Visit the State Fair and Try Fishing for Free!

The Great New York State Fair will take place August 22 - September 3, 2018 in Syracuse.
This year, the Fair is hosting Family Fishing Days on Thursday, August 23 and Sunday, August 26. Admission is free for anyone presenting a valid New York State sporting license at the gate.

Family Fishing Days are presented in cooperation with DEC, who will operate free fishing clinics in the pond from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the New York Experience festival grounds. Everything you need is provided, including equipment and bait.

After the fishing clinics have ended, stop by the new Expo Center for a free seedling from the Saratoga Tree Nursery, and don't forget to visit the popular DEC aquarium where visitors can see fish, talk to a ranger or environmental conservation officer, and more.

Wakely Mountain Fire Tower Re-Opened to the Public

In July, DEC announced the completion of repairs to the Wakely Mountain Fire Tower, located in Wakely Mountain Primitive Area in the Adirondacks. The Fire Tower is the largest in the Adirondacks standing at 70-feet tall, offering 360 degree views of the central Adirondacks. The fire tower was originally constructed in 1911 and is listed on the New York State and National Register of Historic Places. It was used for fire observation until 1988. Learn more about fire towers located across the Adirondacks and Catskills.

Campground Ambassadors Share Their Love for DEC Campgrounds

DEC's Campground Ambassador program was launched for the 2018 camping season as an exciting opportunity for people who are passionate about the outdoors to help introduce campers to DEC facilities and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and more. Ambassadors will also help to connect campers to nature with environmentally themed activities and programming. Our ambassadors will be running programs for all campers including interpretive walks, family crafts and assisting with the Junior Naturalist Journal.

Moose River Plains has Something for Everyone

Located in Herkimer County, the 80,000-acre Moose River Plains complex offers almost every outdoor recreation activity for every member of the family. There are 130 miles of marked trails, 100 primitive campsites, 65 ponds and lakes, endless fishing opportunities and six designated horse trails to explore. Start your day with the popular 1-mile hike to the summit of Rocky Mountain (pictured) where the trail ascends 450 feet with scenic views of Fulton Chain Lakes. In the afternoon, head to one of the multiple boat launches in the area, where there is plenty of water to paddle on. Close by is Eighth Lake Campground, Brown Tract Pond Campground and Limekiln Lake Campground for camping with more amenities. Check out DEC's new Facebook Group Adventure Adirondacks to see highlights of Moose River Plains and more.

DEC Adopts New Regulations to Improve Safety and Visitor Experience at Kaaterskill Falls and Surrounding Areas

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced the adoption of new regulations designed to improve public safety and enhance the user experience at Kaaterskill Falls and three nearby areas that have experienced a substantial increase in public use in recent years.

Kaaterskill Falls is the highest cascading waterfall in New York State and the crown jewel of the Catskill Park. Dropping in two tiers over 230 feet, Kaaterskill Falls has been one of the region's most popular destinations for centuries, inspiring artists, poets and those just seeking an escape to a majestic and awe-inspiring landscape.

To view the full text of new regulations, visit DEC's website.

Upcoming Events

Catskills - Lark in the Park: 15th Anniversary of Catskills Lark in the Park - September 29 - October 8, 2018

Hiking & Wildlife Viewing