ooms Conservation Area in the Town of Chatham, Columbia County. This free fishing clinic held on Sutherland Pond is co-sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Columbia Land Conservancy.

In addition to learning how to fish, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics, aquatic ecology, and more! No freshwater fishing license is required, but all other statewide fishing regulations remain in effect.

Location/Directions: Sutherland Pond at Ooms Conservation Area, 480 Rock City Road, Chatham, NY 12037

Visit the Free Fishing Clinics page for more information on this and other upcoming clinics held statewide.