Latest news with #NewYorkStateDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation
CTV News
5 days ago
- Science
- CTV News
Edmonton keeping eye out for ‘relentless killer' in tree canopy
In this Oct. 26, 2011 file photo, forester Jeff Wiegert, of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, removes emerald ash borer larvae from an ash tree at Esopus Bend Nature Preserve in Saugerties, N.Y. There are reports of a potential emerald ash borer beetle infestation in the Concord, N.H.-area. If the reports are confirmed, state officials will need to set up a quarantine to ensure infested ash trees, branches, logs, and firewood are contained. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Champlain Area Trails seeks land conservation manager
WESTPORT — Champlain Area Trails recently announced a $100,000 grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund to establish a new permanent position of land conservation manager. This role will spearhead land protection efforts throughout New York's Champlain Valley, advancing CATS's mission to maintain trails to connect people with nature and ensure long-term access to outdoor recreation, all promoting economic vitality in New York's Champlain Valley. 'This role strengthens our commitment to protecting critical lands, building partnerships with private landowners, and creating lasting connections for future generations,' Arin Burdo, executive director of CATS, said. 'The land conservation manager will be pivotal in expanding our ability to preserve the natural beauty of our region.' In addition to general land conservation initiatives, the land conservation manager will focus on implementing critical current projects, including: — A New York State Smart Growth grant focused on converting temporary trail agreements into permanent trail easements, ensuring lasting public access to these natural spaces. — The acquisition of the Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center, which will expand public opportunities for outdoor education, community engagement and environmental stewardship. 'This new position allows us to take bold steps in advancing our conservation mission,' Burdo said. 'We're excited to grow our team and strengthen our efforts to protect and share the beautiful landscapes of the Champlain Valley with everyone.' This new position, funded through a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will focus on major ongoing conservation projects, identify future opportunities and collaborate with local landowners, communities and conservation partners. The land conservation manager will also play a role in securing grants and donations to support future projects. 'We are grateful to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Land Trust Alliance for their support,' Burdo said. 'Their commitment helps ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the beauty and wonder of the Champlain Valley.' The Land Conservation project is supported with funding from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program and New York's Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Visit for more information about the land conservation manager position or to apply by the July 6 deadline.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DEC announces $100M fish hatchery modernization effort
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton recently announced the launch of a nation-leading $100 million freshwater fish hatchery modernization plan. The funding supports the first of three phases of modernization projects for 12 hatcheries operated by DEC across the state. The hatcheries are integral to effective fisheries management and conservation, and contribute up to $5 billion in economic benefits provided by New York's recreational freshwater fishing industry. 'DEC's fish hatchery system serves as the backbone for the management and restoration of our freshwater fisheries,' Lefton said. 'Today's launch of the hatchery modernization plan will further strengthen New York State's commitment to the angling community and the continued stewardship of our fisheries resources far into the future.' First established in 1864, New York's fish hatchery system is the oldest in North America. The DEC operates 12 hatcheries that annually produce up to 850,000 pounds of fish that are stocked into more than 1,200 waterbodies for recreational and restoration purposes. The average age of DEC's hatcheries is 93 years and the integrity of many buildings, water supply assets, and fish-rearing structures are at risk. In recent years some of the most crucial needs have been addressed with a steady flow of DEC capital funding, but more extensive work is needed to sustain and improve operations to truly modernize the hatchery system for the future. The historic $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 dedicated up to $75 million for hatchery improvements as part of the $650 million specified for improving access to and protecting nature. This funding, combined with funding from New York Works and other capital funds, provides a solid foundation for creating a modern hatchery system that is technologically advanced, more efficient, adaptable, and environmentally responsible. The DEC will use Bond Act monies and capital funds to leverage other state and federal funding to modernize the hatchery system in multiple phases over the next 10 years. Improvements center on employing contemporary culture technologies to maximize fish production and ensuring greater sustainability by using the best technology available to reduce energy use and minimize the facilities' carbon footprint. DEC will implement its modernization plan in three phases, with Phase 1 beginning immediately. Highlights of Phase 1 include: • Covering the rearing ponds to exclude predators, reduce sunlight, and provide a surface for a photovoltaic system at the Caledonia Hatchery • Refurbishing ponds at the South Otselic Hatchery for increased walleye production • Overhauling the water supply system at the Salmon River Hatchery • Building a new hatch house at Chateaugay Hatchery • Replacing the existing hatchery at Randolph with a brand-new facility 'This plan not only ensures the continued health and sustainability of our state's freshwater fisheries but also preserves critical recreational and economic opportunities for future generations. New York's fish hatchery system is a vital part of our state's natural heritage and supports recreational fishing that benefits local communities, small businesses, and tourism across the state,' New York State Conservation Council President Dr. Keith Tidball said. 'The hatcheries are not just facilities — they are centers of fisheries conservation, education, and economic vitality.' Visit the DEC website for more information about the fish hatchery system. Stocking information, along with fishing regulations, maps, and access information is also available in 'The Tackle Box' feature of the DEC 'HuntFishNY' smartphone app. Other features include driving directions to state boat launch sites and an offline feature that allows a user to access information when cell coverage isn't available.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
More than 4,000 deer harvested in Niagara County this past hunting season
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reports that hunters in New York harvested an estimated 223,304 deer during the 2024-25 hunting seasons. In addition, DEC announced the release of a report noting agency actions in response to the Herkimer County chronic wasting disease (CWD) incident and the state's plans for continued, intensified disease surveillance. The 2024-25 estimated deer harvest included 122,427 antlered bucks (i.e., adult males) and 100,877 antlerless deer (i.e., adult females and fawns of either sex). Statewide, this represents a 9% increase in antlered buck harvest and a 3% increase in antlerless deer harvest from last season. However, the total deer harvest was slightly below the five-year average. In Niagara County, 4,027 deer were harvested during the season. Orleans County saw 4,416 deer harvested. Notable numbers • 15.7 and 0.6 — number of deer harvested per square mile in the units with the highest and lowest harvest density. • 66.9% — portion of the adult buck harvest that was 2.5 years or older statewide, up from 52% a decade ago, and 30% in the 1990s. • 53.6% — portion of successful deer hunters that reported their harvest as required by law. This is greater than the five-year average of 48.2%. • 13,488 — number of hunter-harvested deer checked by DEC staff in 2024 to determine hunter reporting rate and collect biological data (e.g., age, sex, antler data). This represents 6% of the total 2024-25 deer harvest. • 18,372 — number of deer harvested using a crossbow, less than half as many as were taken with a vertical bow. Deer harvest data are gathered from two main sources: harvest reports required within seven days of harvest of all successful deer hunters and DEC's examination of harvested deer at meat processors and check stations across the state. Harvest estimates are made by cross-referencing these two data sources and calculating the total harvest from the reporting rate for each zone and tag type. Chronic Wasting Disease Last fall, a case of Chronic Wasting Disease was confirmed in a captive red deer herd in the town of Columbia, Herkimer County. In coordination with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), all captive red deer at the facility were tested. DEC also increased its sampling efforts for wild white-tailed deer. With the assistance of local hunters, landowners, and USDA Wildlife Services, DEC collected samples from more than 200 wild deer within the six towns surrounding the captive deer facility where CWD was confirmed in 2024; none tested positive, providing hope that CWD may not have spread into the wild deer herd. Contact the nearest DEC regional wildlife office or Environmental Conservation Police Officer to report a deer that appears sick, unusually thin, or behaves abnormally.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
DEC Issues Air Quality Alert for Western New York
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Western New York Wednesday through 11 p.m. While there has been a slight haze of wildfire smoke, this concern, according to the DEC, is because of ozone particles. That is more because of pollution from industrial processes and emissions from transportation. While these pollutants do act as a greenhouse gas to warm the atmosphere and lead to climate change, they are also harmful to breath in when at higher concentrations. Monroe County is in the Moderate category while Western New York is in the 'Unhealthy for sensitive groups' category. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
