DEC

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, for the Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Central and Western New York regions due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. In addition, there is the potential for visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and New Yorkers may see temporary spikes in smoke-related pollution that reach “unhealthy” levels that affect people with cardiovascular and respiratory concerns, as well as the general public.

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Central & Western NY Regions

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH)...

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Aug 73 min read

DEC Proposes Delisting Majority of Lawrence Aviation Superfund Site After Major Cleanup Milestone

PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY —  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a pivotal cleanup milestone at...

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Jul 72 min read

Three Cited for Illegal Clamming in Centerport Harbor, Suffolk County

Three individuals are facing environmental violations after being caught illegally harvesting clams and other marine life from closed waters in Suffolk County. On June 24, 2025, Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) Day and Franz responded to a complaint about suspicious nighttime activity in Centerport Harbor, located in the town of Huntington. Witnesses reported seeing people with headlamps digging in the area, which is closed to shellfishing.

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Jul 71 min read

'CleanSweepNY' Program Collects Record-Breaking Amount of Chemicals in the Hudson Valley NY

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the record-breaking results of...

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Jun 182 min read

🛶 “Turtle Trouble on the Reservoir!” Trio Caught Red-Handed with Illegal Snapping Turtle Haul in Westchester NY

Oh Snap! – Westchester County On May 3, ECO Murphy received a call from the Somers Police Department regarding three people in a boat on...

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Jun 101 min read

DEC Launch of $100 Million Fish Hatchery Modernization

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Jun 23 min read

Prescribed Burns Conducted Across New York to Improve Habitat and Prevent Wildfires

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May 72 min read

DEC Kicks Off Spring Planting Season and Encourages New Yorkers to Plant Trees in Lead-Up to Arbor Day

Support New York’s Goal to Plant 25 Million Trees by 2033 Trees Planted in Spring 2025 and Recorded in Tree Tracker Eligible for Prize...

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Apr 183 min read

DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Avoid Close Encounters with Seals

Harbor, grey, and harp seals are seen regularly on many of New York's saltwater beaches and in bays during the winter and early spring. The

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Apr 83 min read

Illegal Lobster Bust: Bronx Seafood Dealer Caught with Undersized Catch

Bronx, NY — In a joint effort to combat illegal seafood sales, Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) Ableson, Currey, and Veloski,...

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Mar 281 min read

Massive Prescribed Burns in New York: Why Rangers Set Over 100 Acres Ablaze!

Think fires are always bad? Think again. In a controlled effort to protect New York’s precious ecosystems, Forest Rangers and environmental

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Mar 262 min read

17th Year of the Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings Project in the Hudson Valley NY

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that warmer temperatures and rain have spurred the...

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Mar 184 min read

Deadly Bird Flu & Wildlife Threats: What Every New Yorker Needs to Know!

Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease in wild birds such as ducks and geese, gulls, raptors, and shorebirds that is commonly called...

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Mar 127 min read

DEC Announces 2024 Bear Harvest Estimates

today announced that hunters in New York harvested an estimated 1,685 bears during the 2024 hunting season...

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Mar 102 min read

Newly appointed Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton has pledged to advance Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious environmental agenda, focusing on clean air, clean water, climate resilience, and natural resource protection.

DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton Outlines Environmental Priorities

Newly appointed Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton has pledged to advance Governor Kathy Hochu

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Mar 62 min read

New York Launches $1.35 Million Grant Program to Protect Forests and Open Spaces

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the launch of the fourth round of the Forest Conservation Ea

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Mar 62 min read