The dedicated professionals of New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are passionate about the outdoors and protecting the environment. Agency staff protect our air and water, fish and wildlife, and more than 5 million treasured acres of public land for outdoor recreation. Educating the public, especially youth, about caring for the environment and natural resources is another critical part of DEC’s mission. Whether it’s setting game seasons, enforcing clean air laws, fighting wildland fires, or issuing environmental permits to factories, if it has to do with protecting the environment, DEC is there. DEC's headquarters is in Albany, the state capitol. Staff in nine regional offices serve communities throughout the Read more