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.

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.

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...

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.

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. 🧵 ⤵️

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...

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.

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.

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

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at DEC!

Can you tell the difference between a male turkey (tom) and a female turkey (hen)? 🦃 📷: James Monteleone #WildlifeWednesday

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

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.

Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸

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.

Tomorrow, Nov. 6, DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton is joining a panel discussion on "Weathering the Federal Storm" at the 2025 SOMOS Puerto Rico Conference. 👏

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...

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/...

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...

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.

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 6️⃣ of the @i-love-ny.bsky.social Fall Foliage Report is here! 🍂 For the full report, visit www.iloveny.com/things-to-do...

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

📣 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. 🧵 ⤵️

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

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).

DEC Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) Maynard, ECO Toomey, Major Daly, Lt. Levanway, ECO Bieber and ECO Ableson attended the World Trade Center memorial service today in New York City. Major Daly and Lt. Levanway were both 9/11 responders. #NeverForget

Today, Sept. 10, the drought watch originally announced on Aug. 29 has been expanded by 30 NYS counties, bringing the total to 50 counties. Residents in affected counties are encouraged to conserve water whenever possible. Find updates and see if your county is on the list: on.ny.gov/4nwt5Bv

We are unbe-leaf-ably happy that Week 1️⃣ of the @i-love-ny.bsky.social Fall Foliage Report is out! To view the report, visit www.iloveny.com/things-to-do... 🍁🍂

While off-duty and spending the day at a Westchester Co. lake with family on Aug.30, Forest Ranger Lt. Gullen was alerted to someone calling for help near a popular cliff-jumping area. Someone had jumped from approximately 50 ft. up and suffered a back injury as they entered the water.

Could your artwork be the next winner in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest? Submit your “Trees for the Future” themed photo or artwork by November 30, 2025, for a chance to be part of the tradition! 📷: Abigail Bernard

DEC continues to monitor smoke from wildfires in western states for potential impacts on New York’s air quality. DEC experts are forecasting mostly a “good to low-moderate” Air Quality Index (AQI) across NYS—below levels that trigger an Air Quality Health Advisory.

DEC, in coordination with the @nysdoh.bsky.social, is investigating environmental impacts following a fire that took place on August 30 at the Eco Operations facility in Gorham (Ontario Co.).

Get your reusable coolers ready! Polystyrene foam is a top contributor of litter, and starting Jan 1, 2026, NYS’s Foam Ban will expand to ban polystyrene foam coolers and other foam containers used for cold storage in the State.

This Saturday, September 6, is Adirondack and Catskill Park Day! Join DEC and Parks & Trails New York for a day of stewardship on our public lands. Gather friends and family and give back to the lands you love. To find an event near you, visit on.ny.gov/3T2azDx

A drought watch has been issued today, Aug. 29, for the following NYS counties: Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Suffolk, Warren, Wayne, and the northern portion of Cayuga County.

DEC, in coordination with @nysdoh.bsky.social and Cattaraugus Co. Health Dept., is investigating a potential organic waste discharge to Ischua Creek and a significant fish and wildlife die-off. 🧵⤵️

The August/September 2025 issue of New York State Conservationist Magazine is out and features: ✅ The Allegheny River Watershed: Unsung Hero of Biodiversity ✅ Trout Sampling in Naples Creek ✅ Hidden Waterfalls and much more… ➡️ Subscribe today or give a gift subscription dec.ny.gov/news/conserv...

Join DEC at The Great New York State Fair now through Sept. 1! Some of the fun to look forward to: 🎣 Free Family Fishing, Aug. 22 & 29, 12-5 PM both days, 📖 Discounted Conservationist subscription (6 issues for $10) 🏹 Sporting license and Trail Supporter patch sales 🌱 Free tree seedlings

DEC is closely monitoring smoke from wildfires for potential impacts on NY’s air quality. DEC experts are forecasting mostly “good to low-moderate” levels across the state today, 8/20—below levels that trigger an Air Quality Health Advisory. 🧵 @nysdoh.bsky.social

Did you know, the gray fox is the only canid native to North America that can climb trees? With semi-retractable, hooked claws, it jumps from limb to limb looking for food and avoiding predators. Gray fox dens are sometimes even found several yards above ground! #WildlifeWednesday 📷: Gerald Simek