DEC Does What?!

Join Team DEC

In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica welcome Alan Ilagan, Associate Director Human Resources, and Natalie Joseph, Human Resources Specialist, with DEC’s Division of Human Resources to highlight DEC’s recruiting efforts to fill positions across every region of New York State, open exam announcements for Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Forest Rangers, and how potential candidates can find jobs through the State’s Civil Service system.
 
Episode Notes:
Employment Opportunities with DEC
Apply to Become a DEC Environmental Conservation Officer | VIDEO
Apply to Become a DEC Forest Ranger | VIDEO
New York HELPS
About:
 
“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Region 4 Director Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast 
 
Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

New York Camping Is In-Tents

DEC’s first campgrounds—Sacandaga and Sharp Bridge—were established in 1920, and the newest campground, Frontier Town, opened in 2019. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by Campground Program Supervisor Jessica McBride and Conservation Operations Supervisor Andrea Dukett who explain how DEC’s Bureau of Recreation oversees the operations of 55 campgrounds and day use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve visited by an estimated 1.5 million people each year.
Episode Notes:  
First-Time Camper Weekend Program
Camping Reservations
VIDEO: Know Before You Go – DEC Campgrounds
VIDEO: Throwback Adirondack and Catskill Camping - From the DEC Vault
About:
“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   
 
Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

The (State) Fair Necessities

Since the 1930s, DEC (then known as New York’s Conservation Department) has participated in events at the New York State Fairgrounds. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by Oneida Fish Hatchery Manager Bill Evans and Public Participation Specialist Emma Antolos to explore how DEC staff from the Divisions of Lands and Forests, Fish and Wildlife, Law Enforcement, Forest Protection, and Communications, Education, and Engagement promotes outdoor recreational opportunities and environmental conservation efforts across the state.  
Episode Notes:
The Great New York State Fair
VIDEO: DEC Aquarium at the New York State Fair
VIDEO: Estimating Walleye Abundance in Oneida Lake
About: “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   
Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

A Bit About Bats

Bats are the world’s only flying mammal and New York State is home to nine different species. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by DEC Wildlife Biologists Casey Kennedy and Ashley Meyer with the Division of Fish and Wildlife to explain how DEC’s Bat Diversity Program tracks population changes and distribution of bats throughout the state. Guests also discuss the many benefits bats provide, how New Yorkers can help support and restore bat populations, misconceptions about rabies, and the devastating impact of White Nose Syndrome that causes mass mortality in four of New York’s hibernating bat species.
Episode Notes:
Bats of New York State (PDF)
Protection of Northern Long-eared Bats
DEC Encourages New Yorkers to Help Protect Bats During “Bat Week” (Oct. 2024)
Bat Week (Oct. 24-31)
Video: Catching Bats in a Mist Net (NYSDEC YouTube)
About: “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast 
Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

Artificial Reefs, Reel Benefits

Established in 1949, New York’s Artificial Reef Program is the oldest in the U.S. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by DEC Marine Biologist Christopher LaPorta and Division Director Marty Gary to dive into the history of the State’s artificial reef network and how it artificial reefs help conserve, protect, and improve marine habitat for a variety of species. Guests also discuss how reefs support fishing and diving activities, and the coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and other entities for deploying large vessels to the ocean floor.
 
Episode Notes:
Overview of Artificial Reefs
Interactive Map of New York’s Artificial Reefs
Timelapse Video: “Jana Marie” Deployed to DEC’s Twelve Mile Reef
Saltwater Fishing in New York State
About:
 
“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   
 
Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

From Pit to Park: Reclaiming New York’s Mined Lands

New York State is rich in minerals, including sand, gravel, bluestone, zinc, and salt, which are mined for industrial and construction uses and the U.S. Geological Survey estimates the annual value of New York's mineral production at $1.84 billion. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by Psalm Wyckoff, Section Chief for the Mined Land Reclamation Program, and Jami June, Mined Land Reclamation Specialist—staff with DEC’s Division of Mineral Resources—to discuss the essential role of minerals in New York State’s economy and how the agency oversees the mining industry to ensure the protection of natural resources.
Episode Notes: 
Mining and Reclamation
Mined Land Reclamation (Video)
Mineral Resources of New York State
About:
“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   
 
Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.
 

Environmental Conservation (and So Much More) Police on Patrol

In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica speak with Officer Mary Frano and Officer Craig Tompkins from DEC’s Region 3 (lower Hudson Valley) about the agency’s wide-ranging front line efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Conversations explore the critical work of DEC’s Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) who help protect New York’s air, water, wildlife, and public safety. The episode covers the wide-ranging responsibilities of ECOs as they enforce the New York Environmental Conservation Law, navigate the unpredictable nature of tasks during an “average” day, and guide the next generation of New Yorkers to engage in outdoor activities across New York State.
Episode Notes: 
Environmental Conservation Police Officers
History of Conservation Law Enforcement in New York State
Become a NYS Environmental Conservation Police Officer
Video: On the Front Lines – Environmental Conservation Police Officer
About:
“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   
 
Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

Talking Turkey

In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica welcome Gordon Batcheller, retired DEC’s Wildlife Bureau Chief and current Wildlife Biologist with the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, and Mike Menza, Environmental Program Specialist with DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, to discuss the extraordinary restoration success story for New York State’s wild turkey population, the spring and fall turkey hunting seasons, and the importance of continuing the heritage of turkey hunting and provide safe and ethical hunting opportunities to future generations. They also talk about how DEC’s intro song came to be.  
Episode Notes:
Wild Turkeys in New York State
Turkey Hunting Seasons
DEC’s Hunter Education Program
Opportunities for Youth Hunting
Get Outdoors and Get Together Day
 
About:
“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   
Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

Where Duty Meets the Wild

Hosts Sean and Erica speak with Captain Nancy Ganswindt and Forest Ranger Chuck Kabrehl about the critical work of DEC’s Division of Forest Protection in responding to wildfires and wilderness emergencies across the State. From fighting forest fires to conducting backcountry rescues to enforcing the laws of New York State, their talents are many. Capt. Ganswindt and Ranger Kabrehl also share their most memorable rescues, investigations, wildfire deployments, and even a surprise celebrity encounter with Nicole Kidman and Martha Stewart. Listeners will also learn about the importance of the annual burn ban, where to get daily air quality updates, and how to be prepared to hike smart before heading out to the woods.
Episode Notes:
Statewide Burn Ban: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/open-burning 
Campfire Safety: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/fire-safety 
Fire Danger Map: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/wildfires/fire-danger-map 
Make Your Home Firewise: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/wildfires/firewise-new-york/homeowners 
Contact a Forest Ranger: https://dec.ny.gov/about/contact-us/forest-ranger-rosters 
Becoming a Forest Ranger: https://dec.ny.gov/about/employment/explore-career-descriptions/forest-ranger-1 
About:
“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   
Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

Meet the Commish

In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton about the opportunities and challenges leading New York’s expansive environmental agency, the foundational role of the State’s natural environment to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, and the importance of standing up and leading on environmental protections.
 
Episode Notes:
Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton
GOGO: Get Offline, Get Outside
Transformational Opportunities Under the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act
25 Million Trees Toolkit
Mount Vernon Water Infrastructure Improvements
BearWise Basics