New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The official account of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. SM use policy: dec.ny.gov/about/website-usage…
- Adirondack backcountry report: ❄️ As of Feb. 4, snow depths were 47 in. at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin (~2,750 ft elevation). ⚠️ February is the most common month for avalanches. 🥶 BASE elevation lows this weekend: in the negative-teens. Expect to lose 5°F for every 1,000 ft of elevation gain.
- DEC is closely monitoring the weather forecast, which shows the potential for trapping colder air and pollution closer to the surface. Be Air Aware! 📣 Check the latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/
- Tune in to hear DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton present details of Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget: www.nysenate.gov/calendar/pub...
- Dangerously cold weather is coming, with statewide feels-like temperatures in the negatives Friday and Saturday night. Some locations in the North Country may experience feels-like temperatures as low as -50 degrees.
- DEC urges you to consider rescheduling any outdoor plans. It only takes 10 minutes for frostbite to set in and rescues can put hikers and first responders at risk.
- At 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 11, Forest Ranger Dormer responded to a call for a car over an embankment in the Town of Thurston. Ranger Dormer and a Thurston Fire Dept. member located the SUV and learned that there was a child in the backseat and an adult driver and passenger in the front.
- To help build affordable housing, improve critical infrastructure, and advance other projects benefitting communities and avoiding environmental impacts, Governor Kathy Hochul's State of the State included sweeping and commonsense reforms to modernize the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
- Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State lays out a robust environmental agenda that focuses on affordability, clean water, climate resiliency, inclusivity and justice, and safety. Learn more: www.governor.ny.gov/programs/202...
- Tune in at 1:00 pm today for @governor.ny.gov Kathy Hochul's State of the State address live from Albany! ➡️ www.governor.ny.gov/programs/202...
- Joint Statement from NYSDEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton and @nyserda.bsky.social President and CEO Doreen Harris and on the Trump Administration’s decision to step back from the foundational climate treaty. ⬇️
- 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
