News and Events for Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and St. Lawrence Counties (Region 6)

In this issue:

• Enjoy Winter Recreation Safely and Responsibly
• It's a Boy! And a Girl! 
• Public Input on Draft Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy
• 2023 Trees for Tribs Buffer in a Bag Program
• Summer Employment Opportunities
• Attend a DEC Summer Camp Program
• 2023 Exam Dates for Licensed Guides Program
• Recycle Right NY -- Waste Reduction
• Environmental Conservation Police Officers/Forest Rangers News
• Empire State Fellow Applications Accepted through April 3, 2023
• Join Our Team

Enjoy Winter Recreation Safely and Responsibly -- Love Our New York Lands and Leave No Trace™

DEC reminds visitors to the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves and all State lands to recreate safely and responsibly and practice Leave No Trace™ this winter. Everyone who recreates on New York’s State lands has a responsibility to adequately prepare themselves and protect natural resources for future generations. Following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace™, set forth by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, is one way visitors are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands. This weekend, temperatures are expected to drop to -45 degrees Fahrenheit in the Adirondack High Peaks. DEC encourages anyone with plans to venture outdoors to consider changing those plans. In dangerously cold weather, as forecast for this weekend, frostbite only takes 10 minutes to take effect.

When weather conditions are more suitable than the cold weather this week, there are steps visitors can take to help protect themselves and the places they visit, however they choose to recreate. The Leave No Trace™ Seven Principles provide helpful guidance for reducing impacts on the environment and keeping everyone safe. Read the full press release for more details about the Seven Principles.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors 

To learn more about safe, responsible recreation in all seasons, visit the Love Our New York Lands page on DEC's website. For more helpful tips on preparing for your next adventure, check out the Outdoor Recreation playlist on DEC’s YouTube channel.

It’s a boy! And a girl!

If bears had birthday parties, they’d all be in January and February. That’s when winter dens across the country turn into nurseries as most pregnant bears give birth to cubs weighing in at less than a pound that would easily fit into your hands. Human moms would probably envy a mother bear’s ability to give birth to one, two, or three or more tiny cubs while half-asleep.

Even though cubs are born with their eyes closed, unable to hear or smell and weak and uncoordinated, they instinctively find their mom’s nipples and start nursing. Soon the den will be filled with mom’s snores and the happy sounds of cubs humming and purring while they snuggle up to mom and their siblings and fill their tummies with a steady diet of rich, warm milk. Bear’s milk has a fat content around 33%, so nursing cubs have no problem gaining weight.

Over the next several weeks, cubs will keep eating, sleeping and growing and eventually start cautiously exploring their winter quarters. As winter slowly gives way to spring, their eyes will open, their teeth will come in and the fine hair they’re born with will be replaced by fur coats.

To find out how many cubs are usually born, what a very large litter could mean, and more fascinating facts, keep reading at BearWise.org!

Story courtesy of BearWise, photo by Emily Carroll of Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Deadline for Public Input on Draft Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy

DEC is seeking public input on a newly developed policy to guide how DEC evaluates and reviews work plans for projects in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve. The draft Commissioner Policy is available for public comment until Feb. 27. 

DEC drafted the Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy with the Trail Stewardship Working Group’s input and in collaboration with partners at the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). The Trail Stewardship Working Group includes members from local government, environmental groups, recreation groups, trail builders, and APA staff.

After the public comment period closes, DEC will review the comments and make necessary revisions before approving and adopting the policy. Once adopted, the policy will establish administrative procedures for assessing the impacts of construction and maintenance activities and for drafting site-specific work plans on the Forest Preserve permissible within the parameters established by Article XIV of the New York State Constitution, the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan, the Catskill Park State Land Master Plan, Environmental Conservation Law, and DEC rules, regulations, and policies.

Public comments will be accepted on the draft Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy until Feb. 27, 2023. A copy of the draft Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy is available at on DEC's website. Comments can be submitted to: Peter Frank, NYS DEC - Division of Lands and Forests, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4254, email: ForestPreserve@dec.ny.gov.

2023 Trees for Tribs Buffer in a Bag Program

DEC’s Trees for Tribs Buffer in a Bag program provides free tree and shrub seedlings for organizations and private landowners to create or improve stream buffers on their property.
These mighty waterside plants start out small, but their impacts are huge:

• They help reduce pollution from entering waterways.
• They absorb rain during storms, which slows flooding.
• Their roots hold soil in place, which prevents erosion.
• The provide wildlife habitat both on land and in the water.
• They provide shade, which cools water temperatures and protects native fish.
• They absorb and store carbon dioxide, which helps combat climate change.

Learn more about the 2023 Buffer in a Bag program, application requirements, and the April 7 deadline on the DEC website.  

Summer Employment Opportunities

Would you like to work in New York State's beautiful Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves this summer?

2023 Summer Camps Program

We are actively recruiting Directors, Assistant Directors, Waterfront Directors, Cooks, Nurses, EMTs, Counselors, and Camp Aides for the 2023 Summer Camps Program. All positions offer competitive salaries, plus room and board for the summer.

Locations of DEC Summer Camps:

• Camp Colby in Saranac Lake;
• Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg;
• Camp Rushford in Caneadea; and
• Camp DeBruce, near Livingston Manor.

DEC Summer Camps combine environmental education, hunter education, and outdoor recreation to create an adventurous experience for youth. Camp staff engage campers in ecological principles such as field, forest, aquatic, wildlife, and human impact and outdoor skills including backpacking, camping, and canoeing. Learn more about the employment opportunities and how you can apply to work at DEC Environmental Education Camps.

DEC Campgrounds and Day-use Areas

Be a part of a team that helps vacationers enjoy the great outdoors in the Catskill Forest Preserve and Adirondack Park. Positions available include Lifeguard, Maintenance, Security, Supervisor, and more! Some positions start as early as May, but varying start dates can be accommodated based on school and work schedules.

For more information on available positions or to apply for a position call 518-457-2500, e-mail campinfo@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Campground Seasonal Employment webpage on DEC's website.

Lifeguard Positions

Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds. The current hourly starting rate for New York State lifeguards is $20 an hour, and most DEC facilities offer free housing or site accommodations.

Candidates who qualify will be considered for employment. The qualifying procedure consists of two parts: a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills component; and a water skills evaluation. Candidates may attend the qualifying location most convenient to them and the results will be forwarded to their preferred work location. 

At the time of employment, all DEC lifeguards must:

• Be at least 15 years old;
• Possess a valid certification in Waterfront Skills, Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent;
• Successfully completed the New York State lifeguard qualifying procedure;
• Submitted a current New York State DEC medical form stating the candidate's physical ability to perform lifeguard duties;
• Meet the vision requirement of 20/70 uncorrected in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard. Candidates tested at a vision level below 20/40 in either one or both eyes must correct to a minimum of 20/40 with 20/20 preferred;
• Completed a personal interview with DEC; and
• Attended a DEC lifeguard orientation.

For more information, updates, or to pre-register, call 518-457-2500 ext. #1, e-mail Info.Lifeguard@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Lifeguard Positions webpage on DEC's website.

Attend a DEC Summer Camp Program

Are you a parent or guardian hoping to send your child to one of DEC's Environmental Education Camps this summer? Registration for 2023 begins on Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m. Please prepare for registration by following the instructions on the How to Register for Camps webpage. We highly recommend that families fill out all the required camper forms and waivers before registration opens. Completing all forms and waivers ahead of time will significantly speed up your registration process.

2023 Exam Dates for Licensed Guides Program

DEC announced exam schedules for individuals seeking to become licensed guides. DEC is offering exams for guiding in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking, and rock or ice climbing.

A guide must be at least 18 years of age. Guides offer services for hire, directing, instructing, or aiding others in a variety of recreational activities. DEC's Special Licenses Unit administers licensing of outdoor guides. Applicants are not required to be New York State residents to receive a license.

To provide enhanced access to examinations, DEC is offering licensed guide examinations online in 2023. Dates and registration details are below:

March 11, 2023 - In-person examinations will be offered at the New York State Outdoor Guides Association winter rendezvous meeting. Registration must be received by March 4, 2023;
March 31, 2023 - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by March 29, 2023;
May 12, 2023 - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by May 10, 2023;
June 23, 2023 - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by June 21, 2023;
July 7, 2023 - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by July 5, 2023;
Sept. 15, 2023 - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Sept. 13, 2023; and
Oct. 13, 2023 - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Oct. 11, 2023.

To register, directions are available on DEC's 2023 Licensed Guide Exams Registration website. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration and an additional one-time link for use to access the website on the date of the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam(s), applicants will receive information on applying for the appropriate guide license, including an application form. Please do not send applications or fees prior to passing the examination(s).

An outline of exam content, a study guide, and additional information can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program website. The Fieldbook, a reference book published by the Boy Scouts of America, is also recommended and can be found at a local library or bookstore. A list of current New York State Licensed Guides is available online.

For questions or assistance, contact the Special Licenses Unit at NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752; Phone: 518-402-8985, Fax: 518-402-8925; Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov.

Recycle Right NY - Waste Reduction

We love recycling right but we must confess, there is something we love even more, and that’s waste reduction. As a sustainability behavior, it’s a bit of a hard thing to grasp as it is often the act of not doing something (not buying, not consuming, etc.). Have you seen the image to the right before? It’s called a waste management hierarchy, similar to the food pyramid that we learned about as kids. Ranked from most effective to least effective, when it comes to waste management, you’ll notice that before recycling or even reuse, comes reduction as the most impactful solution.

Ways to reduce waste:

• Breathe before you buy: Take a moment to pause and think about whether or not you really need the item.
• Encourage others: Speak to your friends and family about the importance of wasting less.
• Shop secondhand first: If you need an item, try checking for secondhand options first. Shopping secondhand helps keep valuable materials in use. Check the reuse locator tool for options near you.

There are many opportunities to reduce waste in our everyday lives, including using less disposable items and buying only what we need. Remember, recycling right is important but it’s only part of the solution.

Environmental Conservation Police Officers

Little Bear Gets a Second Chance - Herkimer County
On Jan. 31, ECO Howe responded to a complaint of a black bear cub lingering around a residence in the town of Salisbury. The resident reported the young bear had been in the area for five days with no signs of its mother. The cub appeared malnourished and unlikely to survive on its own. Officer Howe safely captured the bear and transported it to Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center in Hunter, a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, where it will receive care and treatment until it can be released back into the wild.

ECO Howe with black bear cub rescued from a residential neighborhood in Herkimer County

K9 Benny Cracks the Case - St. Lawrence County
On Jan. 14, ECO Canary received an anonymous tip about an individual who had taken a deer out of season. The complainant suggested the hunter, known to ECOs from previous complaints of deer jacking at night, killed the deer at his mother's house in the city of Ogdensburg. Using satellite imagery, Officer Canary identified a patch of woods behind the residence in question and headed to the location on foot. The ECO found blood stains and a gut pile in a wooded area nearby, but freshly fallen snow made finding additional evidence difficult. In response, ECO Canary contacted K9 handler ECO Schneller and K9 Benny to assist. K9 Benny found further evidence, including deer blood in and around a garage. Presented with this evidence, the subject admitted to killing a deer out of season using a bow. Officers confiscated the deer and charged the hunter with hunting deer during a closed season and killing a deer except as permitted, both misdemeanors. The subject also received a violation for unlawfully possessing wildlife.

K9 Benny leads ECOs to garage linked to unlawful deer take in St. Lawrence County

ECOs Canary, Schneller, and K9 Benny at crime scene

Forest Rangers - in Review

Statewide
Fire Danger information:DEC is urging New Yorkers to take extra caution due to this year's warm and dry winter season. While thestatewide burn ban doesn't take effect until March 16, the majority of the State's land is dry and brown. Without any new or additional snowfall, the dry, dormant vegetation is primed to burn and facilitate the spread of a wildfire. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go toDEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Town of Webb
Herkimer County
Wilderness Rescue: On Jan. 28 at 4:30 p.m., Forest Ranger Lee overheard radio traffic from Herkimer County 911 reporting a snowmobile accident on Stillwater Reservoir. Herkimer County 911 indicated there were two accidents and both victims were at the Stillwater Restaurant. Ranger Lee arrived at 4:40 p.m., and located the two snowmobilers from Pennsylvania. The 53-year-old suffered a head injury and could not remember the accident nor how he got to the restaurant. The subject also had abdominal pain and a significant hand injury. The 14-year-old subject was having difficulty breathing and suffering from chest pain. Rangers Bills and Stone arrived at 5 p.m. to assist with patient care. At 6 p.m., the 14-year-old was airlifted to the hospital by Mercy Flight and the 53-year-old was taken to the hospital by Old Forge Ambulance. The accidents were caused by a pressure crack that crosses the main portion of the lake where the trail crosses. Pressure cracks form on frozen bodies of water, move without notice, and are difficult to see. Snowmobilers should take caution when riding on frozen lakes. More information about snowmobile safety is available on the New York State Parks website.

Town of Forestport
Oneida County
Flat Ice Rescue Training: On Feb. 18, five Region 6 Forest Rangers participated in flat ice rescue training hosted by Otter Lake Fire Department. Approximately 20 people attended the training, including members of the Woodgate and Forestport fire departments. The training began with a classroom lecture and culminated in a field exercise conducted on Otter Lake. Rangers, including recent academy graduates Pelrah and Stone, demonstrated their self-rescue, reach, and throw and go skills.

Flat ice rescue training in Forestport

For additional Environmental Conservation Officers on Patrol and Forest Rangers in Review stories, visit the press release page on DEC's website.

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.

Join Our Team

Do you want to make a difference in the future of our environment? Sign-up to receive e-mail notifications when DEC's job vacancies list is updated.

There are many careers available in the environmental field, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation offers exciting opportunities for qualified individuals looking to make a difference in environmental protection and natural resource management. Check out a video about starting your career at DEC!

Check out our current job vacancies list.