There are many ways to experience New York’s great outdoors. Maybe you’ll get hooked on fishing or discover sleeping under the stars is the perfect way to spend a weekend. We have information for beginners up to the more advanced outdoor enthusiast.
Looking for your next adventure? New York has more than 5 million acres, 7,000 lakes and streams, and 52,000 miles of rivers and streams for you to explore. Use our Places to Go search tool to find locations nearby for your favorite outdoor activity.
New York is home to many animals and plant species – both native and invasive. Learn how we protect open space and reclaim land after mining is complete. Discover the water around you in lakes and rivers, wetlands, oceans, and underground.
DEC protects the land, water, and air resources in New York. Whether it is addressing climate change effects, promoting responsible waste management, monitoring air quality, overseeing contaminated site clean-ups, or oil and gas mining monitoring, DEC is there to safeguard the environment; you can too by reporting environmental violations and problems.
DEC uses policies and regulations to limit environmental impacts. We issue permits and licenses to individuals, municipalities, and corporations so they can comply with these regulations.
The Environmental Notice Bulletin lets you know about projects or regulations being proposed each week. Sign up for one of DEC’s many electronic newsletter topics or subscribe to the Conservationist, New York State’s award-winning nature magazine.
DEC sponsors events across New York including informational webinars, public meetings, and in-person environmental education sessions. Environmental justice programs address needs in disadvantaged communities and many grants are available for community groups and municipalities.
Passionate about the environment? Check our employment pages and come work for DEC. If you have a question, we are here to help so contact us using one of the roster or office pages on our site.
Wild, Scenic And Recreational Rivers Permit Program: Standards For Issuance
Determinations:
Before a river system permit can be issued, the Department must first determine that:
The proposed land use or development is consistent with the purposes and policies of the Act and with the provisions of 6NYCRR Part 666;
The resources specified in Section 666.2(e) will be protected and the proposed activity will not have an undue adverse environmental impact;
No reasonable alternative exists for modifying or locating the proposed activity outside of the designated river area; and
Actions proposed to be undertaken by state agencies are designed to preserve, protect or enhance the resources and values of designated rivers.
Permit Conditions
Any permit issued pursuant to the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act may be issued with conditions as are necessary to assure the preservation and protection of the affected river area resources and to assure compliance with the policy and provisions of 6NYCRR Part 666.
Contact for this Page
Division of Environmental Permits 625 Broadway Albany, NY12233