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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DEC has a long history of carrying out its mission to protect and conserve New York’s environment, while also leading by example through lowering the environmental impact of its operations. This includes reducing its waste generation, decreasing its energy use, enhancing the habitats it manages, and evaluating and testing new types of clean technologies. As New York State continues to take nation leading actions to protect our environment DEC is continuing to lead by example within its own operations to show others how we can make immediate and lasting progress in confronting the multitude of environmental challenges we face.
DEC Sustainability Plan 2023 – 2028
DEC’s Sustainability Plan takes a comprehensive look at the environmental impacts of the Department’s operations and creates a roadmap to reduce them. It includes over 25 goals and 70 actions DEC will take to achieve them. Top level goals include:
100% renewable energy use by 2030
100% zero-emission light-duty non-emergency fleet by 2035
Decrease waste generation 10% by 2028
Eliminate single-use plastics on operations by 2025
Training all staff on sustainability practices by 2023
Leading by example in DEC's operations provides a model for other agencies and authorities. DEC co-leads the GreenNY Council to implement Governor Hochul’s Executive Order No. 22 directing State agencies to adopt a sustainability and decarbonization program. Efforts undertaken by the Council include providing direction and guidance to State entities on green procurement, waste reduction, electric vehicle fleet transition, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing embodied carbon in buildings.
This map includes 9 types of sustainability projects undertaken at DEC facilities. It was created in April 2024 and will be continuously updated as projects are completed.
Podcast Episode - "New York State of Sustainability"
Two hard-working members of our sustainability team discuss how DEC is leading on sustainability statewide to reduce greenhouse gases and protect our environment.
Project Highlights
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Solar at the Adirondack Outposts
DEC installed solar at its backcountry outposts and has reduce propane usage by 80%.
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Forest Ranger eBikes
The Forest Rangers recently put two eBikes into service, allowing them to cover more ground and reduce emissions.
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LED Lighting Retrofits
DEC has completed many LED lighting retrofit projects at its facilities. Learn more about a recent project in the North Country.
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Green Island Air to Water Heat Pump
DEC has installed the first air to water heat pump system in North America at its Green Island Maintenance Facility.
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DEC's Electric Boat
DEC retrofitted an old boat with an electric motor and uses it in the Finger Lakes for water quality sampling and other projects across the state.
Contact for this Page
Office of Sustainability 625 Broadway Albany, NY12222
