During the first nine months of 2026, Forest Rangers conducted 277 search and rescue missions, extinguished 93 wildfires covering more than 224 acres, and participated in 54 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,355 acres of land. In 2025, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 202 wildfires covering 840 acres, participated in 68 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,649 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more

Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Cranberry Lake Campground is an ideal destination for campers, anglers, boaters, and anyone looking to escape into nature. With a remote lake, miles of nearby hiking trails, and a peaceful forest setting, this campground offers a relaxing outdoor getaway for visitors looking to experience the beauty of Upstate New York.

A breathtaking waterfall, towering cliffs, scenic hiking trails, and winter adventures make this Oswego County destination a must-visit for nature lovers.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 8 Bureau of Fisheries today announced stocking of lake sturgeon in the Genesee River at the Port of Rochester, 4630 Lake Avenue, Rochester, Monroe County on October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Join DEC to watch the release of 1,500 lake sturgeon fingerlings into the Genesee River, observe the young fingerlings, and speak with DEC staff about the importance of lake sturgeon in New York State waters. DEC p

New York anglers can fish without a license this Saturday as fall fishing season gets underway September 22, 2026

Environmental Conservation Officers joined NYC H2O and the Young Men’s Initiative for a Bronx shoreline cleanup at Pelham Bay Park.

Officials say the closure is a precautionary measure to protect swimmers, families, and pets from possible exposure to unsafe water conditions. Harmful algal blooms, often referred to as HABs, can appear as green, blue-green, yellow, brown, or reddish discoloration on the surface of the water. In some cases, the water may look like spilled paint or pea soup.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to appreciate wildlife from a safe distance and resist the urge to touch or move young wildlife. As the weather warms and seasons shift, sightings of wildlife are more common. Fawns, baby birds, and other young wildlife may seem abandoned, but their parents are often close by, and well-intentioned interference can pose risks to the animals and humans.

“Vehicle strikes are a major cause of turtle mortality this time of year, so DEC is asking drivers to be cautious, be on the lookout, and slow down, especially on roads near rivers and marshy areas,” said Commissioner Lefton. “New Yorkers can ‘Give Turtles a Brake’ and do their part to help protect these long-lived species.”

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in coordination with Forest Rangers and numerous state, federal, and local partners, carried out a series of prescribed fires across New York State between April 20 and April 27 as part of the annual prescribed fire season.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced DEC's annual youth turkey hunting weekend will take place April 25-26. The youth turkey hunt, for junior hunters ages 12-15, is open across upstate New York and Suffolk County.

ECOs partner with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office to set up snowmobile checkpoints in Lake George, Warren County

On January 8, Environmental Conservation Officers arrested an individual in the Town of Malone following an extensive deer poaching investigation in Franklin County.

During the investigation, the hunter admitted to failing to report a deer harvested during the opening weekend of the southern zone rifle season. The individual also stated that a friend had dropped him off and was hunting nearby. Officer Vandenbos requested assistance from Officer DeVito and Forest Ranger Gagne to locate the second individual.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the release of proposed changes to coolwater sportfish regulations that will help protect fish while spawning, increase the reproductive capacity of walleye in Lake Ontario’s eastern basin, and eliminate unnecessary special regulations.

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

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

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

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....