DEC Does What?!

Hosts Sean and Erica speak with Captain Nancy Ganswindt and Forest Ranger Chuck Kabrehl about the critical work of DEC’s Division of Forest Protection in responding to wildfires and wilderness emergencies across the State. From fighting forest fires to conducting backcountry rescues to enforcing the laws of New York State, their talents are many. Capt. Ganswindt and Ranger Kabrehl also share their most memorable rescues, investigat...

In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton about the opportunities and challenges leading New York’s expansive environmental agency, the foundational role of the State’s natural environment to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, and the importance of standing up and leading on environmental protections.

Episode Notes:

• Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton
• GOGO: Get Offline...

In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by staff from DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife— Roy “JR” Jacobson, Habitat Protection Section Head, and Krista Spohr, Freshwater Wetlands Outreach Coordinator—for a conversation about the newly adopted freshwater wetland regulations and general permits, how DEC determines where wetlands are located to enhance conservation efforts statewide, and the long history of state and federa...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 importanc...

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 passion...

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 Environme...

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 ...

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...

We all know the mantra “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle,” but how familiar are you with where your trash ends up and the many ways New Yorkers can help reduce waste in our communities? New York State is leading the way on advancing more sustainable solid waste management and educating people about how to prevent landfilling, protect glass and other recyclables from ”wish-cycling,”...

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...

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 Catskil...

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 ...

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...

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 summe...