DEC Does What?!

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

Why Did the Salamander Cross the Road? NY’s New Wetlands Law

In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by staff from DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife— Roy “JR” Jacobson, Habitat Protection Section Head, and Krista Spohr, Freshwater Wetlands Outreach Coordinator—for a conversation about the newly adopted freshwater wetland regulations and general permits, how DEC determines where wetlands are located to enhance conservation efforts statewide, and the long history of state and federal environmental protections for these critical ecosystems.
 
Episode Notes:
Freshwater Wetlands Program
DEC Finalizes Regulations to Protect Freshwater Wetlands
Free Fishing Weekend Events
Moose Rescued from Lake Abanakee
Camp Santanoni Winter Weekend Events
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 Interim 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”.

Spills, Spills, Spills

DEC’s Spills staff respond to more than 10,000 spills each year, part of the agency’s real-time emergency management of petroleum and hazardous and non-hazardous material releases that can have direct impacts to local streams, water supplies, and public health. In this episode, hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by staff from DEC’s Division of Environmental Remediation—Mike Zamiarski, Regional Spills Engineer in DEC’s Region 8, and Kevin Hale, Chief of Spill Response Coordination—to discuss how DEC’s Spill Response program protects and restores New York’s natural environment and how DEC’s spills experts are engaging the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
In this episode, Mike and Kevin explain the three key components of the program (prevention, response, and remediation), how staff use their professional judgement to address spills and clean up materials to protect New Yorkers, how DEC’s spill response staff coordinate with state agency partners, regional staff, local municipalities, and emergency responders on incidents in communities across the state, and New York’s nation-leading work to clean up leaking underground fuel storage tanks. We also learn about the different types of spills DEC responds to, including petroleum, chemicals, sewage, manure, and even beer, milk, and chocolate.
Episode Notes:
Chemical and Petroleum Spills
Reporting a Spill to DEC
Home Heating Safety: Oil Fuel Tanks (Video)
Underground Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner's Guide
Register for DEC’s 2025 Summer Camps
Upcoming Examinations for Special Licenses
DEC’s Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale
New Freshwater Wetland Regulations
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 Interim 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”.

Don't Be Salty New York!

In this episode, hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by Julie Berlinski, a research scientist with DEC’s Bureau of Water Resource Management, and Division of Water environmental program specialists Alene Onion and Leila Mitchell, to discuss the need to reduce rock salt use and how to do it. While the use of rock salt on roadways and sidewalks is necessary for safe and efficient travel during snowy New York winters, it can have negative impacts on lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and groundwater. Learn more about how to reduce rock salt use, and don’t be salty!
 
Notes:
Rock Salt Reduction webpage: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/rock-salt-reduction
Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program: https://dec.ny.gov/get-involved/grant-applications/wqip-program
Ice Fishing: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/ice-fishing
Paint Collection Program: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/postconsumer-paint-collection
Winter Hiking Safety: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/winter-safety
Great Winter Hikes: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/great-winter-hikes