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.

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’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
• DEC Dispatch: (877) 457-5680
• Hunting Seasons
• Oct. 7 Environmental Justice Listening Tour 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 (PDF)) 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)

New York State is leading the way to advance more sustainable solid waste management and educating people about how to prevent landfilling, protect glass and other recyclables from “wish-cycling,” and directly support efforts to reduce climate-altering pollution. In this episode, Sean and Erica welcome Amy Bloomfield and Kayla Montanye, Environmental Program Specialists with DEC’s Division of Materials Management, to discuss how New Yorkers can take steps at home to help the recycling process succeed and the policies in place to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

One of DEC's primary missions is to oversee the cleanup of contamination throughout New York State, and this episode discusses the recent news on efforts underway to address the legacy of pollution from the former U.S. Navy and Northrup Grumman facility in Bethpage and related operations on Long Island. DEC is working closely with State, federal, and local partners to ensure public health and the environment are protected from contamination both near the surface and deeper underground in groundwater. Sean and Erica talk with Jason Pelton, Professional Geologist, and Jess LaClair, Environmental Engineer, both with DEC’s Division of Environmental Remediation, to discuss ongoing cleanup efforts on Long Island, how DEC’s cleanup programs support revitalization efforts in communities, and how New Yorkers can stay up to date on environmental cleanups happening across the state. 

Sean and Erica also unpack the latest environmental news and DEC initiatives, including New York State’s recently released Extreme Heat Action Plan, the newest Certified Climate Smart Communities, and improvements at Zoar Valley Unique Area aimed at improving access while keeping visitors safe.

Show notes:  

• Investigation, Cleanup Activities at Former U.S. Navy and Northrup Grumman Bethpage Facility Sites
• DECinfo Locator: Maps, Public Data, and Documents
• Extreme Heat Action Plan (EHAP)
• DEC Announces 23 New Certified Climate Smart Communities
• Zoar Valley: Keeping the Public Safe, Improving Access

Anglers can find world-class fishing opportunities across New York State, thanks in large part to a network of 12 DEC-operated fish hatcheries – each specializing in raising and stocking various species of trout, walleye, salmon, muskellunge, and more! On this episode, Sean and Erica explore the importance of these facilities with Michelle Poprawski, DEC’s Catskill State Fish Hatchery Manager. Dive in and learn how Michelle and her fin-tastic team raise over 600,000 brown trout each year and stock them into more than 115 waterbodies throughout the Hudson Valley and Long Island to enhance recreational fishing opportunities. 

Beetles, round goby, kudzu, hydrilla - Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to New York’s environment, causing habitat degradation, loss of native species, crop damage, and much more. This episode, Sean and Erica are joined by DEC Research Scientists Cathy McGlynn and Jessica Cancelliere from the Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health to discuss all things invasive and the importance of public awareness. Cathy and Jessica discuss how DEC plays a critical role in research, monitoring, prevention, and management of invasive species across the state, plus tips for listeners about how everyone can help prevent the spread of species.

On April 22, 1970, Governor Nelson Rockefeller signed legislation to create the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Six years later, the legendary Nancy Lussier joined Team DEC, where she rose through the ranks from account clerk to become the agency’s longtime Director of the Division of Management and Budget Services. In preparation for her retirement, Nancy joins Sean and Erica for an in-depth look at her 50 years of service with New York State and DEC and how the agency continues to improve and evolve to assist DEC staff and the millions of New Yorkers we serve. Nancy embraced new technology to keep DEC at the forefront of progress while closely tracking the billions of dollars that protected New York’s land, water, and air, and beyond.

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.

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.

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 combating climate change, and why chainsaws still give New York a cutting edge in forest management.

In our first-ever episode, we speak with biologists Dr. Angelena Ross and Dr. Dan Rosenblatt, both with DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, 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.