DEC Does What?!

NYS Environmental Conservation
  • 3.8 (47)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment.

  1. 3D AGO

    Moose on the Loose

    Learn all about moose with Dave Kramer, a Research Scientist in the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Hear about all the ways DEC monitors the moose population in New York State using aerial surveys, GPS tracking, and public sighting reports. You’ll also hear about what to do if you encounter a moose in the wild and a little bit about moose butts. Episode Notes: Moose species profile, with link to report moose sightings Moose management Public Moose Sightings by Town Map 2014-2022 Snapshot NY   For more information on "DEC Does What?!," visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast

    28 min

  2. MAR 17

    Happy Campers

    This Season 4 kick off episode spotlights DEC’s affordable and fun DEC summer camp offerings and the lifelong bonds they help create. DEC’s Summer Camp program attracts 1,400 children each summer to the State’s week-long sleepaway learning experience at four different locations across the state. Episode Notes:   Summer Camp Experience Register Online Employment at Education Camps    For more information on "DEC Does What?!," visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast

    40 min

  3. 09/05/2025

    Join Team DEC

    In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica welcome Alan Ilagan, Associate Director Human Resources, and Natalie Joseph, Human Resources Specialist, with DEC’s Division of Human Resources to highlight DEC’s recruiting efforts to fill positions across every region of New York State, open exam announcements for Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Forest Rangers, and how potential candidates can find jobs through the State’s Civil Service system.   Episode Notes: Employment Opportunities with DEC Apply to Become a DEC Environmental Conservation Officer | VIDEO Apply to Become a DEC Forest Ranger | VIDEO New York HELPS About:   “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Region 4 Director Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast    Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

    33 min

  4. 08/21/2025

    New York Camping Is In-Tents

    DEC’s first campgrounds—Sacandaga and Sharp Bridge—were established in 1920, and the newest campground, Frontier Town, opened in 2019. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by Campground Program Supervisor Jessica McBride and Conservation Operations Supervisor Andrea Dukett who explain how DEC’s Bureau of Recreation oversees the operations of 55 campgrounds and day use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve visited by an estimated 1.5 million people each year. Episode Notes:   First-Time Camper Weekend Program Camping Reservations VIDEO: Know Before You Go – DEC Campgrounds VIDEO: Throwback Adirondack and Catskill Camping - From the DEC Vault About: “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast      Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

    28 min

  5. 08/08/2025

    The (State) Fair Necessities

    Since the 1930s, DEC (then known as New York’s Conservation Department) has participated in events at the New York State Fairgrounds. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by Oneida Fish Hatchery Manager Bill Evans and Public Participation Specialist Emma Antolos to explore how DEC staff from the Divisions of Lands and Forests, Fish and Wildlife, Law Enforcement, Forest Protection, and Communications, Education, and Engagement promotes outdoor recreational opportunities and environmental conservation efforts across the state.   Episode Notes: The Great New York State Fair VIDEO: DEC Aquarium at the New York State Fair VIDEO: Estimating Walleye Abundance in Oneida Lake About: “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast    Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

    28 min

  6. 07/24/2025

    A Bit About Bats

    Bats are the world’s only flying mammal and New York State is home to nine different species. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by DEC Wildlife Biologists Casey Kennedy and Ashley Meyer with the Division of Fish and Wildlife to explain how DEC’s Bat Diversity Program tracks population changes and distribution of bats throughout the state. Guests also discuss the many benefits bats provide, how New Yorkers can help support and restore bat populations, misconceptions about rabies, and the devastating impact of White Nose Syndrome that causes mass mortality in four of New York’s hibernating bat species. Episode Notes: Bats of New York State (PDF) Protection of Northern Long-eared Bats DEC Encourages New Yorkers to Help Protect Bats During “Bat Week” (Oct. 2024) Bat Week (Oct. 24-31) Video: Catching Bats in a Mist Net (NYSDEC YouTube) About: “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast  Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

    37 min

  7. 07/10/2025

    Artificial Reefs, Reel Benefits

    Established in 1949, New York’s Artificial Reef Program is the oldest in the U.S. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by DEC Marine Biologist Christopher LaPorta and Division Director Marty Gary to dive into the history of the State’s artificial reef network and how it artificial reefs help conserve, protect, and improve marine habitat for a variety of species. Guests also discuss how reefs support fishing and diving activities, and the coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and other entities for deploying large vessels to the ocean floor.   Episode Notes: Overview of Artificial Reefs Interactive Map of New York’s Artificial Reefs Timelapse Video: “Jana Marie” Deployed to DEC’s Twelve Mile Reef Saltwater Fishing in New York State About:   “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast      Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

    35 min

  8. 06/27/2025

    From Pit to Park: Reclaiming New York’s Mined Lands

    New York State is rich in minerals, including sand, gravel, bluestone, zinc, and salt, which are mined for industrial and construction uses and the U.S. Geological Survey estimates the annual value of New York's mineral production at $1.84 billion. In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by Psalm Wyckoff, Section Chief for the Mined Land Reclamation Program, and Jami June, Mined Land Reclamation Specialist—staff with DEC’s Division of Mineral Resources—to discuss the essential role of minerals in New York State’s economy and how the agency oversees the mining industry to ensure the protection of natural resources. Episode Notes:  Mining and Reclamation Mined Land Reclamation (Video) Mineral Resources of New York State About: “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast      Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.

    31 min
See All (32)

3.8
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment.

Information

  • Creator
    NYS Environmental Conservation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    DEC Does What?!

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