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DEC opens Jefferson, St. Lawrence WMAs for 16-day public access
For just over two weeks this month, outdoor enthusiasts will have rare access to several usually restricted wildlife areas in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. The DEC says the annual open house runs August 16–31, ... more
Lanternfly threat grows across Southern Tier
Spotted Lanternflies are spreading fast across New York, with more sightings expected in the Southern Tier, according to WBNG. Wildlife experts say the invasive bugs, now mature, are feeding on crops like grapes and hitching ... more
DEC boosts salmon monitoring on Boquet River
New York State is stepping up efforts to monitor Atlantic salmon in the Boquet River with new equipment and a five-year plan to improve conservation. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the launch of ... more
Opponents argue 1,500 tons of trash for 15 years is too much: What’s next for Seneca Meadows?
In a small town known as the birthplace of women’s rights, the future smells like garbage—literally. Seneca Falls may be stuck with 1,500 tons of New York City trash daily for another 15 years. The ... more
Hochul stalls as cryptominer pollutes, say advocates
Advocates say delays in a high-stakes cryptomining case are putting New York’s landmark climate law on the line — and they’re blaming Governor Kathy Hochul for letting it happen. At a virtual press conference today, ... more
Big money slows sewage sludge crackdown
Private companies helped stall EPA efforts to warn the public about toxic PFAS in sewage sludge, according to Spectrum News 1. Buried in a congressional bill is a clause blocking the agency from finalizing its ... more
Harmful algae blooms expected to return soon
Small blooms have already surfaced on Canandaigua Lake, and more could pop up any day, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. The lake hit 78°F on August 8, creating prime conditions for harmful algae, ... more
Finger Lakes Land Trust protects 246 acres in Yates County
The Finger Lakes Land Trust has secured 246 acres of farmland in Benton, Milo, and Torrey, ensuring the land will remain in agriculture for generations to come. Funding came from New York’s Farmland Protection Implementation ... more
NY opens public comment on endangered species plan
New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation has released a draft 10-year State Wildlife Action Plan for public review, according to WROC. The proposal identifies 570 species of greatest conservation need — including 229 high-priority ones ... more
Seneca Lake update shows clear water, no HABs
Seneca Lake saw another week of clear, healthy conditions with no reports of harmful algal blooms, according to the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. From August 1–7, surface water temperatures averaged 76.2°F at 1.3 meters ... more
Why wildfire smoke lingers for weeks in the air
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has drifted thousands of miles across the U.S., remaining suspended in the atmosphere for days, according to CNY Central. Meteorologist Violet Scibior explains that intense heat pushes smoke up to 5 ... more
DEC seeks public feedback on 10-year wildlife plan
New York’s top environmental agency is asking residents to weigh in on a 10-year plan to protect the state’s most threatened wildlife species. On Wednesday, the Department of Environmental Conservation released its draft State Wildlife ... more
Remote wildfires in Canada continue choking New York air
Wildfires raging across remote areas of northwest Canada are proving nearly impossible to contain, according to the Times Union. With more than 200 active fires, many in roadless, unmanaged forest, Canadian firefighters remain overwhelmed—leaving much ... more
Senator Helming spotlights renewable energy innovation at Noblehurst Farms in Genesee County
State Senator Pam Helming visited Noblehurst Farms this week to highlight one of New York’s most innovative and underrecognized clean energy operations, where sustainable farming and renewable power production work side by side. During her ... more
FEMA phase-out could leave New York exposed
President Donald Trump plans to phase out FEMA by December, raising major concerns for disaster-prone states like New York. Experts warn the move could severely impact emergency response and recovery efforts after major events like ... more
Greenidge air permit hearing postponed to November
A key hearing on whether the Greenidge Generation plant can continue operating along Seneca Lake has been delayed again, according to the Finger Lakes Times. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the Department of Environmental Conservation proceeding ... more
DEC to renumber campsites at Fish Creek Pond
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will renumber all campsites at Fish Creek Pond Campground in the Adirondacks ahead of the 2026 camping season, pausing reservations until December. Located in Saranac Lake, the ... more
Oneida Lake homeowners question new wetland rules
Confusion and frustration filled a packed meeting in Cicero as New York’s environmental agency explained new wetland rules, according to State of Politics. Many Oneida Lake residents fear the changes—meant to protect wetlands and impose ... more
Toxic algal blooms return to Owasco Lake
Five harmful algal blooms have been confirmed along the eastern shore of Owasco Lake, just two weeks after similar sightings in Cayuga Lake, according to The Citizen. Health officials warn residents to avoid contact with ... more
