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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
@dec.ny.gov
970 followers 48 following 540 posts
The official account of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. SM use policy: https://dec.ny.gov/about/website-usage-and-policies/social-media.
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dec.ny.gov
DEC experts are forecasting good to moderate air quality levels across NYS today. With New Year’s celebrations planned across the state, DEC reminds NYers that fireworks may create short-term impacts on air quality and some air quality monitors may temporarily show elevated levels of pollution.
A map of New York State with most regions colored green, indicating good air quality levels, while the NYC Metro portion of the map is yellow, indicating the potential for moderate air quality.
January 1, 2026 at 12:14 AM
dec.ny.gov
At 11:30 a.m. on December 24, the North Hudson Fire Department called Forest Ranger Quinn to assist with an injured hiker on Crane Pond trail. The hiker had activated the SOS feature on a satellite device after falling and injuring their ankle.
A red, tracked UTV driving on a snow-covered trail in the woods.
December 30, 2025 at 9:14 PM
dec.ny.gov
Air Mail! celebrated a momentous milestone in December with the release of its 100th issue! For more than 8 years, Air Mail! has delivered articles on air quality topics monthly to thousands of its subscribers.

Read Air Mail!’s 100th issue here: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYS...
Evergreen trees with snow on the branches.
December 22, 2025 at 8:11 PM
dec.ny.gov
DEC finalized a new Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program to track climate pollution sources in NYS. Emissions data from the program will inform future strategies to reduce harmful pollution, protect the environment, benefit public health, and direct clean energy investments where they’re needed most.
December 12, 2025 at 1:58 PM
dec.ny.gov
DEC and @nyserda.bsky.social announced proposed regulations to strengthen the multi-State Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to achieve affordable emissions reductions and meet expected energy demand in New York State. 🧵 ⤵️
December 11, 2025 at 2:12 PM
dec.ny.gov
DEC and the NYSDOT are encouraging New Yorkers to reduce the overuse of rock salt when possible, and “Don’t Be Salty, New York”: dec.ny.gov/environmenta...
Person pour salt out of a cup on pavement. The cup says "Don't Be Salty New York."
December 9, 2025 at 5:44 PM
dec.ny.gov
Whether you’re celebrating a gift-giving holiday, attending an upcoming birthday celebration, or wanting to give a token of appreciation, there are plenty of environmentally friendly gifts you can give this year.
Blue Bag.
December 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
dec.ny.gov
DEC is closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend, which shows the potential for trapping colder air and pollution closer to the surface.

Map below shows AQI forecast for Saturday, December 6th.
New York State map color coded with Air Quality Index levels.
December 5, 2025 at 8:52 PM
dec.ny.gov
No lines here! Skip the malls and #OptOutside at a state land near you. They provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and many other winter activities: dec.ny.gov/places
Hiker wearing red standing on a snowy hill in the Adirondacks.
November 28, 2025 at 2:48 PM
dec.ny.gov
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at DEC!
A turkey standing in a snowy field with the text “Happy Thanksgiving”.
November 27, 2025 at 3:25 PM
dec.ny.gov
Can you tell the difference between a male turkey (tom) and a female turkey (hen)? 🦃

📷: James Monteleone

#WildlifeWednesday
A male and female turkey standing side-by-side in a field.
November 26, 2025 at 4:44 PM
dec.ny.gov
Last call for submissions for DEC’s Annual Arbor Day Poster Contest! Enter your “Trees for the Future” themed submission by November 30, 2025, for a chance for your work to be featured on New York’s next Arbor Day poster.

📷: 2018 Arbor Day Poster, captured by Aaron Cohen of Roslyn, New York
A lone green leaved tree growing at the edge of a small pond in a snowy, small park.
November 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
dec.ny.gov
On Nov. 6, ECOs assisted the Lewiston Police Department following a report of an antlered deer that had become trapped after falling into a 10-foot- deep dry well.
An antlered deer stuck in a dry well.
November 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
dec.ny.gov
Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸
USA flag on a flag pole flapping in the wind.
November 11, 2025 at 2:24 PM
dec.ny.gov
Forest Rangers, staff from DEC's Division of Lands and Forests, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and Albany Pine Bush conducted a prescribed burn of over four acres at the Albany Pine Bush on Oct. 28, and over 34 acres at Moreau Lake State Park on Oct. 29.
A Forest Ranger standing near a prescribed fire in a field.
November 5, 2025 at 4:30 PM
dec.ny.gov
Tomorrow, Nov. 6, DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton is joining a panel discussion on "Weathering the Federal Storm" at the 2025 SOMOS Puerto Rico Conference. 👏
A document with information about the "Weathering the Federal Storm" panel at the SOMOS Puerto Rico Conference.
November 5, 2025 at 3:25 PM
dec.ny.gov
Leaves are falling across NYS. Consider using zero-emission lawn equipment to clear the leaves, including electric mowers or leaf blowers, or even manual tools such as rakes to limit air emissions.

Check out the latest issue of Air Mail! to learn more ⤵️ content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYS...
Pumpkins and gourds in a black wagon.
November 3, 2025 at 1:36 PM
dec.ny.gov
Congratulations @governor.ny.gov! DEC is proud to be a partner in making real climate progress that protects New York's communities. time.com/collections/...
Kathy Hochul: The 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders of 2025
Find out why Kathy Hochul is on TIME's 2025 list of the 100 most influential leaders driving business climate action.
time.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
dec.ny.gov
With nearly 3 million New Yorkers potentially losing their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance in November, DEC is encouraging hunters to help fight hunger in our communities at this critical time.

Learn how to donate your deer harvest: dec.ny.gov/things-to-do...
October 29, 2025 at 8:47 PM
dec.ny.gov
On Oct. 17, 13 Forest Rangers passed their reaccreditation with the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) for technical rope rescue certification using technical skills learned on difficult high- and low-angle rope rescues.
Four Forest Rangers participating in technical rope rescue certification training. A person wearing a helmet while repelling on a steep cliff. Two Forest Rangers near the edge of a cliff. One Ranger is crouching while another one is standing.
October 22, 2025 at 7:43 PM
dec.ny.gov
Week 7️⃣ of the @i-love-ny.bsky.social Fall Foliage Report is out!

🍂 To view the full report, visit www.iloveny.com/things-to-do...
Week 7 Fall Foliage Report graphic.
October 22, 2025 at 4:45 PM
dec.ny.gov
Week 6️⃣ of the @i-love-ny.bsky.social Fall Foliage Report is here!

🍂 For the full report, visit www.iloveny.com/things-to-do...
Week 6 fall foliage report graphic
October 16, 2025 at 12:52 PM
dec.ny.gov
A strong coastal storm is forecast to impact Long Island, New York City, and the lower Hudson Valley during Columbus Day weekend: www.governor.ny.gov/news/governo...

The storm will bring:
🌧️ Heavy rain 1.5-3 inches
💨 Strong winds - gusts up to 60 mph
🛟 Potential for coastal flooding
Governor Hochul Urges Preparedness Ahead of Impending Coastal Storm
Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare ahead of a strong coastal storm that is forecast to impact portions of New York during Columbus Day weekend.
www.governor.ny.gov
October 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM
dec.ny.gov
Phew! What a re-leaf to know that Week 5️⃣ of the @i-love-ny.bsky.social Fall Foliage Report is out!

🍂 To read the full report, visit www.iloveny.com/things-to-do...
Week 5 Fall Foliage Report Graphic.
October 8, 2025 at 6:42 PM
dec.ny.gov
A statewide burn ban is in effect due to increased fire risk and continued dry conditions. The ban is in effect through October 15th and will be reevaluated prior to expiration. You can help prevent fires in communities and in the backcountry by complying with the prohibition on most outdoor fires.
Image of daily fire danger rating map of New York State. Currently showing counties across the state in either moderate or high fire danger.
October 3, 2025 at 8:13 PM