Department of Environmental Conservation announces new podcast

NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) launched a new podcast, “DEC Does What?!’.

Each episode will feature conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment, said a press release announcing the podcast.

The first episode of “DEC Does What?!” is streaming on the DEC website, dec.ny.gov/podcast. All episodes will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music and all other major podcast services in the coming weeks.

“From DEC’s social media feeds and updated website to our press releases and Conservationist magazine, DEC is continuously exploring new ways to communicate with the New Yorkers we serve,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said in the release. “DEC’s new podcast will feature incredible employees from the agency’s regional offices and divisions across the state, all committed to protecting our natural resources and public health.

Whether DEC experts are talking about the eclipse, mitigating climate change, cleaning up legacy pollution or encouraging responsible recreation, our team is at the forefront of efforts to address the evolving environmental challenges facing our state,” he continued. “Tune in to learn something new during DEC Does What?!”

The first episode of “DEC Does What?!” — featuring biologists Dr. Angelena Ross and Dr. Dan Rosenblatt, both with DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife — focuses on the potential effects of the April 8 solar eclipse on New York wildlife, work underway to protect endangered wildlife and how different species adapt to changes in their habitat caused by climate change and other factors, the release said. Hosted by Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald, the bi-weekly podcast also includes an update on environmental news and recent DEC initiatives.

For more information on DEC Does What?!, visit dec.ny.gov/podcast.

New Yorkers are reminded to be prepared and plan ahead to ensure a safe viewing experience for the 2024 Solar Eclipse, the release said. The public is encouraged to review valuable safety tips for travel, viewing and safe and responsible recreation leading up to the eclipse on the DEC website: dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2024/3/dec-issues-public-safety-information-and-viewing-guidance-ahead-of-2024-solar-eclipse.

For additional information on the State’s preparations for the eclipse, including health and safety tips and recommendations for enjoying this once-in-a-generation celestial event, iloveny.com/eclipse.