New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
@dec.ny.gov
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The official account of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. SM use policy: https://dec.ny.gov/about/website-usage-and-policies/social-media.
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dec.ny.gov
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...
Week 5 Fall Foliage Report Graphic.
dec.ny.gov
Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter ARE ALLOWED, as are small, contained cooking fires. Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round in NYS and several municipalities have burn bans currently in effect.
dec.ny.gov
The statewide burn ban now in effect PROHIBITS the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking.
dec.ny.gov
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.
Image of daily fire danger rating map of New York State. Currently showing counties across the state in either moderate or high fire danger.
dec.ny.gov
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.
Tree with orange leaves.
dec.ny.gov
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.
I love NY fall foliage report graphic for week 4.
dec.ny.gov
When you only have access to a single use cup, skip the stirrer. Each year, Americans throw away 138 billion straws and stirrers. This doesn't mean drinking your coffee black. Put your sugar/cream in first, then pour in the coffee and it should be well mixed.
dec.ny.gov
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.
A hand holding up a blue “camp DEC” mug with trees in the background.
dec.ny.gov
The DEC crew consisted of ECOs Barbera, Bayne, Ableson, Nolan, Chief of Staff Espinoza, Lt. Levanway, and ECOs Bieber and Goonan. The runners gave their time, money and sweat to support a great charity the Tunnels to Towers Foundation supporting fallen first responders nationwide.
dec.ny.gov
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.
The DEC crew that ran the Tunnel to Towers 5K.  The group consisted of ECOs Barbera, Bayne, Ableson, Nolan, Chief of Staff Espinoza, Lt. Levanway, and ECOs Bieber and Goonan.
dec.ny.gov
💧 Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
💧 Fix leaking pipes, fixtures, toilets, hoses, and faucets
💧 Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry
💧 Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub only part way
💧 Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold
💧 Wash cars less frequently
dec.ny.gov
Help conserve water by following some simple tips:
💧 Water lawns only when necessary and choose watering methods that avoid waste. Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration
💧 Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants
dec.ny.gov
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.
Current drought conditions map of New York State counties.
dec.ny.gov
This theme embodies our agency’s commitment to inspire the next generation of conservationists and ensure Team DEC reflects the diversity of background and lived experiences of New Yorkers: dec.ny.gov/about/dei/hi...
Hispanic Heritage Month
dec.ny.gov
dec.ny.gov
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.
Image with paper cut out hanging decorations showing various outdoor activities. Text reads "DEC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month".
dec.ny.gov
Colorful fall foliage continues to emerge across New York State, with the most significant changes once again expected in the Adirondacks and Catskills.
dec.ny.gov
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...
dec.ny.gov
There will be increased truck traffic on the Gulf Brook Road so please follow signage and be aware of the construction work zone around the Boreas Ponds Dam area.
dec.ny.gov
📣 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. 🧵 ⤵️
View from shore of water with mountains in background, clear blue skies.
dec.ny.gov
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
dec.ny.gov
For details and other recent ECO stories, head to on.ny.gov/4npwGB5

Interested in becoming an ECO?
👉 Sign up for the entry level law enforcement exam today: www.cs.ny.gov/police

👉 For more information about becoming a New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officer: on.ny.gov/3V91iuG
dec.ny.gov
Many of the participants caught several fish, including small striped bass, bluefish, and needlefish. All fish were released back to the water.
A person holding a small fish in their hands while standing on a fishing pier. A person holding a small fish in their hands while standing on a fishing pier. A person standing on a fishing pier while holding a fishing pole and showing their catch that is on the hook.