Events and Important Dates

What’s the connection between Capital Region birds and the coffee in your cup? Explore this question with Brew the Roost, a series of interactive quilts that highlight the seasonal migration of birds and the importance of shade-grown coffee in maintaining biodiversity in coffee-growing regions. Quilts will be updated every two weeks as the fall migration progresses. 

This family-friendly art exhibit, created by local artist Katherine Lynn Bierman, will be on view in the visitor center through Thanksgiving.

What’s the connection between Capital Region birds and the coffee in your cup? Explore this question with Brew the Roost, a series of interactive quilts that highlight the seasonal migration of birds and the importance of shade-grown coffee in maintaining biodiversity in coffee-growing regions. Quilts will be updated every two weeks as the fall migration progresses. 

This family-friendly art exhibit, created by local artist Katherine Lynn Bierman, will be on view in the visitor center through Thanksgiving.

6 NYCRR Part 180.1; ECL Section 11-0511—Animals dangerous to health or welfare.

This rulemaking is to expand the list of animals which pose a risk to health or welfare of the people of the state or indigenous fish and wildlife. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through November 11, 2019.

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

6 NYCRR Part 182; ECL Sections 3-0301 and 11-0535—Clarifying determination of jurisdiction under the Endangered and Threatened Fish and Wildlife regulations.

This rulemaking improves the review of projects by removing some project types from the review process that are known not to cause harm and continues to protect threatened and endangered species. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through November 11, 2019.

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

As part of Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative, November 11, 2019 has been designated as a free fishing day.

The requirement for a fishing license is waived on this date. This is a great opportunity to try fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to take friends fishing for the first time.

Some ideas for FREE Fishing days:

• Try fishing for the first time.
• Haven't fished in a while? Remember the joy of catching a fish again for free!
• Become an ambassador to the sport; take a friend fishing for the first time.
• Invite a friend to New York to fish.
• Take a spouse or significant other fishing.
• Take the family fishing...and don't forget the grandparents!

Learn more about fishing in New York State >>

What’s the connection between Capital Region birds and the coffee in your cup? Explore this question with Brew the Roost, a series of interactive quilts that highlight the seasonal migration of birds and the importance of shade-grown coffee in maintaining biodiversity in coffee-growing regions. Quilts will be updated every two weeks as the fall migration progresses. 

This family-friendly art exhibit, created by local artist Katherine Lynn Bierman, will be on view in the visitor center through Thanksgiving.

Outdoor Programs for Preschoolers and Their Caregivers

The Friends of Five Rivers is offering programs at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center for preschoolers (ages 2–4). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults and children will explore the natural world together for 90 minutes each week during each multi-week session. Each visit features a storybook on a nature topic, followed by an outdoor activity suggested by the book.

Late Fall Session: November and December

Find complete information, including dates, fees, and how to register here.

WHEN: Each session will take place over 3 weeks. Participants may come either on Tuesday or on Wednesday. (Both days will be identical. Please commit to either Tuesday or Wednesday.) Lessons run from 10:00 to 11:30 am. You may sign up for one or for all four seasonal sessions. Participants will receive an e-mail prior to each week's lesson on the topic that will be explored. The e-mails will be a reminder and a picture clue of that week's adventure.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Joanne Macklin, Executive Director at (518)475-0295 or email friendsfiverivers@outlook.com .

Register early as this program fills quickly!

Would you like to take a walk in nature, but would rather not go alone?

Join the "Walkers' Club" at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center on Tuesday mornings, 9:30 to 10:30 am.

Participants will gather at the Visitor Center and choose which trail they will walk that morning. This is an opportunity to walk with others and make new friends. These walks are not guided or led by staff. Walkers' Club is a free activity.

If you would like to be added to our special "Walkers Club" email list to receive updates, email us at FriendsFiveRivers@outlook.com.

Hearings for the proposed rule and attendant revisions to existing rules described above will be held as follows and are scheduled in places that are reasonably accessible to persons with impaired mobility:

Date: November 12, 2019
Time: 11:00 am
Location: NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Public Assembly Room 129A/B, Albany, NY 12233

Date: November 20, 2019
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: 1 Hunter's Point Plaza, 47-40 21st Street, Room 834 NYSDOT, Long Island City, NY 11101

The Department will provide interpreter services for deaf persons at no charge. Written requests for interpreter services are required and should be submitted by November 6, 2019, to Richard McAuley, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-3250, (518) 402-8438, air.regs@dec.ny.gov.

Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted until 5 p.m. on November 25, 2019. For further information, contact John Barnes, P.E., NYSDEC Division of Air Resources, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-3251, Phone (518) 402-8396, E-mail: air.regs@dec.ny.gov.

Requests for information and comments related to the SIP revision may be obtained from Robert D. Bielawa, P.E., NYSDEC Division of Air Resources, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-3251, Phone: (518) 402-8396, E-mail: air.regs@dec.ny.gov. Written statements may be submitted until 5 pm on November 25, 2019.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and partners of New York's Great Lakes Action Team hold four regional work group meetings twice per year and provide stakeholders with a unique opportunity to:

• Advance priority projects under the state's Great Lakes Action Agenda.
• Connect and collaborate with regional partners to protect water quality and ecosystems.
• Leverage resources and expertise toward watershed management goals and challenges.

NYSDEC's Great Lakes Program invites you to attend an upcoming work group meeting to connect with local partners and learn how you and/or your organization can join us in protecting and restoring our Great Lakes lands and waters. 

The Northeast Lake Ontario meeting will be held at:

West Carthage Fire Hall
61 High St.
West Carthage, NY 13619

The other meetings are scheduled:

• Southeast Lake Ontario: Wednesday, November 13th - Newark
• Southwest Lake Ontario: Thursday, November 14th - Pittsford
• Lake Erie: Friday, November 15th - Depew

The four regional work group areas are pictured in the map below, with partner priority sub-watersheds highlighted in green.

Fall 2019 Public Meetings on a New Approach to Inland Trout Stream Management

DEC is developing a new plan for inland trout stream management based on updated scientific information and the desires expressed by trout anglers. Prior to completing the draft plan, DEC fisheries managers would like to meet with trout stream anglers to explain the proposed approach, answer questions, and solicit feedback.

Ten public meetings around the State are scheduled between October 1st and November 12th to facilitate these discussions.

Plattsburgh Town Hall
151 Banker Rd
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

What’s the connection between Capital Region birds and the coffee in your cup? Explore this question with Brew the Roost, a series of interactive quilts that highlight the seasonal migration of birds and the importance of shade-grown coffee in maintaining biodiversity in coffee-growing regions. Quilts will be updated every two weeks as the fall migration progresses. 

This family-friendly art exhibit, created by local artist Katherine Lynn Bierman, will be on view in the visitor center through Thanksgiving.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

6 NYCRR Part 218, Emission Standards for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Engines

NYS DEC is proposing to amend Part 218 to incorporate revisions to the standards for new California certified aftermarket catalytic converters (AMCCs). The proposed amendments prohibit the sale and installation of federal AMCC in New York State absent a waiver from NYS DEC. The proposed amendments also include provisions pertaining to AMCC installation requirements; AMCC installer recordkeeping requirements; recordkeeping requirements for AMCC manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers; and clarification of AMCC manufacturer reporting requirements. Further, the NYS DEC proposes to submit the Part 218 as well as the revisions to Part 200 to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) as a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for New York State.

Documents pertaining to this proposed rulemaking can be found on NYS DEC's website.

Written statements may be submitted until 5:00 p.m. on November 13, 2019 to the contact listed above.

Requests for information and comments related to the SIP revision may be obtained from: Robert D. Bielawa, NYS DEC - Division of Air Resources, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-3251, Phone: (518) 402-8396, E-mail: air.regs@dec.ny.gov 

Hearings for the proposed rule and attendant revisions to existing rules described above will be held as follows and are scheduled in places that are reasonably accessible to persons with impaired mobility:

Date: November 8, 2019 Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: NYSDEC
625 Broadway, Public Assembly Room 129A/B
Albany, NY 12233

Outdoor Programs for Preschoolers and Their Caregivers

The Friends of Five Rivers is offering programs at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center for preschoolers (ages 2–4). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults and children will explore the natural world together for 90 minutes each week during each multi-week session. Each visit features a storybook on a nature topic, followed by an outdoor activity suggested by the book.

Late Fall Session: November and December

Find complete information, including dates, fees, and how to register here.

WHEN: Each session will take place over 3 weeks. Participants may come either on Tuesday or on Wednesday. (Both days will be identical. Please commit to either Tuesday or Wednesday.) Lessons run from 10:00 to 11:30 am. You may sign up for one or for all four seasonal sessions. Participants will receive an e-mail prior to each week's lesson on the topic that will be explored. The e-mails will be a reminder and a picture clue of that week's adventure.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Joanne Macklin, Executive Director at (518)475-0295 or email friendsfiverivers@outlook.com .

Register early as this program fills quickly!

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will recognize four organizations for their innovative programs and commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility and economic viability.

When: Wednesday November 13, 2019
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm - Luncheon immediately to follow
Where: Pat's Barn in the Rensselaer Technology Park Campus, 110 Defreest Drive, Troy, NY 12180
Agenda:
10:00am - Registration and Tabling with Award Winners
10:30am - Awards Ceremony Welcome, Introductions and Opening Remarks
11:00am - NYS Environmental Excellence Awards Presented
11:30am - Technical Presentations by Award Winners
12:30pm - Closing Remarks and Adjourn
Luncheon immediately to follow (must be pre-registered)

Together, kids and their parents or caregivers can enjoy a different, fun, hour-long outdoor activity.

For children in grades K through 5. No registration required.

What’s the connection between Capital Region birds and the coffee in your cup? Explore this question with Brew the Roost, a series of interactive quilts that highlight the seasonal migration of birds and the importance of shade-grown coffee in maintaining biodiversity in coffee-growing regions. Quilts will be updated every two weeks as the fall migration progresses. 

This family-friendly art exhibit, created by local artist Katherine Lynn Bierman, will be on view in the visitor center through Thanksgiving.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and partners of New York's Great Lakes Action Team hold four regional work group meetings twice per year and provide stakeholders with a unique opportunity to:

• Advance priority projects under the state's Great Lakes Action Agenda.
• Connect and collaborate with regional partners to protect water quality and ecosystems.
• Leverage resources and expertise toward watershed management goals and challenges.

NYSDEC's Great Lakes Program invites you to attend an upcoming work group meeting to connect with local partners and learn how you and/or your organization can join us in protecting and restoring our Great Lakes lands and waters. 

The Southwest Lake Ontario meeting will be held at:

Tinker Nature Park
1525 Calkins Road
Pittsford, NY 14513

The other meetings are scheduled:

• Northeast Lake Ontario: Tuesday, November 12th - West Carthage
• Southeast Lake Ontario: Wednesday, November 13th - Newark
• Lake Erie: Friday, November 15th - Depew

The four regional work group areas are pictured in the map below, with partner priority sub-watersheds highlighted in green.

What’s the connection between Capital Region birds and the coffee in your cup? Explore this question with Brew the Roost, a series of interactive quilts that highlight the seasonal migration of birds and the importance of shade-grown coffee in maintaining biodiversity in coffee-growing regions. Quilts will be updated every two weeks as the fall migration progresses. 

This family-friendly art exhibit, created by local artist Katherine Lynn Bierman, will be on view in the visitor center through Thanksgiving.

DEC has received a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application and Draft Remedial Investigation Work Plan for a site known as 37 Otsego Street, site ID #C224300. This site is located in the Borough of Brooklyn, within the County of Kings, and is located at 37 Otsego Street. Public comments about the application and draft work plan must be submitted by November 15, 2019.

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

A copy of the application, Draft Remedial Investigation Work Plan and other relevant documents are available at:

Red Hook Library
7 Wolcott Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231

--and--

Brooklyn Community Board 6
250 Baltic Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Notice is hereby given that the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (EPA Identification Number NY6890008992) has applied to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) under the provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and 6NYCRR Part 373-3 for closure of a hazardous waste storage unit at the Building E11 MA-S Permitted Mixed Waste Container Storage Area. 

Comments on the closure plan may be sent to the contact listed above no later than Friday November 15, 2019.

DEC invites the public to comment about a proposal to address contamination impacting the lower Genesee River related to releases from Kodak operations in Rochester. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through November 15, 2019.

A public meeting also will be held: October 23, 2019 from 6PM - 8PM at Central Library, 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY (Kusler-Cox (Rundel) Auditorium).

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

Project documents can be reviewed at:

Maplewood Public Library
1111 Dewey Avenue
Rochester, NY 14613

--and--

Greece Public Library
2 Vince Tofany Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14612

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and partners of New York's Great Lakes Action Team hold four regional work group meetings twice per year and provide stakeholders with a unique opportunity to:

• Advance priority projects under the state's Great Lakes Action Agenda.
• Connect and collaborate with regional partners to protect water quality and ecosystems.
• Leverage resources and expertise toward watershed management goals and challenges.

NYSDEC's Great Lakes Program invites you to attend an upcoming work group meeting to connect with local partners and learn how you and/or your organization can join us in protecting and restoring our Great Lakes lands and waters. 

The Lake Erie meeting will be held at:

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
93 Honorine Drive
Depew, NY 14043

The other meetings are scheduled:

• Northeast Lake Ontario: Tuesday, November 12th - West Carthage
• Southeast Lake Ontario: Wednesday, November 13th - Newark
• Southwest Lake Ontario: Thursday, November 14th - Pittsford

The four regional work group areas are pictured in the map below, with partner priority sub-watersheds highlighted in green.

What’s the connection between Capital Region birds and the coffee in your cup? Explore this question with Brew the Roost, a series of interactive quilts that highlight the seasonal migration of birds and the importance of shade-grown coffee in maintaining biodiversity in coffee-growing regions. Quilts will be updated every two weeks as the fall migration progresses. 

This family-friendly art exhibit, created by local artist Katherine Lynn Bierman, will be on view in the visitor center through Thanksgiving.

Family Fun: RIVER OTTER RAMBLE

Does Five Rivers have river otters? Yes, indeed. Come discover the story behind the most charismatic of weasels. We’ll start with an indoor talk, and then head outside to see some of their ideal habitat.

NOTE: Organized groups (scouts, schools, hiking clubs, etc.) are welcome, but are asked to call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register.

Natural Products Workshop Part 1: Green Cleaning

October 12

Learn to make natural cleaning products for your home and how to select safer products for cleaning your body. Make your own natural cleaner to take home. Materials fee: $5/$3 for Friends members. Registration required; call 716-683-5959.

Natural Products Workshop Part 2: Personal Care

November 16

Learn to make natural personal care products and how to make personal care choices that are better for the environment. Make your own lip balm or deodorant to take home. Materials fee: $5/$3 for Friends members. Registration required; call 716-683-5959.

Join a guided nature walk through the woods. No registration required.

Family Fun: TRASH TO TREASURES

America Recycles Day and New York Recycles Day occur annually on November 15. We’ll mark the occasion by taking everyday trash—cereal boxes, milk cartons, and the like—and “upcycling” it into something new.

NOTE: Organized groups (scouts, schools, hiking clubs, etc.) are welcome, but are asked to call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register.