Podcast

DEC Does What?!

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched a new podcast, “DEC Does What?!” to spotlight the important work of DEC experts working to protect New Yorkers and the state’s environment. Hosted by DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald, this bi-weekly podcast also includes an update on environmental news and recent DEC initiatives. 

“DEC Does What?!” is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available.

Talkin' Trash (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) – Episode #9

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.

Digging Deep on the Navy-Grumman Plume – Episode #8

• 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

Hooked on Hatcheries – Episode #7

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. 

Spread the Word, Not the Species – Episode #6

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.

Half-Century of Public Service – Episode #5

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.

The Air Up There – Episode #4

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.

New York State of Sustainability – Episode #3

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.

Tremendous Trees – Episode #2

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.

Going Wild(life) for the Eclipse – Episode #1

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.