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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
@dec.ny.gov
940 followers 48 following 510 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
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
For full details on these and other recent Ranger stories, check out this week's DEC Forest Rangers Week in Review: on.ny.gov/4oUjftN.
Several people wearing firefighting gear and walking along a path next to a smoky prescribed fire.
November 5, 2025 at 4:30 PM
dec.ny.gov
Also, on the morning of Oct. 29, Rangers Dormer and Raffaldi-Smith responded to a wildland fire near Clement Road. Rangers and the Naples Fire Department had the fire controlled later that afternoon. The cause was an unextinguished, unattended campfire. The next day, Rangers declared the fire out.
A Forest Ranger spraying water on a fire near a tree in the forest.
November 5, 2025 at 4:30 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
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
For details on these and other recent Forest Ranger stories, head to on.ny.gov/4omHzop.
A group photo of people wearing firefighting gear outside.
October 22, 2025 at 7:43 PM
dec.ny.gov
On Oct. 16 & 18, Rangers Dormer, Miller, and Raffaldi-Smith instructed the Basic Wildland Fire Suppression Course at the Wayne Co. Emergency Management Building. They taught 18 firefighters about the basics of fire behavior, wildland firefighting tactics, and the tools used in fire suppression.
A Forest Ranger standing near a fire truck and firefighting gear while speaking to a crowd of people outside.
October 22, 2025 at 7:43 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
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
dec.ny.gov
It’s officially autumn and leaves are beginning to fall off the trees. While fallen leaves can be a hassle, there are plenty sustainable ways to handle them, such as composting, making scarecrows, or even just letting them be.
Tree with orange leaves.
October 3, 2025 at 6:01 PM
dec.ny.gov
Don’t stop be-leafing! Week 4️⃣ of the @i-love-ny.bsky.social Fall Foliage Report has dropped! 🍂 🍁

Beautiful peak fall colors will continue to spread through the Adirondacks and Catskills, and are expected to arrive in some parts of the Chautauqua-Allegheny and Finger Lakes regions this weekend.
I love NY fall foliage report graphic for week 4.
October 1, 2025 at 4:54 PM
dec.ny.gov
Happy #NationalCoffeeDay! Also known as the DEC Social Media Team's favorite day. ☕️

Celebrate by ditching a single use cup for something reusable like a travel mug to enjoy your hot bean water.
A hand holding up a blue “camp DEC” mug with trees in the background.
September 29, 2025 at 7:32 PM
dec.ny.gov
Members of the DEC proudly ran the Tunnels to Towers 5K Sunday September 28. The DEC runners were supporting Team Hootch organized to honor the life of Lt. Michael Hoosock, OCSO who was killed in the line of duty April 14, 2024.
The DEC crew that ran the Tunnel to Towers 5K. The group consisted of ECOs Barbera, Bayne, Ableson, Nolan, Chief of Staff Espinoza, Lt. Levanway, and ECOs Bieber and Goonan.
September 29, 2025 at 3:28 PM
dec.ny.gov
A drought warning was issued today in 12 counties in the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions and a drought watch was expanded to include 6 counties in the Susquehanna region.

A drought watch or warning is now in effect for the entire state except for New York City and Westchester County.
Current drought conditions map of New York State counties.
September 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM
dec.ny.gov
DEC joins the nation in recognizing the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” which recognizes the rich diversity, resilience, and contributions of Hispanic and Latin communities in the United States past, present, and future.
Image with paper cut out hanging decorations showing various outdoor activities. Text reads "DEC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month".
September 19, 2025 at 7:07 PM
dec.ny.gov
Leaf it to autumn to show off!  Week 2️⃣ of the @i-love-ny.bsky.social Fall Foliage Report is out!

🍂 For the full report, visit www.iloveny.com/things-to-do...
September 17, 2025 at 6:01 PM
dec.ny.gov
📣 Attention Adirondacks! The Boreas Water Access Trail is undergoing construction from 9/15-10/31. During this time, the motorized access route for people with disabilities will be closed. 🧵 ⤵️
View from shore of water with mountains in background, clear blue skies.
September 15, 2025 at 4:38 PM
dec.ny.gov
Get There Green! is coming up September 21 – 28 and you can make a difference by taking at least one trip during that time using green transportation. #GTG25 on.ny.gov/3O5w9El
September 12, 2025 at 3:06 PM
dec.ny.gov
Many of the participants caught several fish, including small striped bass, bluefish, and needlefish. All fish were released back to the water.
A person holding a small fish in their hands while standing on a fishing pier. A person holding a small fish in their hands while standing on a fishing pier. A person standing on a fishing pier while holding a fishing pole and showing their catch that is on the hook.
September 11, 2025 at 4:55 PM
dec.ny.gov
Recently, Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) joined staff from DEC's I FISH NY program and New York State Parks in assisting 20 adults with special needs from Life’s WORC Services and Programs for a 2-hour fishing clinic at Captree State Park in Suffolk County (Long Island).
A group photo of people standing on a fishing pier. An ECO standing next to a person who is holding a fishing rod while standing on a pier. Two people standing on a fishing pier while one adds bait to a fish hook.
September 11, 2025 at 4:55 PM