The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the latest episode of “DEC Does What?!”, the bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Episode 22—“Where Duty Meets the Wild”—discusses the critical work of DEC’s Division of Forest Protection in responding to wildfires and wilderness emergencies across the State.
In this episode, hosts Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald speak with Captain Nancy Ganswindt and Forest Ranger Chuck Kabrehl on the importance of the State’s burn ban and implementation of prescribed burns to reduce the frequency of wildfires, and the wide-ranging responsibilities of Forest Rangers, including search and rescue and law enforcement.
Captain Gainswindt and Ranger Kabrehl also share why they decided to pursue careers as DEC Forest Rangers, tips to hike smart in New York State, and their most-memorable stories of rescues, investigations, out-of-state deployments, and a surprise celebrity encounter with Nicole Kidman and Martha Stewart.
All episodes of “DEC Does What?!” are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,YouTube,Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.
For more information on "DEC Does What?!," visit the DEC Podcast webpage.
