News from Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates Counties

In this issue:

• Spotted Salamander at High Tor Wildlife Management Area (Ontario County)
• DEC State Land Kiosk Survey Underway
• Rescheduled Public Meeting - Ace Cleaners Site (Brockport)
• Forest Rangers Attend Helicopter Rescue Training
• Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol
• DEC Annual Tree/Shrub Seedling Sale Now Open
• 2023 Trees for Tribs Buffer in a Bag Program
• Empire State Fellows Applications Accepted Through April 3, 2023
• Summer Employment Opportunities
• Attend a DEC Summer Camp
• 2023 Exam Dates for Licensed Guide Program

Spotted Salamander Spied at High Tor Wildlife Management Area, Ontario County

A Spotted Salamander was discovered at High Tor Wildlife Management Area in late November. “I found a Spotted Salamander on a cold day November 29. I assume it was moving around on a warmer day earlier in the week,” said the Region 8 Division of Fish and Wildlife staff member at the Bath office “I relocated him off the road and put him under a nice bed of leaves.” 

DEC State Land Kiosk Survey Underway

Posters like the one pictured are going up at area fishing access sites and state land trails to engage the public in sending us their opinions about trailhead kiosks. Simply scan the QR code on the poster and it will take you to the survey. 

By taking the survey, participants will be entered into the survey sweepstakes. Each month from January 2023 through January 2024, one lucky winner's name will be pulled randomly from survey responses received that month. The winner receives a free subscription to DEC's Conservationist magazine and a $50 gift card to a sporting goods store. 

Take our survey today!

Rescheduled Public Meeting -- Ace Cleaners Site (Brockport)

Due to anticipated inclement weather, the originally scheduled meeting on February 22, 2023, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 6:00 PM at the Seymour Library, 161 East Avenue, Brockport, New York 14420 regarding a proposed remedy to address contamination related to the Ace Cleaners site #828133 (Brockport, Monroe County) within New York State's Superfund Program.

More information

Forest Rangers Attend Helicopter Rescue Training

The Division of Forest Protection’s newest graduates recently took part in training to become familiar with the equipment associated with helicopter rescues. Basic school graduates, Forest Rangers Miller, and Smith, paired up with Hoist Operator Crew Chiefs (HOCC), Forest Rangers Cordell and Lunt to become familiar with harness construction, how to approach the helicopter, hand signals used for communication, patient packaging, and much more.

Photo: FR Miller (right) is simulating being 'on the hook' while asking FR Lunt (left) questions.

New York State Park Police ground crew members also attended. The joint training was held at the New York State Police Aviation Unit located at the Greater Rochester International Airport. The Division of Forest Protection and the New York State Police utilize a strong, working relationship to successfully complete missions throughout the State.

Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol

Mini-Excavator Causes Petroleum Spill - Chemung County
On Dec. 30, ECO Lifrieri and New York State Trooper Wallner visited a site in the town of Veteran to follow up on the investigation of arson and water quality/stream protection violations. The home on the property was condemned due to a gas leak caused after a resident allegedly set fire to his own ATV and a relative's nearby property. The relative declined to press charges but ECO Lifrieri charged the subject with two water quality violations, including failure to report a petroleum spill within two hours. The subject had driven a mini excavator into a culvert and got it stuck, causing a discharge of hydraulic fluid into a nearby waterway. DEC Spill Responders oversaw a cleanup of the site and closed the spill case. All charges will be heard in the Town of Veteran Court.

ATV Leads the Way - Yates County
In Yates County, a hunter recently paid a penalty for illegally taking a deer in November 2022. Last year on Nov. 12, ECO Gross was patrolling in the town of Italy when the Officer observed a young man operating an ATV without a helmet. Officer Gross stopped the ATV rider and escorted him back to his camp to speak with his parents about the unregistered ATV and the rider not wearing a helmet. Upon entering the camp driveway, ECO Gross observed a small shed with multiple bags of corn and sweet feed inside, as well as a dead 10-point buck in the back of a pickup truck. The hunter who had harvested the deer emerged from the cabin with his deer tag in a bag to show the Officer. After a brief interview, the hunter led ECO Gross to an elevated box blind where he had harvested the deer. About 30 yards from the blind, Officer Gross spotted a large pile of corn, sweet feed, and pumpkins. The hunter admitted to placing the bait at the location and agreed to an administrative penalty of $600 in satisfaction of the charges of illegally harvesting a whitetail deer, intentionally feeding deer, hunting with the aid of pre-established bait pile, failing to attach a carcass tag, and hunting with a crossbow less than 17 inches wide. ECO Gross seized the deer and donated the meat.

ECO Gross with unlawfully harvested deer in Yates County

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 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.

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.  

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.

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.