In this issue:
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Statewide Community Air Monitoring (CAM) Initiative – DEC undertook a statewide community-based air quality monitoring effort, focused on ten disadvantaged communities with high air pollution burdens around the State.
- Check the 2022-23 Statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative webpage for more information.
- As part of the initiative, DEC is working with CAM communities to collect input and recommendations for air pollution reduction strategies that will be compiled in a report. DEC will consult with the Climate Justice Working Group and oversee the next phase of the CAM Initiative to develop air pollution reduction strategies in DACs based on community input.
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Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program – 6 NYCRR Part 253, the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting program is now effective. For more information on the rule, including rule implementation and requirements, visit the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting webpage on DEC’s website.
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Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB): Check out the various projects in NYS on the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB).
Air Mail! is the publication to announce public and stakeholder information about air quality topics. All NYS residents are environmental stakeholders – we welcome anyone to join the information sessions and other opportunities posted here.
March 20 marks the official start of spring. As the snow continues to melt and the grass begins to grow, March reminds us of the importance of protecting our environment. From March 16 through May 14, the annual brush burn ban prohibits burning residential brush due to an increased wildfire risk. Another day to keep in mind is the International Day of Forests on March 21, a day to celebrate and raise awareness of forests globally.
With April just around the corner, there are still plenty of environmentally focused days coming up. Earth Day, celebrated each year on April 22, raises awareness of environmental concerns and inspires action to improve our environment. Just after Earth Day, the last Friday of April is Arbor Day, which acknowledges the importance of trees and the work they do to protect our environment. DEC is spreading awareness even further with the annual Take a Child to Work Day event on April 23. For this event, DEC staff are encouraged to bring children in their lives from grades 3-10, whether family, friends, or neighbors, to their office for a day of environmental education.
This spring, take action to improve our environment and spread environmental awareness to others, encouraging them to do the same. NYS has set the goal to plant 25 million trees by 2033. With over 400,000 trees already planted, you can help increase that number even more. You can also reduce your air pollutant emissions by adopting new green habits, such as taking public transportation or carpooling more often. Clean air is a team effort, and early spring is an ideal time to start working together to plant new trees and sow the seeds of thought about environmental protection.
The annual burn ban is currently in effect through May 14. Due to warmer spring temperatures, low humidity, and abundant dry, dead vegetation revealed by melting snow, NYS is at a higher risk of wildfires in early spring. Practice safe fire habits and follow open burning regulations to ensure our land and air stay safe for everyone to enjoy.
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DECinfo Locator – An interactive map that lets you access DEC documents and public data about the environmental quality of specific sites in NYS, as well as outdoor recreation information.
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DEC Delivers – Stay in-the-know by subscribing to the environmental topics that interest you. DEC will send you information, updates, and e-newsletters on the topics of your choosing. As an Air Mail! subscriber, you may be interested in subscribing to the Air Quality Alerts topic under the Announcements category. By selecting this topic, you will receive email alerts when air quality or AQI levels are a concern across the State.
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DEC Does What?! – Check out our new podcast, which highlights what DEC does to protect our environment.
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AQI Forecasts – Check the daily ozone and particulate matter pollution forecast for your area of NYS.
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NYSDEC YouTube – Keep up with what's going on with DEC staff by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Watch video clips of DEC public protection in action, learn about the Hudson River, or watch the latest episode of "On the Front Lines," DEC's video series.
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Conservationist – NYS’ premiere outdoor magazine--bringing nature to your door! Published six times a year, Conservationist is a NYS-focused magazine that is packed with informative and entertaining articles, first-rate photography, and stunning artwork. Articles cover a broad range of environmental and natural history related topics. Subscribe today to get a piece of the outdoors in your mailbox.
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Now through May 13: DEC's annual Saratoga Tree Nursery native tree and shrub seedling sale – Dozens of native tree and shrub species are available for purchase at low cost. Browse this year's selection on our website. For the most up-to-date species availability information or to place your order, call (518) 587-1120, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
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Now through May 14: Annual Spring Burn Ban – Temporarily prohibits the burning of residential brush and yard debris.
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March 22: World Water Day – As the saying goes, “What goes up must come down.” Air pollution is brought down by the rain and can harm our water resources, too.
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April 1: April Fool’s Day – Air pollution is no joke. Please do your part to keep our air clean. Contact your local, State, and federal representatives so they know our air quality and environmental health are important to you and your family.
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April 12 to 18: Water Week – Clean water is essential for everyone, just as clean air is. Learn about ways to keep water clean by preventing water pollution in the first place.
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April 21: John Muir’s Birthday – Known as “The Father of our National Parks,” he inspired people to respect natural resources and explore America’s wilderness.
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April 22: Earth Day – Remember that Earth Day is every day. Include activities that reduce air pollution, such as using less energy at home, walking or biking instead of using a car, and ditching gas-powered lawnmowers. Visit our website for more tips.
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April 24: National Arbor Day – Trees clean the air by absorbing odors and pollutants through their leaves and bark and converting CO2 into carbon stored in the wood and roots while releasing oxygen we breathe from the process of photosynthesis.
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May 3 to 9: International Compost Awareness Week – The theme for 2026 in the United States is “Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us” The program's goal is to raise awareness of the benefits of using compost.
NYS' ozone season runs from April through September. DEC publishes ground level ozone forecasts during ozone season and particulate matter pollution forecasts year-round, using a scale called the Air Quality Index (AQI). DEC sends out an air quality alert when there is a high AQI value, which indicates polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and people who exercise outdoors should take caution during an air quality alert.
The AQI can be accessed in four ways:
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We would also like to know what you think. Send your Air Mail! questions and comments to the team at DAR.web@dec.ny.gov.
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