Department of Environmental Conservation

Things To Do
There are many ways to experience New York’s great outdoors. Maybe you’ll get hooked on fishing or discover sleeping under the stars is the perfect way to spend a weekend. We have information for beginners up to the more advanced outdoor enthusiast.

View All Outdoor Activities
Places to Go
Looking for your next adventure? New York has more than 5 million acres, 7,000 lakes and streams, and 52,000 miles of rivers and streams for you to explore. Use our Places to Go search tool to find locations nearby for your favorite outdoor activity.

Find Your Spot
Nature
New York is home to many animals and plant species – both native and invasive. Learn how we protect open space and reclaim land after mining is complete. Discover the water around you in lakes and rivers, wetlands, oceans, and underground.

Learn About Nature
Environmental Protection
DEC protects the land, water, and air resources in New York. Whether it is addressing climate change effects, promoting responsible waste management, monitoring air quality, overseeing contaminated site clean-ups, or oil and gas mining monitoring, DEC is there to safeguard the environment; you can too by reporting environmental violations and problems.

Ways to Protect
Regulatory
DEC uses policies and regulations to limit environmental impacts. We issue permits and licenses to individuals, municipalities, and corporations so they can comply with these regulations.

Regulations and Enforcement
News
The Environmental Notice Bulletin lets you know about projects or regulations being proposed each week. Sign up for one of DEC’s many electronic newsletter topics or subscribe to the Conservationist, New York State’s award-winning nature magazine.

Stay Informed
Get Involved
DEC sponsors events across New York including informational webinars, public meetings, and in-person environmental education sessions. Environmental justice programs address needs in disadvantaged communities and many grants are available for community groups and municipalities.

See How You Can Get Involved
About
Passionate about the environment? Check our employment pages and come work for DEC. If you have a question, we are here to help so contact us using one of the roster or office pages on our site.

Learn About DEC