Complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State Historic $3.75 Billion Commitment to Water Quality New York State recently announced more than $25 million in grants to support 14 water quality and climate resiliency projects in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC’s) Region 6 . The awards are part of more than $265 million in investments recently announced by Governor Kathy Hochul to help protect drinking water, improve climate resil

CATSKILL PARK, N.Y. — New York State Forest Rangers conducted an overnight wilderness rescue after a hiker became stranded and suffered hypothermia in the Catskills. According to officials, on January 16 at approximately 1:30 p.m., Forest Ranger Jeffery encountered a 33-year-old hiker who was beginning a hike of Table Mountain along the Phoenicia East Branch Trail. Ranger Jeffery expressed concern about the late start, but the hiker indicated they were properly equipped and c

Emergency responders safely rescued a family after an SUV went over an embankment on South Hill Road in the Town of Thurston, Steuben County.

As the holiday season settles over Upstate New York, cities and towns across the region are rolling out some of their most beloved winter traditions. From dazzling light displays to outdoor adventures and festive performances, residents and visitors have no shortage of ways to celebrate the final month of the year.

Nature’s reset button: camp under snow-lined pines, wake to crisp air and frozen landscapes

By GOExploreNY Business News | November 2025 Micron’s planned mega-fab in Clay is at the heart of New York’s semiconductor surge. Central and Upstate New York are buzzing with growth — from high-tech manufacturing to modern agriculture — as billions of dollars in new investments reshape the region’s economy. According to recent reports from New York State and local development agencies, several sectors are expanding faster than ever, creating thousands of jobs and fueling a l

Hunters Invited to Help DEC's Annual Harvest Data Collection and Research Efforts by Visiting Voluntary Check Station

Now that winter has arrived in Central New York, it’s time to get ready. Today might just be a light dusting, but before long, you’ll be digging through inches of it. 1. Seal, Seal, and Seal It Up! Heat loss is one of the biggest culprits for high energy bills in the winter. Grab a few window plastic sealing kits —they’re inexpensive, easy to install, and make a huge difference in keeping the heat in and the cold out. Don’t forget the doors . Drafts around the edges or undern

State Officials Urge Caution as Animal Activity Increases Across New York Roads As the leaves change color and daylight fades earlier each evening, state officials are reminding drivers that fall isn’t just scenic—it’s also one of the most dangerous times of year for wildlife collisions. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)  and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)  are urging motorists to stay alert behind the wheel this season as deer and moos

Advances New York’s ‘30 x 30’ Open Space Protection Goals and Helps Connect New Yorkers to the Outdoors The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the acquisition of more than 3,387 acres of forest and wetlands located in the towns of Salisbury and Norway, Herkimer County. The parcel, purchased from the Open Space Institute (OSI), will be managed for forest products, expanded recreational access, protection of critical drinking water sou

Fans Invited to Popular Finger Lakes Campground for Mother’s Day Weekend NASCAR Cup Series Run

Town of Keene, Essex County —  On October 17, thirteen New York State Forest Rangers successfully passed their reaccreditation with the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) for technical rope rescue certification. The MRA, founded in 1959, is the oldest search and rescue association in the United States and sets national standards for technical rescue operations. The reaccreditation process ensures Rangers maintain advanced proficiency in high- and low-angle rope rescue techniqu

October 10, 2025 – Town of Bolton, Warren County On the afternoon of October 10, New York State Forest Rangers conducted a challenging wilderness rescue in the Town of Bolton after a hiker was unable to continue her descent from Thomas Mountain due to a preexisting knee condition. At approximately 4:11 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker reporting that her 73-year-old mother, from Bath, New York, was unable to continue the hike. Forest Ranger Geyer initially

On Thursday, September 26, at approximately 2:00 p.m., six New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers responded to a report of an injured hiker along Devil’s Path in the Indian Head Wilderness Area.

A 74-year-old hiker from Queensbury was rescued from the rugged backcountry of the High Peaks Wilderness on Friday, September 13, after suffering a knee injury near the Slant Rock lean-to in John’s Brook Valley.

A Greene County resident has paid a penalty of more than $25,000 following an investigation into the illegal excavation of several protected waterbodies in the Town of Catskill, state officials announced.

NEW YORK  – Anglers across New York are being reminded to use caution when handling certain fish that may pose health or safety risks....

If you’re planning an outdoor adventure in the Finger Lakes and Western New York region, Letchworth State Park is a destination you can’t miss. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this breathtaking park features dramatic cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails—making it one of the most visited and loved Upstate NY state parks.

Looking for the ultimate Finger Lakes getaway? Nestled on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY is one of the most scenic and vibrant destinations in Upstate New York. Known for its breathtaking waterfalls, gorges, and state parks, as well as its rich cultural and academic life, Ithaca is a must-visit city for travelers exploring the Finger Lakes region.

Discover the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY—one of the top Finger Lakes attractions and Upstate NY museums. Explore live glassblowing, hands-on workshops, and 3,500 years of glass history.