News and Events for Nassau and Suffolk Counties (Region 1)

In this issue:

• Start of $1.7 Million Marsh Restoration at Fireplace Neck Tidal Wetland Area 
• Highlights from First Day Hikes
• DEC's Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale is Now Open
• Safely Enjoy Ice Fishing This Winter
• DEC and Friends of Camp Santanoni to Host Winter Weekend Events in 2023
• Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol/Forest Rangers in Review
• Take Part in the DEC Informational Kiosk Survey
• $460,000 in Grants Available to Support Projects that Implement Great Lakes Action Agenda Priorities
• Empire State Fellow Applications Accepted Through April 3, 2023
• Living the Green Life
• Up Close with Nature -- Long Island Nature Scenes
• 2023 Trail Supporter Patch Release Schedule

Start of $1.7 Million Marsh Restoration at Fireplace Neck Tidal Wetland Area (Suffolk County)

Construction has started on a marsh restoration project at Fireplace Neck Tidal Wetland Area in the town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County. In coordination with New York State Office of General Services (OGS), DEC will complete the nearly $1.7-million restoration project to help stabilize the marsh system, improve ecological functions, and create a more resilient marsh prepared for the effects of climate change and global sea level rise.

Fireplace Neck Tidal Wetland Area is a 108-acre salt marsh located on Long Island's south shore, adjacent to Bellport Bay. Historical marsh development and vegetation degradation in the early 20th Century altered the natural flow of water and sediments in the wetland. Habitat loss and the conversion of dry high-marsh habitat into low-marsh mudflats has contributed to a less resilient coastline that faces growing threats from extreme weather events and sea level rise.

DEC and OGS are working with the design firm Henningson, Durham & Richardson Architecture and Engineering, P.C., to develop and implement a restoration design plan for Fireplace Neck that will improve the hydrology of the marsh to help stabilize the system, maintain and improve existing ecological functions, bolster the marsh's resiliency to large storm events, and support its ability to adapt to sea level rise.

Construction has been funded through the Ocean and Great Lakes Fund and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants program. The wetland area is closed to public access for the duration of the restoration project. Construction is expected to be completed by April 2023. Waterfowl hunting opportunities along the Bellport Bay shoreline will still be allowed provided hunting activities are conducted over Bellport Bay only.

For more information on Long Island's Tidal Wetland Areas, visit DEC's website.

Highlights from First Day Hikes on January 1, 2023

Photos: Many gathered to take part First Day Hikes in Region 1. DEC Forest Rangers took part and guided hikers. All enjoyed the outdoors and scenic views.

DEC's Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale is Now Open

The Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery annual spring seedling sale, is open to the public and runs until May 12. Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species for sale to encourage plantings that help conserve the state's natural resources and foster the next generation of forests.

Trees provide a variety of benefits:

• absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them a powerful tool in the fight against climate change;
• helping to lower heating and cooling costs;
• providing food and shelter for wildlife;
• improving water quality by filtering runoff;
• preventing erosion;
• supplying a variety of wood products that support local economies; and
• increasing our overall health and well-being.

DEC's tree nursery grows more than 50 conifer and hardwood species from local seed sources, creating seedlings that are well-suited to our state's climate. They are available in bundles of 25 or more, plus there are several mixed species packets for those looking for a variety. Seedlings are a minimum of five inches tall and are one to three years old depending on the species. For more information including how to order, visit the Spring Seedling Sale webpage on DEC's website. Some species sell out early, so it is recommended to place orders by phone for the most up-to-date availability information.

Free Seedlings Available for Youth Education Through the School Seedling Program
Applications are now being accepted for the nursery's School Seedling Program. From now until March 31, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students.

All schools (public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, vocational, college or university), homeschool groups, and any youth education-based organization may apply, provided trees are planted within New York State. Individual homeschools must apply through a homeschool group, co-op, or other association. Seedlings are two to three years old, about four inches to 12 inches tall, and bare-root. There are three packets available - 50 white spruce, 25 red oak, or 30 mixed shrub species good for wildlife habitat - and each school or organization may only receive one packet per year. Visit DEC's website for more information and to apply online. For assistance or questions, contact the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at nysnursery@dec.ny.gov or 518-581-1439.

Photo: Staff from DEC's Division of Lands and Forests sort bare-root seedlings at the Nursery during the annual spring sale.

Safely Enjoy Ice Fishing this Winter and Review Ice Safety Guidelines Before Heading Out

DEC reminds anglers to be safe when venturing onto the ice this season, especially given recent variations in weather conditions.

Ice anglers should check the thickness of ice before leaving the shore. Four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Checking the ice can easily be done with an auger or spud bar at various spots. In addition, fishing with a family member or friend is also encouraged for safety. Local bait and tackle shops are a great source for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching.

Those interested in trying ice fishing for the first time should mark the weekend of Feb. 18-19 on their calendars. As a designated free freshwater fishing weekend, the need for a freshwater fishing license is waived during these days. This free fishing weekend is also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce someone new to fishing.

Read the full press release for more ice fishing information and safety tips.

DEC and Friends of Camp Santanoni to Host Winter Weekend Events in 2023

Winter Weekend events are being held in 2023 at the historic Camp Santanoni in the town of Newcomb in the Adirondacks. Hosted by DEC and the Friends of Camp Santanoni, the Winter Weekends invite visitors to enjoy winter recreation and exclusive winter access to the preserved buildings of the former camp. This is the first time these popular winter events are being held since the COVID-19 pandemic and are made possible through DEC's partnership with the Friends of Camp Santanoni, which includes Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), the town of Newcomb, and thousands of supporters who believe in the importance of preserving this historic Great Camp for use as public education, recreation, and inspiration.

The remaining 2023 Winter Weekend events will take place during:

• President's Day holiday weekend, Feb. 18-20; and
• the weekend of March 11 and 12.

The AIC buildings will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during all Winter Weekends.

Camp Santanoni Winter Weekends are open to all visitors at no cost. Reservations are not required. Contact AARCH at 518-834-9328 for more information on upcoming Winter Weekends. Additional information about Camp Santanoni, the AIC, and the Newcomb area may be found at:

DEC Camp Santanoni website
Adirondack Architectural Heritage
Adirondack Interpretive Center
Town of Newcomb

Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol

Baited Waterfowl Field - County of Suffolk
On Dec. 10, the reopening of waterfowl season on Long Island, ECOs Cacciola and Small observed hunting decoys and husked corn cobs spread across a field. The bright yellow bait stood out to the Officers - just as it would to ducks and geese overhead. The following morning, ECOs Cacciola and DeRose returned to the field and interviewed a few area hunters. The Officers explained that manipulating corn outside of normal agricultural practices for the purpose of attracting waterfowl constitutes baiting. The Officers issued tickets to the hunting group for hunting migratory waterfowl with the aid of bait and seized two mallards from the group and reminded the hunters that even though the bait was removed, the area would still be considered baited for 10 more days after the removal. New York State DEC regulations mirror federal regulations for waterfowl baiting. Visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife website for more information about what is, and what is not, considered baiting for waterfowl.

Scattering of husked corn from the hunters' blinds

Forest Rangers -- In Review

Hamlet of Deer Park
Suffolk County
Illegal Tree Cutting: On Nov. 6, Forest Ranger Scott investigated a complaint of illegal tree cutting in the Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve. The complainant stated the suspect from Lindenhurst recorded himself using different knives, axes, and machetes on the trees. The suspect had already cut a trail leading to a clearing and stored several chairs and a makeshift bench. The suspect posted videos on the internet, but the videos did not show his face so Ranger Scott set up a trail camera near the clearing and caught the suspect on Nov. 21. Ranger Scott issued tickets for cutting and damaging trees on state land and storing personal property on state land.

Illegal tree cutting

For more Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol and DEC Forest Rangers in Review stories, visit the Press Release page on the DEC website.

Take Part in the DEC Informational Kiosk Survey

Give us your feedback and win a gift card to a sporting goods store! DEC would like your opinion on our informational kiosks. Kiosks are small, open wooden structures that provide cover for educational/informational signs. These kiosks are located at various state properties such as state forests, wilderness areas, conservation easements, wildlife management areas (WMAs), boat launches, and more. Take our survey to let us know what you think and be entered to win a $50 sporting goods store gift card and a free subscription to the Conservationist magazine! Winners will be announced each month from January 2023 through January 2024. A grand prize winner will be announced in January 2024 and will receive a $200 sporting goods store gift card and a free magazine subscription. By providing input, you can help us improve your outdoor experience!

For prize rules and regulations, please visit DEC's website.

$460,000 in Grants Available to Support Projects that Implement Great Lakes Action Agenda Priorities

New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), announced funding is now available for projects that apply an ecosystem-based management approach to address local watershed challenges. Projects will implement the goals of New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda and address actions specifically identified in locally supported plans pertaining to water quality, natural resources, or sustainable land uses. A total of $460,000, with up to $50,000 per project, in New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants will be awarded.

County and local government or public agencies, municipalities, regional planning and environmental commissions, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions including, but not limited to, public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, are eligible to apply.

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. EST on March 1, 2023; instructions are online at the New York Sea Grant website. For more information, contact New York Sea Grant at 716-645-3611.

Read more about:

• New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda;
• New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants projects; and
• other New York Great Lakes-related information on New York Sea Grant's website.

New York Sea Grant is a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, and one of 34 university-based programs under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Sea Grant College Program. 

Empire State Fellow Applications Accepted through April 3, 2023

The application period for the 2023 class of Empire State Fellows is now open. The prestigious program attracts exceptional and diverse talent from New York State and across the country to serve in high-level positions in the administration. Since the program's inception 11 years ago, graduates of the Empire State Fellows program have gone on into senior roles, including Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff positions throughout state agencies.

The Empire State Fellows Program is a full-time leadership training program that prepares the next generation of talented professionals for careers as New York State policymakers. The incoming class of Empire State Fellows will serve from September 2023 to September 2025, and receive an annual salary of $85,000, plus a generous benefits package. At the end of the fellowship, a performance review process will identify Empire State Fellows that will be given the opportunity to continue to serve as leaders in New York State government after completing the program.

The Governor's Office will appoint each Empire State Fellow to work directly with a Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, or other high-level policymakers at a New York State agency or authority, or in the Executive Chamber. Work assignments offer Fellows unparalleled experience collaborating with senior officials and participating in the policy-making process.

While taking part in the work of state government, Empire Fellows will participate in educational and professional development programs that will help them to serve as effective and ethical government leaders. The educational component of the Empire State Fellows Program kicks off with an orientation course in September 2023. Educational coursework will continue on a semi-monthly basis. Meanwhile, professional development activities, including a mentoring program and regular meetings with Cabinet members and other government leaders, will enhance Empire Fellows' collaboration with policymakers.

Applications opened on Sunday, January 1, 2023, and will be accepted through Monday, April 3, 2023. Read more information on the program and instructions on how to apply.

Living the Green Life

Information on sustainable clothing is available on this month's Living the Green Life webpage.

Each month we feature a new theme to provide tips to be a friend of the environment. Past topics have included sustainable food sources, pollinator protection, greening your home/work office space, and more.

You can also find information on NYSDEC's social media. Share how you Live the Green Life with us by using #LiveGreenNY.

Want to receive monthly tips in your inbox? Sign up for the Green Living monthly newsletter!

Up Close with Nature -- Long Island Nature Scenes

Photo: Close-up of a Blue Jay in a backyard. Compliments of Joyce Flynn, Region 1 Staff.

Photo: A dark-eyed junco out in a yard. Compliments of Joyce Flynn, Region 1 Staff.

Photo: A Northern flicker at a bird feeder. Compliments of Joyce Flynn, Region 1 Staff.

2023 Trail Supporter Patch Release Schedule

Anyone can support the maintenance and enhancement of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other non-motorized trails on State lands by ordering a trail supporter patch. All patches are 3 inches in diameter and $5 each.

How to Order
There are three different ways you can order the trail supporter patch. Your order is then fulfilled and mailed to you from DEC's Albany office. Please allow 4-6 weeks from when you place the order for the patch(es) to be mailed.

Patches can be ordered online through DEC's hunting and fishing license portal, over the phone at (866) 933-2257, or at all locations where sporting licenses are sold.

2023 Designs
This year DEC will offer activity patches that feature five designs based on the international trail symbols for various recreation activities. Each design will be available for a limited time as advertised below.
PLEASE NOTE: If you place an order after supplies have run out during the advertised time period, you will receive an alternative seasonal design.

Cross-country skiing & Camping - Available from 12:00 a.m. January 4th until 11:59 p.m. May 31st, or while supplies last.
Hiking - Available from 12:00 a.m. January 4th until 11:59 p.m. October 31st, or while supplies last.
Equestrian & Biking - Available from 12:00 a.m. June 1st until 11:59 p.m. October 31st, or while supplies last.