DEC Does What?!

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”.

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

In this episode, we explore the work of DEC’s Division of Water to protect the iconic Great Lakes, the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world.
DEC’s Great Lakes Program is the largest watershed by land area, working across over 42 percent of the state’s land area and along over 750 miles of shoreline. New York's Great Lakes Basin includes Lake Erie, Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River, and holds 21 percent of the world's freshwater resources. Hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by Shannon Dougherty, DEC’s Great Lakes Program Director, to discuss restoration work in coordination with other counties and states, why DEC uses nature-based shoreline protection methods to protect local habitats and communities and support public access benefits, and recent success stories like the Rochester Embayment Area of Concern Delisting.
Shannon also explains how DEC tracks the overall health of the Great Lakes Basin, and the impact of HABs and climate change on Lake Erie and Ontario, including increased erosion and flooding events.
Episode 17 also spotlights the latest environmental news and DEC initiatives, including encouraging New Yorkers to sign up for one of DEC’s ‘First Day Hikes’ to celebrate the New Year, reminding outdoor adventurers to follow winter hiking safety tips, and to sign up to become Volunteer Campground Ambassadors for the 2025 camping season.
Episode Notes:
DEC’s Great Lakes Program
New York State Great Lakes Action Agenda
Rochester Embayment Area of Concern Delisting
Invasive Species: Asian Carp
First Day Hikes
Winter Hiking Safety (Video)
DEC Campground Ambassador Program
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”.

In this episode, we take a closer look at how DEC supported recovery efforts as part of the New York State Incident Management Team (IMT) operations in the city of Asheville, NC, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
Hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald welcome Division of Forest Protection Forest Ranger Captain Adam Pickett and Division of Communication, Education, and Engagement/DEC Region 5 Public Participation Specialist Erin Hanczyk to discuss their 14-day IMT deployments, which included helping to distribute food and water to impacted communities and coordinating communications and outreach to support recovery efforts in western North Carolina.
Adam and Erin also discuss navigating the challenges of deployment, including coordinating logistics between state, federal, and local agencies, maintaining healthy work-to-rest schedules during lengthy workdays, and lending support to fellow disaster response team members with families in impacted communities. They discuss how their experiences help inform incident response in New York, including the recent Jennings Creek wildfire.
Episode 16 also spotlights the latest environmental news and DEC initiatives, including the graduation of DEC’s newest class of Forest Rangers, unique job opportunities with DEC, and a special holiday sale for The Conservationist, DEC’s official bi-monthly magazine.
Episode Notes:
The Conservationist Magazine
DEC’s Division of Forest Protection
DEC Announces Graduation of Nine New York State Forest Rangers (Photos)
Governor Hochul Announces Full Containment of Jennings Creek Wildfire at Sterling Forest State Park (Nov. 22, 2024)
“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”.

November is Native American Heritage Month, a nationwide celebration of the contributions of Indigenous peoples and celebration of their heritage, traditions, culture, art, and history while acknowledging how society has impacted Indigenous peoples and culture. New York State was the first state to recognize ‘American Indian Day’ in 1916, originally observed on the second Saturday in May. In this episode, hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by Peter Reuben, Director of DEC’s Office of Indian Nation Affairs, and Beynan Ransom, the Office’s Program Coordinator, to discuss how DEC works to strengthen relationships and engagement with Indigenous Nations on environmental issues, protection of cultural and historical resources, and development of policies around various areas, including environmental justice.
Pete and Beynan—who are enrolled members of Indigenous Nations—discuss how their personal experience shaped their careers with DEC, future goals and objectives for the Office of Indian Nation Affairs in the coming years, and the recent return of 1,000 acres of ancestral land in the Tully Valley to the Onondaga Nation.
Episode 15 also spotlights the latest environmental news and DEC initiatives, including statewide drought conditions, DEC’s response to recent wildfires across the state—including the Jennings Creek fire in Orange County—and the statewide burn ban in place through Nov. 30, due to increased risk of wildfires.
 
Episode Notes: 
DEC’s Office of Indian Nation Affairs (OINA)
Governor Hochul, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Onondaga Nation and Attorney General James Announce More Than 1,000 Acres in Central New York's Tully Valley Returned to Onondaga Nation
Statewide Drought Watch Issued (Nov. 2024)
Wildland Fire Safety and Prevention
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”.
 

Hunting remains one of the most popular forms of outdoor wildlife recreation in New York State, with more than 565,000 licensed hunters generating approximately $1.5 billion in economic activity each year. In this episode, hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by Timothy Pyszczynski and Brendan Quirion—Wildlife Biologists with DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife—to discuss the importance of hunter education and safety programs to recruit the next generation of hunters and help prevent hunting-related accidents, preview the deer and bear harvest for 2024-2025, and explore the role of big game hunting in wildlife management and conservation, including maintaining healthy deer and bear populations. Tim and Brendan also reflect on how their passion for science and the outdoors led to careers with DEC and share their favorite venison meals and how local harvests help reduce our environmental footprint and feed New Yorkers in need.
 
Episode Notes:
DEC Reminds Outdoor Enthusiasts to Share the Woods Safely This Season
Learn to Hunt Opportunities in New York
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
Learn More: Hunter Education Programs (NYSDEC)
Changes to State Sporting License, Carcass Tags for 2024
DEC Announces Nine-Pound Smallmouth Bass Breaks State Fishing Record
DEC Rock Salt Usage survey (Deadline Nov. 1, 2024)
I Bird New York Challenge ends Nov. 1, 2024
Prioritize Home Heating Safety This Winter by Inspecting Oil Fuel Tanks and Equipment for Leaks and Spills

Every October, more than 5,000 students and educators from across New York State participate in the annual A Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor. The event provides opportunities for hands-on activities to encourage discovery and interest in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem.
This episode, hosts Sean and Erica welcome Chris Bowser—Education Coordinator with DEC’s Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and passionate advocate for connecting people to nature—for a wide-ranging conversation on DEC’s education and engagement work in communities along the Hudson River. Bowser is a familiar face to followers of DEC’s social media, often hosting livestream events to engage with viewers and explain DEC’s work to protect New York’s fish, animals, and natural environment.
During the episode, Bowser explains his role to encourage environmental stewardship of the Hudson River through a variety of DEC programs and work with scientists and educators at the Norrie Point Environmental Center, and how New Yorkers can get involved in protecting our environment and explore New York’s mighty Hudson River and estuary. He also traces his path from Rutgers University studying the biology of the New York Harbor, serving in the Peace Corps in West Africa, his time aboard the Clearwater Sloop on the lower Hudson River, and career with DEC.
Next episode: Sean and Erica talk about big game hunting season in New York State with DEC wildlife biologists.
Episode Notes:
DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program
A Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor
Hudson River Eel Project | Video
Norrie Point Environmental Center
Science on the River
Hudson River Almanac
DEC Grant Funding Available for Tidal Hudson River Communities (Oct. 2024)
Public Meeting: Community Air Monitoring (Buffalo, Oct. 15th, 2024)
Big Game Youth Hunting Opportunities (Oct. 2024)
“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.

DEC’s dispatch office receives more than 100,000 calls every year. Sean and Erica talk to Communication Specialist Alicia Bodmer and Communication Technician David McCasland from Ray Brook Dispatch about what it’s like to respond to challenging calls. From coordinating mountain and water rescues to deploying staff and equipment during extreme weather events, DEC dispatchers hear it all, playing a frontline role in helping Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and Spills Response experts get to where they’re needed most. It’s not all emergencies though – you’ll hear some lighthearted stories too, including one about an owl who isn’t such a fan of Garth Brooks.
Notes:
Hike Smart NY: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/hike-smart-ny
DEC Dispatch: (877) 457-5680
Hunting Seasons: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/seasons
Oct. 7 Environmental Justice Listening Tour in Rochester: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2024/9/us-epa-and-nys-dec-announce-oct-7-environmental-justice-listening-session-in-rochester

Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States each year, more than hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding combined. In this episode, guest Dr. Leo Bachinger, Special Assistant with DEC’s Office of Climate Change, joins hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald for a conversation about the biggest risks created by extreme heat, how climate change is worsening the impact of extreme heat on the human body and local ecosystems, and multi-agency efforts like New York State’s first-ever Extreme Heat Action Plan to help local communities prepare and respond to increased temperatures. Bachinger also explains the impact of the 2003 heat wave in Europe that killed tens of thousands of people and how it inspired his pursuit of a career studying climate change.
 
Notes:
Adapting to Extreme Heat in New York State
Extreme Heat Action Plan (PDF)
Governor Hochul Releases Final Interagency Extreme Heat Action Plan

While HABs have existed for billions of years, recent changes—including climate change, warmer temperatures, and increases in phosphorous and other nutrients—are accelerating their growth and negative impact on New York’s environment, human health, pets, and summertime activities. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by Matt Kraft and Leanna Pierson, Research Scientists with DEC’s Division of Water, for a closer look at HABs, state investments to improve water quality, and the agency’s education and outreach efforts (Know It, Avoid It, Report It) to help New Yorkers track HABs in their communities.
 
Episode 10 also spotlights the latest environmental news and DEC initiatives, including State investments in partnership with the Billion Oyster Project that help strengthen coastal resiliency and improve water quality in Jamaica Bay using oysters, an upcoming joint environmental justice listening session with DEC and U.S. EPA experts on Long Island, and a preview of DEC’s participation at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse.
 
SHOW NOTES:
What are harmful algal blooms (HABs)?
Report HABs to New York State (NYHABS) – reporting form
Know It, Avoid It, Report It (DEC Facebook)
 
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