DEC Does What?!

NYS Environmental Conservation

Get an insider view of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s hot topics.

  1. SEP 5

    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

  2. AUG 21

    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

  3. AUG 8

    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

  4. JUL 24

    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

  5. JUL 10

    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

  6. JUN 27

    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

  7. JUN 13

    Environmental Conservation (and So Much More) Police on Patrol

    In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica speak with Officer Mary Frano and Officer Craig Tompkins from DEC’s Region 3 (lower Hudson Valley) about the agency’s wide-ranging front line efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Conversations explore the critical work of DEC’s Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) who help protect New York’s air, water, wildlife, and public safety. The episode covers the wide-ranging responsibilities of ECOs as they enforce the New York Environmental Conservation Law, navigate the unpredictable nature of tasks during an “average” day, and guide the next generation of New Yorkers to engage in outdoor activities across New York State. Episode Notes:  Environmental Conservation Police Officers History of Conservation Law Enforcement in New York State Become a NYS Environmental Conservation Police Officer Video: On the Front Lines – Environmental Conservation Police Officer 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”.

    27 min

  8. MAY 23

    Talking Turkey

    In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica welcome Gordon Batcheller, retired DEC’s Wildlife Bureau Chief and current Wildlife Biologist with the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, and Mike Menza, Environmental Program Specialist with DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, to discuss the extraordinary restoration success story for New York State’s wild turkey population, the spring and fall turkey hunting seasons, and the importance of continuing the heritage of turkey hunting and provide safe and ethical hunting opportunities to future generations. They also talk about how DEC’s intro song came to be.   Episode Notes: Wild Turkeys in New York State Turkey Hunting Seasons DEC’s Hunter Education Program Opportunities for Youth Hunting Get Outdoors and Get Together Day   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”.

    43 min
See All (30)

3.8
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

Get an insider view of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s hot topics.

Information

  • Creator
    NYS Environmental Conservation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    DEC Does What?!