NY DEC Press Releases

Region 6 Environmental Justice Listening Session - Utica, April 28

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a Region 6 Environmental Justice listening session to be held on April 28, 2026 at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica. The event aims to gather community input on environmental challenges affecting North Country and Mohawk Valley residents and guide future outreach and resource allocation. DEC's Office of Environmental Justice will facilitate informal discussions, provide information on grant opportunities, and collect public feedback on local environmental issues.

Angler Outreach Meeting on Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River Fisheries

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a public angler outreach meeting scheduled for April 23, 2026, from 6:00-9:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Beach State Park Lodge in Blasdell, Erie County. DEC fisheries biologists will present on 2026 fishing outlook, 2025 fishing performance and survey results, consumption advisories, sturgeon restoration, and potential regulatory changes for Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River fisheries.

DEC Forest Rangers Weekly Review, April 10

NY DEC Forest Rangers reported weekly activities including the swearing-in of 17 recruits at SUNY-ESF Basic School for Forest Rangers on April 2. Rangers also conducted prescribed burns totaling 87 acres in Dutchess and Chenango Counties on March 30 to maintain grassland habitat and reduce wildfire risk.

Suffolk County Spring Turkey Season Opens May 1

NY DEC announced the 2026 spring turkey season in Suffolk County will run May 1-31, with youth season April 25-26. The department introduced a streamlined online reservation system via ReserveAmerica for state-managed lands, replacing the previous drawing-based method. Hunters must obtain valid New York State hunting licenses and turkey permits to participate.

Timbrook Summer Camp Scholarship Winner Announced for Camp Rushford

NY DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced Grover Bennett Villari from Genoa, Cayuga County, as the 2026 recipient of the Timbrook Summer Camp Scholarship. The scholarship, created in memory of former Camp Rushford camper Emily Timbrook, provides one returning camper annually with free attendance at the Rushford Environmental Education Camp in Caneadea, Allegany County. Funds are administered through the Natural Heritage Trust.

Stony Creek Fishing Site Temporary Closure April 6th

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced temporary closure of the Stony Creek Fishing Access Site in Jefferson County beginning April 6, 2026. The closure accommodates a NY DOT bridge replacement project on State Route 3 over Stony Creek. Full public access is expected to resume in late summer 2026.

Temporary Closure of Severne Point Boat Launch on Seneca Lake

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the temporary closure of the Severne Point Boat Launch Access Site on Seneca Lake in Yates County, effective immediately. The closure is due to high water levels resulting from recent weather conditions. The site will reopen once water levels subside and any debris is cleared from the area.

19th Year of Hudson River Juvenile Eel Monitoring

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the 19th year of the Hudson River Eel Project, a community science initiative engaging approximately 1,000 volunteers annually in counting juvenile American eels (glass eels) along the Hudson River estuary. The program operates at 12 streams from New York Harbor to the Capital Region from mid-March through May, collecting data used for multi-state ASMFC fishery management plans.

Arbor Day Tree Expo at Cazenovia Park

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the annual Arbor Day Tree Expo at Cazenovia Park in Buffalo on April 25, 2026. The free community event, hosted with Buffalo Olmsted Parks and the New York State Urban Forestry Council, will feature live arboriculture demonstrations, tree sapling giveaways, and educational activities. The event supports Governor Kathy Hochul's goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033.

Forest Conservation Grant Funding for Land Trusts

The NY DEC announced $1.35 million available through the fifth round of the Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts (FCELT) Grant Program. Accredited land trusts may apply for up to $350,000 to purchase conservation easements on privately owned forested land in New York State. Applications must be submitted by August 13, 2026, with a 25% match required.