The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced upcoming dates of examinations for select special licenses. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering examinations online … more

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced Monday the 2025 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge to highlight the world-class tourism destinations and recreational … more

The DEC Campership (camp scholarships) Program provided an opportunity for 21 youth to explore and learn about New York’s great outdoors at three DEC camps in 2024. This is fewer than the years … more

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials in Region 4 are seeking volunteers to participate in DEC’s Winter Raptor Survey. The survey is designed to identify habitats used by … more

Don’t miss out on your chance to get afield during the late season. Multiple late-season sponsored pheasant hunts are currently open for registration, including events designed for first-time … more

Those trying to find a perfect holiday gift for someone who enjoys the outdoors should consider giving a gift subscription to Conservationist. Subscriptions include Conservationist for Kids three … more

With the onset of winter and colder temperatures, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar reminds ice anglers to be safe when venturing onto the … more

DEC’s Forest Health crew in region 8 assisted the New York State Hemlock Initiative in releasing 2,042 Laricobius nigrinus at Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area Oct. 23. Laricobius … more

DEC’s aquatic invasive species team has recently been made aware of a new invasive species in New York and the United States: water soldier. Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) looks similar in … more

It’s no secret that packaging disposal is an issue when it comes to the holidays. To ensure you are reducing, reusing, and recycling things correctly, check out this handy chart. You can also … more

PFAS are a class of manmade chemicals that have been widely used in various consumer, commercial and industrial products since the 1940s. When intentionally added to apparel, PFAS chemicals provide … more

A red pine scale is a scale insect native to Japan that feeds on red pine trees. Red pine scale nymphs settle down on a tree’s terminal end branches, feeding on sap and eventually causing the … more