MakingWaves - November 17, 2017

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 11/17/2017 01:58 PM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
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MakingWaves

This Week's Updates:

  • Fertilizer Law Reminder
  • Environmental Excellence Awards
  • Water Resources Research Grant Program

Reminder: Cutoff Date for Fertilizing Lawns is December 1

If you plan to fertilize your lawn this fall, remember that it is against New York State law to fertilize lawns between December 1 and April 1. Some areas also have local laws about selling and using lawn fertilizers (e.g., Suffolk County prohibits the application of lawn fertilizers after November 1).  

Visit DEC’s Lawn Fertilizer webpage for more information. The law does not apply to agricultural fertilizer or fertilizer for gardens.

Choose a Lawn Fertilizer With No Phosphorus

Lawn fertilizer can have unnecessary phosphorus that runs into waterbodies. Excess phosphorus in freshwater lakes and ponds can cause algae overgrowth, with serious impacts to the environment and public health.

Winners Announced for Environmental Excellence Awards

DEC has recognized seven organizations for their state-of-the-art programs and commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability at the 14th Annual New York State Environmental Excellence Awards celebration, held at Union College's Park Hall.

The 2017 winners are:

  • Bethlehem School District's Green Team (Albany County)
  • Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Economic Development's Stewardship of Aquatic Resources (Chautauqua County)
  • Hudson River Sloop Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival Zero Waste Initiative (Westchester County)
  • NYS Department of Transportation Region 4 and Seneca Park Zoo Society's Pollinator Protection Project (Livingston County)
  • Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority's Go Green School Recycling Program (Oneida County)
  • Ulster County's Net Carbon Neutral Operations (Ulster County)

Water Resources Research Grant Program Request for Applications

The NYS Water Resources Institute and DEC Hudson River Estuary Program are currently accepting academic research proposals that contribute to better watershed and water resource management in New York State. These grants fund research, management, and outreach activities related to water resources and the Hudson River Estuary region. Approximately $100k in grant funds are potentially available, with up to $20k available per project. Small grants of up to $10k are also available intended to support undergraduate and graduate student research activities that will not carry cost-sharing responsibilities.

Applications are due November 27, 2017. For more information, visit the New York State Water Resources Institute website.

View Division of Water updates from the last 30 days.