iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 30/09/2026

I can barely be-leaf it! Week 3️⃣ of the @i-love-ny.bsky.social Fall Foliage Report is out! 🍂 For the full report, visit www.iloveny.com/things-to-do...

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 23/09/2026

Beautiful fall colors continue to emerge across New York State, with the most significant foliage changes this weekend expected in the Adirondacks. Noteworthy changes are also anticipated for some areas in The Catskills and Central New York.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 18/09/2026

DEC joins the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is "Together, We Are More” (“Unidos, Somos Más”). DEC recognizes Hispanic and Latine individuals inside/outside our organization who are contributing to the common cause of environmental conservation, equity and justice.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 16/09/2026

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

A fall foliage report week 1 graphic. I love NY's fall foliage report map on a photo of mountains.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 15/09/2026

*inserts coins* 🪙🪙🪙🪙 There’s no wrong way to Get There Green! This year’s event is taking place September 20 - 27 and you can join in the fun by taking a trip using sustainable transportation. Methods include: ✅ Walking ✅ Biking ✅ Taking transit ✅ Carpooling ✅ Driving an EV ✅ And pogo sticking

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 14/08/2026

Got algae in your pond or lake? Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are an overgrowth of algae that can produce toxins that can be harmful to the health of humans and pets.

A black dog and a whiteish-yellow dog swimming in a lake side by side. The paler colored dog has a tennis ball in its mouth and there are several people wearing swimsuits on the beach in the background.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 07/08/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for ozone today, August 7, for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions.

New York State map with counties color coded by air quality index values.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 01/08/2026

DEC is closely monitoring smoke from Canadian wildfires for potential impacts on New York’s air quality. DEC experts are forecasting mostly “good to moderate” levels across New York State, with the possibility of surface smoke-related pollution later Saturday and Sunday, particularly in Western NY

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 30/07/2026

👉 For details on these and other recent Forest Ranger stories, head to dec.ny.gov/news/press-r...

Two damaged canoes on land and several fallen or damaged trees following a severe storm.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 30/07/2026

Then they reached the summit, they transferred care to a Lexington Fire Department UTV, which firefighters then used to drive the subject to the trailhead at the base of the mountain. Friends drove the patient to the hospital.

A person packaged in a wheeled litter, with several people walking alongside it to navigate through the woods at night.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 30/07/2026

On July 26, Forest Rangers Horn, Jackson, and Sweeney responded to a call for an injured hiker near the summit of Hunter Mtn. Rangers reached the hiker, stabilized the hiker's leg injury, and packaged them in a wheeled litter. For part of the carryout, Rangers needed to do a steep angle rope rescue.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 20/07/2026

There is no change in the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast today but there is a chance we may see a few temporary spikes of 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG), especially in Western New York, Central New York, and Eastern Lake Ontario.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 18/07/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory tomorrow, July 19th, for Central and Western NY for fine particulate matter due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. ℹ️ For the latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 17/07/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for tomorrow, July 18th, for fine particulate matter due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. New Yorkers may see visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution.

A map of New York State, divided into several regions, with Western NY, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central NY, NYC Metro, and Long Island colored red (unhealthy air quality) and the Adirondacks and Upper and Lower Hudson Valley regions colored orange (unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups).

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 17/07/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an updated air quality health advisory for today, July 17th, for fine particulate matter due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. New Yorkers may see visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution.

New York State map with counties color coded for air quality index levels.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 16/07/2026

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, @nysdoh.bsky.social Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald, and @nysdhses.bsky.social Commissioner Terry O'Leary provide the latest air quality updates and what you can do to 'Be Air Aware.' Stay air quality aware by visiting: www.airnow.gov

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 16/07/2026

UPDATE: DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for TOMORROW, July 17th, for fine particulate matter for Western NY due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Northern Minnesota and Canada. For the latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

a map of new york state with counties color coded by the air quality index levels.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 16/07/2026

📣 www.airnow.gov is New York State’s trusted source for air quality monitoring data. Many other apps and sites may provide information on air quality in an immediate area, but do not undergo the same testing as DEC’s equipment to ensure accuracy.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 16/07/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have updated an air quality health advisory for today, July 16th, for fine particulate matter due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Northern Minnesota and Canada. For the latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

New York State map showing counties color coded by air quality index levels.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 16/07/2026

To check your air quality, visit airnow.gov or download the AirNow app for regular updates.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 16/07/2026

Headed into Thursday morning, DEC air monitors in Buffalo, the Southern Tier, and Syracuse were already reporting ‘Unhealthy’ air levels, with Rochester and New York City reporting levels ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’

New York State map with counties colored coded for air quality.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 15/07/2026

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, @nysdoh.bsky.social Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald and @nysdhses.bsky.social Commissioner Terry O'Leary provide the latest information to help keep New Yorkers healthy and what you can do to 'Be Air Aware.' Stay air quality aware by visiting: airnow.gov

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 15/07/2026

UPDATE: DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have now issued an air quality health advisory today, July 15th, for fine particulate matter for all of New York State due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Northern Minnesota and Canada. Check the latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

A map of New York State, divided into several regions, with Western NY, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Central NY colored red (unhealthy air quality) and Adirondacks, Upper and Lower Hudson Valley, NYC Metro, and Long Island colored orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups).

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 15/07/2026

Wildfire smoke from northern Canada and high temperatures are expected to create unhealthy air conditions. Smoke will be visible and is set to first cross into western areas early this morning before disbursing across the state.

A New York State map showing counties in air quality alert color shading.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 15/07/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for fine particulate matter tomorrow, July 15th, for the Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York and Western New York counties due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Northern Minnesota and Canada.

Map of New York State showing all counties and their Air Quality Index levels.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 14/07/2026

This Plastic Free July is the perfect time to try a new way to reduce your reliance on single use plastics. New York State’s Foam Ban expanded on Jan. 1, 2026, to include a ban on polystyrene foam coolers and other polystyrene foam cold-storage containers.

A blue reusable cooler on a picnic table next to other reusable items (2 metal containers, reusable cutlery, a wicker basket, napkin, and a water bottle).

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 13/07/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for ozone tomorrow, July 14th, for NYC Metro and Long Island. ☎️ For additional information, contact the Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345 👉 Latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

Air Quality Map of New York State counties. NYC Metro and Long Island are shown in orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups), and the rest of the state shown in yellow (moderate).

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 04/07/2026

250 years of our nation. 50 years of eagle conservation in New York State. Have a safe and happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 03/07/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have extended an air quality health advisory for ozone for today, July 3rd, for New York City Metro and Long Island. ☎️ For additional information, you can contact the Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345 👉 Latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 02/07/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have extended an air quality health advisory for ozone to today, July 2nd, for New York City Metro and Long Island. ☎️ For additional information you can contact the Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345 👉 Latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 01/07/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for ozone today, July 1st, for New York City Metro and Long Island. ☎️ For additional information you can contact the Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345 👉 Latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 30/06/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for ozone today, June 30th, for New York City Metro. ☎️ For additional information you can contact the Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345 👉 Latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI

Air Quality Map of New York State counties. NYC Metro is shown in orange or (unhealthy for sensitive groups), and the rest of the state shown in yellow or (moderate).

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 29/06/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for ozone today, June 29th, for New York City Metro. ☎️ For additional information you can contact the Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345 👉 Latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI

Air Quality Map of New York State counties. NYC Metro is shown in orange or (unhealthy for sensitive groups), and the Lower Hudson Valley region in green (good), and the rest of the state shown in yellow or (moderate).

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 25/06/2026

Hey, Long Islanders! Can you guess how many times the Empire State Building can be filled up with the water used on LI to irrigate lawns each summer? 360 times! Check out some easy tricks to help conserve water and save you money. 📽️: LICAP

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 18/06/2026

In the newest episode of our podcast, we hear from Grace Gallagher and Nathan Graber from DEC’s Oil and Gas Compliance Enforcement Section about New York State’s progress to identify, prioritize, and plug abandoned wells. 🎧 Listen to our newest episode of “DEC Does What?!”: dec.ny.gov/podcast

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 18/06/2026

DEC has announced the acquisition of 284 acres at the former Babcock-Hovey Scout Camp in the Town of Ovid, NY. DEC acquired the property for more than $5.9 million from the Boy Scouts of America through the New York State Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (Bond Act).

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 11/06/2026

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for ozone today, June 11th, for Long Island and New York City Metro. ☎️ For additional information you can contact the Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345 👉 Latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

Air Quality Map of New York State counties. NYC Metro and Long Island shown in orange or (unhealthy for sensitive groups), with the rest of the state show in Yellow (Moderate) or Green (Good).

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 10/06/2026

As a heat wave approaches, DEC is monitoring air quality across the state and will issue air quality health advisories as necessary. To view the latest DEC air quality forecasts, visit the dec.ny.gov/environmenta...

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 10/06/2026

DEC urges New Yorkers to prepare for the hot weather anticipated to continue through the weekend. Extreme heat is impacting most of New York State, with "feels-like" temperatures in the high 90s, low 100s Thursday and Friday. Be prepared and Hike Smart: dec.ny.gov/things-to-do...

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 04/06/2026

Adirondack Backcountry report: ☀️ Protect your skin—wear sunscreen! 🔥 Remember to have small campfires in designated fire rings only. 💧 Boaters, dress for the water temp, not the air temp. 🕷️ Ticks are active. 🌜 Sunrise = 5:13 a.m.; Sunset = 8:35 p.m. Don’t forget your headlamp and extra batteries.

Photograph of the rocky top of Catamount Mountain with some conifer trees to the left and right and a view of a distant lake and forest.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 29/05/2026

📣 The Lake Placid Boat Launch, Essex County, remains closed until Tuesday, June 2. For the past two weeks, construction crews have been repairing portions of the parking lot and in-water components of the launch itself.

Picture of the Lake Placid Boat Launch at the water’s edge, where there are green and yellow ropes installed with underwater curtains that trap loose sediment. The water within the curtains is visibly cloudier than outside of the curtains.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 23/05/2026

DEC today announced the installation of two new floating docks at the Bethlehem Boat Launch located at the north end of Henry Hudson Park along the shores of the Hudson River in the Town of Bethlehem.

Ribbon cutting at the site of the new floating docks.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 21/05/2026

And on May 15, Rangers Franke, Schweider, and Stratton responded to a report of an injured angler at Neversink River Unique Area who had gotten stuck between two rocks while wading and fishing. The person was able to crawl to shore, where Rangers and members of the Rock Hill Fire Dept. located them.

Three Forest Rangers and a first responder leaning over a person that is being packaged into a litter in the woods.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 21/05/2026

On May 13, Ray Brook Dispatch contacted Ranger Ezumah about a lost hiker near Street and Nye Mountain trail. Rangers Ezumah and Rooney met at the trailhead and made verbal contact with the hiker 1 mile down the trail. Rangers provided warming layers and escorted the hiker back to their vehicle.

A person using trekking poles while navigating a hiking trail in the woods, followed by a Forest Ranger.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 06/05/2026

It’s National Small Business Week! Celebrate by sharing with or tagging your favorite small business so they can take advantage of DEC’s new Sustainable Business Navigator program to make their business more sustainable and reduce costs. Learn more and register: on.ny.gov/sbn

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 04/05/2026

Today marks opening day for summer flounder, commonly known as fluke. 🐟 May 4th - Aug. 1st, the minimum size is 19 inches. 🐟 Aug. 2nd - Oct. 15th, the minimum size increases to 19.5 inches. 🐟 Possession limit is 3 fish per person per day for the entire season, May 4th - Oct. 15th.

An angler holding a summer flounder, commonly known as fluke, over the water.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 01/05/2026

Hunters and trappers of any age can now commemorate their harvest with a species-specific sticker and a letter from DEC. Hunter Achievement Awards recognize hunters and trappers who harvest any of the 24 eligible game species and submit a picture on our entry form.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 22/04/2026

Region 2 wildlife staff started surveying for river otters in Nov. 2025 and they’ve had great success in finding them on Staten Island! This is a huge win for the region since there has not been any official documentation of river otters in NYC in several decades.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 10/04/2026

Virtual public meetings for the recently released final Visitor Use Management (VUM) Recommendations Report are coming up in late April!

Group of 50 people crowded near a viewing platform that overlooks a waterfall gorge in the forested mountains.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @dec.ny.gov · 10/04/2026

That same day, 10 Rangers joined DEC staff from the Divisions of Lands and Forests and Operations, NY State Parks & Historic Sites, the Milan Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., and Albany Pine Bush staff to conduct a controlled burn of 57 acres at Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area in Milan.

Several people wearing protective gear while in a field with smoke and small flames during the Milan prescribed burn.

Bright orange flames burning in a field during the Milan prescribed burn.

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