Events and Important Dates

Notice is hereby given that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) is proposing a new 6 NYCRR Part 351 Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling. The proposed rule sets forth the requirements of Titles 27 and 28 of Article 27 of the Environmental Conservation Law with respect to the prohibition on the distribution of film plastic bags; allowable reusable bags; and the recycling of film plastic by stores. The regulations also address the related requirements for manufacturers. This rule making is referred to as Part 351.

The public is invited to submit written comments on the proposed Part 351 rulemaking through Monday, February 3, 2020. Written comments can be submitted by:

1. E-mail to plasticbags@dec.ny.gov and please write "Comments on Proposed Part 351" in the subject line of the email; or 
2. Mail to Kayla Montanye, NYS DEC - Division of Materials Management, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7253

Public Hearing:

A legislative public hearing to receive public comment on the proposed rule will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, January 27, 2020
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location:
NYS DEC
625 Broadway
Albany NY 12233 Room 129

DEC invites the public to comment about a proposal to address contamination related to the Starlite Dry Cleaners Site (Medina, Orleans County), within New York's State Superfund Program. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through February 4, 2020.

A public meeting also will be held: January 22, 2020 at 6:30PM at Lee-Whedon Library, 620 West Ave., Medina, NY. DEC staff will discuss the proposal and address your questions and comments.

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

Project documents can be accessed online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/837016/ and at Lee-Whedon Library at the address above.

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, 10:30 to 11:30 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.

Now Offering Guided Walks for Adults
Come Wonder as We Wander Five Rivers

Exploring Winter Activity: Stokes’ Guide to Nature In Winter
Winter is a wonderful time to explore the lives of insects, birds, mammals, mushrooms and weeds.  With Donald W. Stokes’ A Guide to Nature In Winter as our escort, let’s head outdoors to discover life under, in and above the snow.  Each week we will select a chapter and read its general information section, usually 2 to 3 pages, to prepare us for our walk.  Once outside, we will hunt for examples of the subject matter and, once found, delve into its unique characteristics, natural history and finally its identity.
Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy walking shoes/boots, and pack a snack.  Meet at Five Rivers’ Guided School Program Building.
Time:  1:30 -3:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays (January 15, 22, 29 and February 5, 12)
Fee:  $35 for Friends’ Members; $55 for non-members
Registration:  Contact Nancy Conway by email at gsp5rivers@outlook.com.
Maximum Participants:  10 Adults
Deadline for registration:  January 10, 2020

This program fills quickly - register today!

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), as lead agency, has accepted a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed NYS DEC Artificial Reef Program. 

A public hearing on the Draft SEIS will be held on February 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the Freeport Public Library, 144 West Merrick Road, Freeport, NY 11520.

Public comments on the Draft SEIS will be accepted through February 21, 2020 by either direct mailing to the contact listed below or by e-mail at: artificialreefs@dec.ny.gov (enter "Draft Reef SEIS" in the subject line). The Draft EIS is available from the contact listed below and on line at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7896.html.

The action involves an update to the existing NYS DEC Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) and Reef Plan through the completion of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to address proposed programmatic questions in the GEIS. This action is required for future reef permit acquisitions to renew existing reef sites, increase existing reef site dimensions and create new sites located in the Coastal Marine District of New York.

The proposed action involves the continuation and expansion of twelve existing NYS DEC Artificial Reef Program sites, located in the Atlantic Ocean, Great South Bay and Long Island Sound. Additionally, the action proposes the creation of four new artificial reef sites, including three in the Long Island Sound and one in the Atlantic Ocean. This action has the potential to affect the local associated environments and wildlife through introduction of reef building materials used to enhance the local habitat for marine life.

The project is located in the New York State Coastal Marine District and adjacent Federal Waters.

Contact: Christopher LaPorta, NYS DEC Marine Resources Office, 205 North Belle Mead Road, East Setauket, NY 11733, Phone: (631) 444-0438, Fax: (631) 444-0484, E-mail: artificialreefs@dec.ny.gov

DEC invites the public to comment about its proposal to delist the Former EMCA Site (Mamaroneck, Westchester Co.) from New York's Registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites (State Superfund Registry). Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through February 7, 2020.

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

Discover the woods in winter! Try snowshoes or cross-country skis for free. Make snow art, enjoy ice-fishing demonstrations, winter crafts for kids, and more!

Refreshments for sale. For more information, visit www.reinsteinwoods.org or call 716-683-5959. No registration required.

Family Fun: ANIMAL TRACKS
What animals are enjoying the winter at Five Rivers? We can use animal tracks to find out! Join us to learn about animal signs, cast your own track to take home, and enjoy an outside walk searching for footprints. All ages welcome. Please call to register by Wednesday, February 5.

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