DEC Does What?!

The Air Up There

Did you know that DEC has a team of meteorologists using the latest science to keep New Yorkers informed about air quality across our state? This week, Sean and Erica are joined by DEC air pollution meteorologists Abigail Komarc and Sarah Lechleitner who explain the Air Quality Index and how to use it, how weather conditions and different seasons can affect air quality, whether we have to worry about wildfire smoke again this summer, and what it’s like to measure air quality in Antarctica.
 
Episode Notes:
VIDEO: DEC Meteorologists Monitoring Air Quality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tCkeTiH0do
Air Quality Index forecast and current observations for New York State: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/air-quality-index-forecast-current-observations
Air Now - U.S. Air Quality Index (EPA) https://www.airnow.gov/
Download the AirNow mobile app: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/
Exposure to Smoke from Fires (NYSDOH) https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/smoke_from_fire.htm
Annual State Burn Ban: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/open-burning
Tentative Civil Service exam schedule: https://www.cs.ny.gov/announ/tentative_schedule.cfm
Environmental Bond Act Website: https://environmentalbondact.ny.gov
 

New York State of Sustainability

We welcome Brendan Woodruff and Pam Hadad-Hurst, two hard-working members of our sustainability team, to discuss how DEC is leading on sustainability statewide to reduce greenhouse gases and protect our environment. Brendan and Pam outline sustainable practices in place at our facilities, DEC’s collaboration with other state agencies in “going green”, and ways New Yorkers can incorporate these same actions into their daily lives.
 
Episode Notes:
Sustainability at DEC - https://dec.ny.gov/about/sustainability-at-dec
DEC Sustainability Plan (2023-2028) - https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/sustainabilityplan.pdf
 

Tremendous Trees

With Arbor Day approaching on April 26, we talk to foresters Bryan Ellis and Jason Drobnack about how New York’s forests are evolving, the role trees play in combatting climate change, and why chainsaws still give New York a cutting edge in forest management.

Going Wild(life) for the Eclipse

The first episode of “DEC Does What?!”—featuring biologists Dr. Angelena Ross and Dr. Dan Rosenblatt, both with DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife— focuses on the potential effects of the April 8 solar eclipse on New York wildlife, work underway to protect endangered wildlife, and how different species adapt to changes in their habitat caused by climate change and other factors.
 
Episode Credits: “DEC Does What?!” is a production of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Hosted by Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. Theme music by Mike Menza.
Want to learn more about DEC’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment? Visit http://dec.ny.gov or connect with us on social media, including X, Facebook, and Instagram.