Latest news with #StateDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationActing
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DEC warns turtles are on the move
State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton on Wednesday reminded New Yorkers that turtles are nesting in May and June, and she encouraged motorists to 'Give Turtles a Brake.' According to a DEC news release, turtles are often spotted on or near roads this time of year as they search for sandy areas or loose soils to lay their eggs and thousands of turtles are killed each year by unsuspecting drivers when turtles cross roads to find nesting areas. 'Our state is home to a wide range of turtle species and today DEC is calling on New Yorkers to do their part to help protect these long-lived species and 'Give Turtles a Brake,'' Lefton said. 'Vehicle strikes are a major cause of turtle mortality this time of year, so DEC is asking drivers to be cautious, be on the lookout, and slow down, especially on roads near rivers and marshy areas.' Drivers who see a turtle on the road are encouraged to slow down to avoid hitting it with their vehicle. If the driver can safely stop and exit the vehicle, motorists should consider moving the turtle to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it was facing, the release stated. Motorists are advised not to pick up or drag turtles by their tails. Most turtles, other than snapping turtles, can be picked up safely by the sides of their shells. It is important to maintain a secure grip as turtles may kick to loosen your hold and dropping them can result in potential injury. Snapping turtles require special care when handling — they have long necks that can snap back and inflict a strong bite if held by the sides. Instead, turtles should be picked up by the rear of the shell using both hands or carefully slid onto a mat or blanket and dragged safely across the road. DEC also reminded people not to take turtles home. All native turtles are protected by law and cannot be kept without a DEC permit. Most of the 11 species of land turtles that are native to New York are in decline, the release stated. It takes many years for a turtle to reach maturity. Losing even one mature female can have a negative impact on a local population. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator may be able to help if an injured turtle is found. Learn more about New York's native turtles on DEC's website. DEC recognizes May 23 as World Turtle Day. American Tortoise Rescue, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, created World Turtle Day to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. The animals are rapidly disappearing due to smuggling, the exotic food industry, climate change, loss of habitat and the illegal pet trade, according to the release. Follow @NYSDEC on social media late May through early June for more information about turtles in the state.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DEC urges steps to avoid bear conflicts
State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton on Friday reminded New Yorkers to remove or secure outdoor food sources that may attract black bears. Throughout the spring and early summer months, according to a DEC news release, black bears "have depleted fat reserves and will search extensively for easily obtainable, calorie-dense foods, which can lead to an increase in the potential for human-bear conflicts near homes and residential areas, especially before the spring green-up when natural food sources for bears are scarce." 'Across New York State, black bears are emerging from their winter dens looking for something good to eat, including human-created sources like bird feeders, grills, and pet food,' Lefton said. 'Repeated access to these food sources can make bears bolder, so DEC encourages New Yorkers to practice the BearWise basics to help keep bears wild and prevent the potential for human-bear conflicts.' DEC advises New Yorkers to reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts to protect bears and themselves by practicing the "BearWise" basics: • Empty feeders and clean spilled seed and let nature feed birds from spring through fall. • Secure or store garbage and recycling cans in a sturdy building. • Clean and remove residual grease and food from grills and smokers. • Keep pets and livestock food indoors; those with chicken coops or apiaries should consider installing an electric fence to protect flocks and hives. Lastly, neighbors should alert neighbors to any bear activity so they can take these same precautions, the release stated. New Yorkers are advised to never feed or approach bears. "Feeding bears intentionally is dangerous and illegal. Bears that become habituated to being fed can become a threat to people and property," the release stated. This week, DEC hosted the 26th Eastern Black Bear Workshop. The EBBW is a biannual meeting of bear managers, researchers and biologists from across North America that facilitates information sharing and collaboration to address the challenges facing bear conservation and management. In 1972, DEC hosted the first workshop, which included bear biologists from 11 U.S. states and the U.S. Department of the Interior. At the time, there were abouty 2,000 to 3,000 black bears in New York. This year, more than 100 black bear management experts representing 25 U.S. states and Canada, as well as representatives from academia, national parks, non-governmental organizations and private industry attended the event, according to the release. DEC estimates there are about 8,000 bears in New York. "This conservation success story demonstrates the effectiveness of DEC's science-based approach to black bear management in New York State," the release stated. "The knowledge and experiences shared at these workshops is invaluable to improving black bear management in New York."
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Seasonal ban on outdoor burning takes effect
Burning brush outdoors is not allowed until mid-May. State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning began Sunday, March 16, and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires, according to a DEC news release. 'Prevention is best, and after a dry and windy winter season, DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to protect themselves and their communities by complying with the state's two-month burn ban,' Lefton said. 'As the seasons change, melting snow leaves behind dead leaves and brush more likely to catch fire and put our communities and natural resources at risk. In addition to protecting land and structures, the burn ban keeps DEC Forest Rangers and other firefighters safe and ready to respond to emergencies.' Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York state, according to the release. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. "Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires," the release stated. DEC continually updates a Fire Danger Map on DEC's website as a resource to view local conditions. New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave those fires unattended and must extinguish them, the release stated. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York. For more information about fire safety and prevention in homes and communities, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage. Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in those municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC's website. Forest Rangers, DEC environmental conservation police officers and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations, call 844-332-3267.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Seasonal ban on outdoor burning takes effect
Burning brush outdoors is not allowed until mid-May. State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning began Sunday, March 16, and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires, according to a DEC news release. 'Prevention is best, and after a dry and windy winter season, DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to protect themselves and their communities by complying with the state's two-month burn ban,' Lefton said. 'As the seasons change, melting snow leaves behind dead leaves and brush more likely to catch fire and put our communities and natural resources at risk. In addition to protecting land and structures, the burn ban keeps DEC Forest Rangers and other firefighters safe and ready to respond to emergencies.' Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York state, according to the release. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. "Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires," the release stated. DEC continually updates a Fire Danger Map on DEC's website as a resource to view local conditions. New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave those fires unattended and must extinguish them, the release stated. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York. For more information about fire safety and prevention in homes and communities, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage. Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in those municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC's website. Forest Rangers, DEC environmental conservation police officers and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations, call 844-332-3267.
