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Environmental Conservation

WATCH: Lost Gosling Found By Students Gets New Goose Family At Vassar College WATCH: Lost Gosling Found By Students Gets New Goose Family At Vassar College
Watch: Lost Gosling Found By Students Gets New Goose Family At Vassar College A lost baby goose found outside a Dutchess County elementary school was safely placed with a new goose family thanks to the work of environmental conservation officers.  The rescue happened in East Fishkill on May 8, after students at Fishkill Plains Elementary School in Wappingers Falls spotted a Canada goose gosling during recess, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said in an announcement on Tuesday, June 2.  An East Fishkill Police officer who serves as the school resource officer contacted an Environmental Conservation Officer for help, according to th…
‘Explosive’ Whale Carcass Washes Ashore On NY Beach, Vessel Strike Suspected ‘Explosive’ Whale Carcass Washes Ashore On NY Beach, Vessel Strike Suspected
‘Explosive’ Whale Carcass Washes Ashore On NY Beach, Vessel Strike Suspected A massive whale found dead along a Queens shoreline showed signs of a violent impact, officials said. A necropsy was completed on the 45-foot male sei whale that washed ashore on Rockaway Beach on Thursday, March 26, according to AMSEAS biologists. The examination found the whale was in good body condition and had recently eaten, as food was present in its digestive tract, officials said. However, investigators noted distinctive abrasions along the whale’s right side, along with extensive internal bruising in the surrounding tissue that extended along the body, according to the release. T…
Illegal Reptile Bust: Young Crocodile, Dwarf Caiman Seized From Hudson Valley Home Illegal Reptile Bust: Young Crocodile, Dwarf Caiman Seized From Hudson Valley Home
Illegal Reptile Bust: Young Crocodile, Dwarf Caiman Seized From Hudson Valley Home Environmental conservation officers seized a juvenile crocodile and a dwarf caiman from a Westchester County home after the animals were discovered during an unrelated arrest, officials said. Officers first received a report on Wednesday, Dec. 10, about a person illegally possessing reptiles without the required licenses or permits. The animals were found by Yonkers Police officers while they were making an arrest on unrelated charges, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said on Friday, Dec. 19. DEC officials said the reptiles, a juvenile crocodile and a dwarf caiman…
Deer Found Trapped In 10-Foot Well, Saved In Dramatic NY Rescue Deer Found Trapped In 10-Foot Well, Saved In Dramatic NY Rescue
Deer Found Trapped In 10-Foot Well, Saved In Dramatic NY Rescue Thanks to quick action from environmental conservation officers, a trapped deer that fell into a 10-foot dry well in Western New York was freed.  The rescue happened earlier this month in Niagara County on Wednesday, Nov. 6, off Upper Mountain Road in the town of Lewiston, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. There, DEC officers responded with the Lewiston Police Department after reports that an antlered deer had become stuck at the bottom of the well with no way to escape. Officials said ECO Scheer, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and the …
VIDEO: Huge Black Bear Seen Snacking Under Hudson Valley Porch VIDEO: Huge Black Bear Seen Snacking Under Hudson Valley Porch
Video: Huge Black Bear Seen Snacking Under Hudson Valley Porch A large black bear was seen snacking on the contents of a garbage bag in Rockland County in preparation for its upcoming hibernation.  The sighting was reported on Sunday, Sept. 28, and happened on Concord Drive In Monsey, according to a report by The Monsey Scoop.  A video of the sighting released by the outlet shows the bear digging into sweets in a garbage bag underneath a local porch.  The sighting comes days after a family of bears was seen dumpster diving on Sky Meadow Road in Suffern, as Daily Voice previously reported.   Officials from the New York State Department of Environmenta…
Family Of Bears Seen Dumpster Diving On Hudson Valley Road Family Of Bears Seen Dumpster Diving On Hudson Valley Road
Family Of Bears Seen Dumpster Diving On Hudson Valley Road A group of bears was spotted during a family outing at a Rockland County dumpster.  The sighting happened on Thursday, Sept. 25, when a family of black bears was seen at the Yeshiva Shaarei Arazim on Sky Meadow Road in Suffern, The Monsey Scoop reported. A photo of the dumpster diving was taken by a local resident.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, residents should take preventative measures to avoid attracting bears, including never feeding them or leaving food outdoors, only putting garbage out on collection days, cleaning around ga…
David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In NY: See What Inspired 'Big Papi' David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In NY: See What Inspired 'Big Papi'
David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In NY: See What Inspired 'Big Papi' "Big Papi" is taking a big swing with a new spirit that has deep roots in his native Dominican Republic. Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz officially launched Ozama Rum, according to a news release on Wednesday, May 28. The Baseball Hall-of-Famer also hosted pre-launch parties with distributors and influencers in Boston, Miami, New York City, and Santo Domingo. The premium liquor is made entirely in the Dominican Republic using 100% local sugarcane. The rum is aged for at least one year in oak barrels before being bottled locally and labeled with the official "Ron Dominicano" label. The th…
Wind-Whipped Blaze Scorches 19 Acres In Hudson Valley Wind-Whipped Blaze Scorches 19 Acres In Hudson Valley
Wind-Whipped Blaze Scorches 19 Acres In Hudson Valley A fast-moving brush fire fueled by wind and dry conditions scorched nearly 20 acres of wooded land in Putnam County, firefighters said.  The fire broke out around 1:15 p.m. on Friday, April 18 near 926 Peekskill Hollow Rd. in Putnam Valley, the Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department said on Monday, April 21. When firefighters arrived, they found a large brush fire burning under the power lines and spreading quickly through dry leaves and thick vegetation.   Steep, rocky terrain made access difficult, prompting a mutual aid response from several surrounding fire departments.…
Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Hudson Valley Business: Officials Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Hudson Valley Business: Officials
Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Hudson Valley Business: Officials A wildland fire that began behind a Putnam County business took several days to put out and led to the issuing of a ticket, officials announced.  The fire was reported on Friday, Jan. 3, at 2:15 p.m. in a swampy area behind Petersen's Patterson Greenhouses in Patterson, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8.  Forest rangers responded to the scene and determined that an ember from a burn pile at the nursery had likely ignited the blaze, officials said.  Additional rangers soon joined the effort to extinguish the b…
Contractor, Son Nabbed For Illegal Dumping In Hudson Valley, Authorities Say Contractor, Son Nabbed For Illegal Dumping In Hudson Valley, Authorities Say
Contractor, Son Nabbed For Illegal Dumping In Hudson Valley, Authorities Say A contractor and his son were ticketed for illegal dumping in the Hudson Valley after environmental officials found material containing an address in construction debris on the side of a road, authorities said.   The debris was discovered on the side of a road in Putnam County on Friday, Nov. 29 by New York State Environmental Conservation Officers Franz and Schuck while patrolling in the village of Brewster, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18.  During their investigation, officers found a piece of mail among the debris…
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley As the wildfires continue to burn across the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated what's being done to mitigate and contain them. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hochul said a multi-agency response had been deployed to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.  According to Hochul, an aerial investigation shows the Orange County fire named the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire in New York and New Jersey now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in …
Algae Bloom Closed Popular State Park Beach In Region To Swimming Algae Bloom Closed Popular State Park Beach In Region To Swimming
Algae Bloom Closed Popular State Park Beach In Region To Swimming Due to an unhealthy algae bloom, a popular boating and swimming lake in the region has been temporarily closed. The blooms were found in Sullivan County at Lake Superior State Park in Bethel on Tuesday, Aug. 6.  “Cyanobacteria, better known as blue-green algae, has increased to potentially harmful levels at Lake Superior’s beach, due in large part to the ongoing hot weather,” Parks, Recreation and Beautification Director Brian Scardefield explained. “People and animals who come in contact with the algae may develop irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract – or …
27-Year-Old Former HS Hockey Player In Hudson Valley Dies Suddenly On His 'Dream Trip' 27-Year-Old Former HS Hockey Player In Hudson Valley Dies Suddenly On His 'Dream Trip'
27-Year-Old Former HS Hockey Player In Hudson Valley Dies Suddenly On His 'Dream Trip' A former high school hockey player in the Hudson Valley who was a well-known videographer and environmental enthusiast died while on a "dream trip" to Chile to hike the Patagonia region of the Andes Mountains. Rockland County native Brian Kilduff, age 27, of West Haverstraw, died suddenly on Friday, Dec. 29 after becoming ill while in Chile. He was born in Suffern, on Wednesday, March 20, 1996, and graduated from North Rockland High School where he played hockey, according to his obituary. "Everyone who knew Brian knew how much he loved hockey," his obituary said. He went on to recei…
Hudson Valley Man Admits To Illegal Dumping Hudson Valley Man Admits To Illegal Dumping
Hudson Valley Man Admits To Illegal Dumping The owner of a New York business has admitted to unlawfully disposing of construction and demolition debris. David Gutierrez, of Ulster County, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge of the unlawful disposal of solid waste in excess of 70 cubic yards on Monday, May 23, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement. DEC said the case began in 2017 when authorities coordinated a task force to target large amounts of illegal construction and demolition debris that was being dumped across the Southern District. Officers executed …
Westchester Community Becomes One Of First In Northeast To Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Westchester Community Becomes One Of First In Northeast To Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Westchester Community Becomes One Of First In Northeast To Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers In a unanimous and unprecedented decision, officials in a Westchester County municipality voted to ban gas-powered leaf blowers effective January 2022, becoming one of the first communities in the Northeast to take such action.  The Monday, Sept. 21 decision, according to the Village of Larchmont's Board of Trustees, was driven by environmental concerns.  “Larchmont is proud to be a leader in municipal green policy," said Mayor Lorraine Walsh. "Policies such as this, which ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers entirely, are essential if we are going to make meaningful progr…
Photos: Groups Of Black Bears Roams Through Backyards, Back Porch In Area Photos: Groups Of Black Bears Roams Through Backyards, Back Porch In Area
Photos: Groups Of Black Bears Roams Through Backyards, Back Porch In Area Groups of black bears have been making the rounds throughout Hudson Valley neighborhoods, with some getting caught on camera a little too close for comfort. There were multiple sightings of black bears and cubs reported in Rockland County in the past week, with some roaming through area backyards in Pomona, while others took leisurely strolls through quiet streets. One bear even got up close and personal, perusing the sights on one resident’s backyard deck. According to environment officials, residents should not leave garbage cans or any food outside to help avoid an encounter with a bear…
Vicious Giant Hornets With Venomous Sting Spotted For First Time In US Vicious Giant Hornets With Venomous Sting Spotted For First Time In US
Vicious Giant Hornets With Venomous Sting Spotted For First Time In US As if a global pandemic and worldwide economic crisis aren't enough to occupy us, there's now news of the arrival of a vicious, freakish-looking hornet with a venomous sting in the United States for the first time. Asian giant hornets can use shark-fin shaped appendages to destroy a beehive, decapitating its victims in a matter of minutes. “It’s a shockingly large hornet,” said Todd Murray, Washington State University's Extension entomologist and invasive species specialist. “It’s a health hazard, and more importantly, a significant predator of honey bees.” That's especially concerning sin…
Regulations Finalized For NY Plastic Bag Ban To Take Effect Regulations Finalized For NY Plastic Bag Ban To Take Effect
Regulations Finalized For NY Plastic Bag Ban To Take Effect Enforcement on the ban of single-use plastic bags at New York retailers on March 1 is expected to be lenient at the start, as final regulations for the ban are finalized. As of Sunday, March 1, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s legislation goes into effect, banning plastic bags statewide. However, amid fears of a paper bag shortage, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reportedly acknowledged that retailers may not have had enough time to remove plastic bags from their stores. As a result, the NYSDEC plans to let retailers finish off their supplies of plastic bags after t…
Stop & Shop Offers Free Reusable Bags At Stores Ahead Of Statewide Ban On Plastic Stop & Shop Offers Free Reusable Bags At Stores Ahead Of Statewide Ban On Plastic
Stop & Shop Offers Free Reusable Bags At Stores Ahead Of Statewide Ban On Plastic With single-use plastic bags becoming banned from New York retailers, Stop & Shop is offering customers a new alternative with free reusable bags. In an effort to ease the transition from plastic to paper when the ban takes effect on Sunday, March 1, Stop & Shop is offering to trade carryout plastic bags for free reusable bags (while supplies last). Beginning on Saturday, Feb. 22, Stop & Shop will have information tables set up at stores to answer questions about the upcoming ban. The tables will also have giveaway items, including a free reusable bag for every customer who bri…
Rare Sighting: Man Walking Dog Captures Photos Of Beaver Swimming In Hudson River Rare Sighting: Man Walking Dog Captures Photos Of Beaver Swimming In Hudson River
Rare Sighting: Man Walking Dog Captures Photos Of Beaver Swimming In Hudson River A New York attorney out for a walk with his dog Hunter was enjoying the view of the Hudson River near West 70th Street in Manhattan when he spotted a fun and rare sight, a beaver out for a swim. At first Ralph Stone, 53, thought the little guy, or maybe girl, was a log floating near other pieces of wood in the area, then he saw it's head move.  Being the official New York State animal, and a rare sight, Stone did what all would do, he whipped out his phone around 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 5, and snapped a few shots of the beaver swimming along enjoying the morning.  A rare sighting: A beav…
Stop & Shop To Ban Plastic Bags At All CT Stores Stop & Shop To Ban Plastic Bags At All CT Stores
Stop & Shop To Ban Plastic Bags At All CT Stores In just days, Stop & Shop will become the latest retailer in Connecticut to ban the use of single-use plastic bags. After Big Y announcing that it is eliminating the use of plastic bags in its Connecticut stores, Stop & Shop said that that, beginning on Thursday, Aug. 1, stores will begin eliminating the use of plastic bags at checkout. The store also announced that it will begin charging 10 cents per paper bag as of Tuesday, Sept. 3. The move is part of a statewide effort. “We know that the environmental impact of plastics is something our customers and communities care about he…
Video: Curious Black Bear Caught On Camera Making The Rounds In Putnam Video: Curious Black Bear Caught On Camera Making The Rounds In Putnam
Video: Curious Black Bear Caught On Camera Making The Rounds In Putnam A  family enjoyed an unexpected guest when a black bear was caught taking an afternoon stroll through their backyard and into the woods. The bear was caught on surveillance camera in Putnam County at approximately 8:11 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, in the backyard of a home in the Millpond Lane area in Kent, the family said. It could be seen sniffing along the ground as it made its way through the yard. In the video, the bear leisurely takes in the lay of the land, looking around while heading towards the trees in the backyard. Other recent sightings in the area have happened in North Cas…
Severe Storms Bring Big Change In Weather Pattern Severe Storms Bring Big Change In Weather Pattern
Severe Storms Bring Big Change In Weather Pattern The latest round of severe storms accompanying a cold front to move through the region has led to a big change in the weather pattern. It will become gradually less humid on Sunday, July 7 as clouds gradually give way to sun. The high temperature of around 82 degrees will be 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Saturday.  Sunday will also start a stretch of dry days. Monday, July 8 will also be mostly sunny with a high temperature around 80 degrees. It will get warmer on Tuesday, July 9 and Wednesday, July 10 with a high temperature in the upper 80s and plenty of sunshine both days. The…
Storm System Winds Down With Big Change In Weather Pattern Coming This Week Storm System Winds Down With Big Change In Weather Pattern Coming This Week
Storm System Winds Down With Big Change In Weather Pattern Coming This Week A storm system that brought a mix of snow, sleet and rain to the region will move out by midday, starting a week that will see a big change in the weather pattern. Precipitation will wrap up around noontime Sunday, March 10 on a cloudy and windy day in which the high temperature will be in the low 40s with a wind-chill factor between 25 and 35. Here's how the rest of the week shapes up: Monday, March 11: Mostly sunny with a high in the mid 40s. Tuesday, March 12: Sunny with a high in the low 40s. Wednesday, March 13: Sunny with a high in the mid 40s. Thursday, March 14: The ch…
Vote Now: What Do You Think Of Dutchess' Ban On Plastic Bags? Vote Now: What Do You Think Of Dutchess' Ban On Plastic Bags?
Vote Now: What Do You Think Of Dutchess' Ban On Plastic Bags? Dutchess County is going green, and plastic bags will soon be a relic of the past at area retailers. Elected officials in Dutchess County have voted to eliminate single-use carryout bag at retail stores, joining several other counties in New York looking to ban plastic bags. The ban will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020. Between 500 billion and one trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Less than 1 percent of plastic bags are recycled in the United States and they are not acceptable at certain recycling centers. "T…