Hudson River Striped Bass Anglers: Volunteer Logbook Program  Do you fish for striped bass in the Hudson River? Whether you catch-and-release or take home a keeper, you can be part of the Cooperative Angler Program. Share your fishing trip information and help biologists understand and manage our striped bass fishery.
Here's how it works: Fill out a logbook we provide or record your trips on your smartphone using DEC's Hudson River online logbook whenever you fish on the tidal Hudson River (by boat or on the shore). Record general location, time, gear used, and what you caught (or if you didn't catch anything) and return the logbook when you are done fishing. You'll receive an annual newsletter summarizing the recreational fishery information, in addition to the latest news regarding the Hudson River and its regulations. For more information on the angler program and instructions on installing the Survey123 App to access the online logbook, visit the Hudson River Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program section of DEC's website or email hudsonangler@dec.ny.gov. The striped bass fishing season begins April 1, 2022. For information about fishing regulations, visit DEC's Freshwater Fishing Regulations webpage. Note: If you primarily fish for striped bass in New York waters south of the George Washington Bridge, the DEC has a separate Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program.
Summer Camp Registration to Open April 10  The start of registration for the 2022 DEC Summer Camp season begins on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at 1 p.m. Due to current staffing challenges, this summer's camp program offerings have changed. Camp Rushford and Pack Forest will open for a seven-week season. DEC may open registrations for Camp DeBruce if additional staff become available this spring. Camp Colby will remain closed until 2023 to complete major renovations to the camp. You can find updates and changes on DEC's Summer Camps webpage and on DEC's Summer Camps Facebook page. Campers and camp families can send an email to: EducationCamps@dec.ny.gov with any questions.
DEC's Summer Residential Camps are now hiring counselors, lifeguards, and cooks for the 2022 season. These are great opportunities to be involved in the education and enrichment of New York's youth at locations designed to create a lifelong passion for nature and a dedication to environmental stewardship. Employment at camps begins in mid-June and ends mid-August, and all positions include room and board. Visit DEC's website to learn more about the qualifications and opportunities as a DEC camps staff member.
Share the Shore with Seals  Seals can be commonly seen on New York's saltwater beaches, both in large groups or resting alone. Resting on beaches, rocks, and sandbars is an essential behavior for seals to help regulate their body temperature and relax while not actively swimming and hunting for fish.
Disturbing seals is prohibited, and members of the public are instructed to remain at least 150 feet from a marine animal as required by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. Please remember they are wild animals and to keep you and your pets at a distance. Seals are equipped with sharp teeth and can carry communicable diseases. It's stressful for the animal to be approached, and they may become aggressive. If you suspect a seal or other marine mammal is sick or abandoned, please call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report the animal. Learn more about safe seal watching by visiting NOAA's Share the Shore Campaign.
Watchable Wildlife - From Backyard Birding to the NYS Birding Trail  Spring is an ideal time to observe bird migrations. New York is conveniently located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the main migration routes. This gives you a great opportunity to observe birds flying to their summer breeding grounds. Whether you are birding in your backyard or visiting a location on the New York State Birding Trail, here are some tips to help you get the most out of watching and enjoying birds:
- Create a better bird habitat. Choose a variety of native plants (PDF) to make your area welcoming for many of our state's 450 species of birds.
- Take part in the I Bird NY Challenges when offered by DEC. These challenges have levels appropriate for both beginner and experienced birders. You can track your progress, and may just be surprised by the feathered friends you identify.
- Look for birding events through DEC. State Parks also offers birding events on occasion - visit their events webpage. Opportunities to learn more about birds are often available both in-person and virtually.
- Join a birding club or organization. Meet others with similar interests and expand your birding knowledge.
- Enjoy the variety - from large birds such as the wild turkey to small birds like the black-capped chickadee, there is an abundance of different species to admire.
- Gear up with binoculars or even a camera. You can see details up close through the binoculars and capture birds in action with your camera. You can also check out DEC's active webcam of a nesting pair of peregrine falcons on the Mid-Hudson bridge. These falcons are an endangered species of New York.
- Visit an area on New York State's Birding Trail. These are locations designed to be good spots for birding - check more species off your list when identified!
- Bring out what you bring in - this will help make the habitat better for not only birds but all other forms of wildlife as well. Learn how to further Love Our NY Lands.
- Can't get outside? Check out videos on DEC's Facebook page to learn about NY's birds with some of our experts.
- Now is the time to remove your bird feeders, as bears have started to emerge from their dens in many areas of the state. Read about reducing human-bear conflicts.
Long Island Segment of the NYS Birding Trail Now Open  DEC recently announced the grand opening of the Long Island segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the State's world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities. The Long Island segment includes 20 locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. This announcement also featured the addition of Governors Island to the previously announced New York City segment. Long Island is the third segment of the trail completed, following New York City and Greater Niagara. Visitors can enjoy birding at coastal locations like the barrier island ecosystem at Fire Island Lighthouse, where one-third of all North American species have been recorded. Long Island is part of the Atlantic flyway and on the migratory path of a high diversity of bird species. A visit to these sites will have something for everyone.
Nature Notes Did you Know... - The New York State Bird Conservation Area (BCA) Program was established in 1997 to safeguard and enhance bird populations - along with their habitats on state lands and waters. There are 59 designated BCA sites in New York. The BCA Program is modeled after the National Audubon Society's Important Bird Areas (IBA) program, which began in New York in 1996.
- A Breeding Bird Atlas occurs every 20 years in New York. Birders of all backgrounds are invited to take part from 2020 to 2024. This third atlas will continue to improve our understanding of changes in the distribution of breeding birds in the state and provide the basis for more informed conservation and management of birds and their habitats. Learn more about the project and how to participate.
Upcoming Events Be sure to check out DEC's wide selection of outdoor activities on our events calendar. View activities for the upcoming month or all the planned events currently scheduled, including public hearings and meetings. For specific information about upcoming events at DEC's Environmental Education Centers, see the following links: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County) Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center (Erie County) Rogers Environmental Education Center (Chenango County) Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)
Check Out Our Facebook Live Events As always, be sure to visit our Facebook page for updates and to view our Facebook Live offerings. From adventures at fish hatcheries and nighttime hiking to Q&As about black bears, there is always something to see and learn.
Conservationist  With the onset of spring, many people are anxious to get outdoors. The February/March issue of the Conservationist highlights some of the outdoor opportunities available in New York, from spending time on an active river to exploring estuaries, and more. You'll find articles on the rebirth of the Buffalo River and efforts to address climate change, as well as information on the comeback of the cisco. The magazine also features articles on addressing some environmental challenges, and the history—and importance--- of public involvement on environmental issues. You'll also learn about some of our environmental conservation police officers and their paths to becoming a key part of DEC's environmental efforts. These and more in the latest issue of the Conservationist. Subscribe today by visiting DEC's website or calling 1-800-678-6399.
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