Attend DEC’s Free Fishing Days, Receive Free Tree Seedlings, Purchase Sporting Licenses and Sign-Up for the Conservationist Magazine
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton encouraged New Yorkers to “Get Offline and Get Outside” and visit DEC’s environmental exhibits at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse. The Fair runs from Wednesday, Aug. 20, through Monday, Sept. 1.
“Visiting DEC at the Great New York State Fair is a perfect way to get off your smart phone and outside this summer,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Whether you’re checking out the fish in the Aquarium building, planting a free tree seedling, or casting a rod for the first time on a Free Fishing Day, there are opportunities for everyone to connect to nature at the Fair.”
This year, DEC is pleased to offer two free Family Fishing Days on Friday, Aug. 22, and Friday, Aug. 29, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The events will take place at the pond area near Gate 10 and Tram Stop 6. No fishing license is required, and all fishing equipment will be provided. Free Fishing Days are an excellent opportunity for new anglers to try out fishing for the first time.
In DEC’s Aquarium building, visitors are encouraged to view the wide array of fish and amphibians from Oneida Lake, which are maintained by DEC’s Oneida Hatchery staff throughout the duration of the Fair.
DEC staff at the Aquarium building also offer hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for purchase, as well as DEC’s new Trail Supporter patch for $5. All sales of the patch are deposited in the Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation, Trail Maintenance, and Development account. Visitors looking for hunter education course information are encouraged to stop by the Hunter Safety booth for details. Attendees are also encouraged to check out the tree stand safety display to learn about important hunter safety tips. DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers will be in attendance, displaying their new exhibit on air quality and available to answer questions on environmental laws and regulations.
Visitors are also encouraged to talk with DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests staff and take home a free tree seedling supplied by the Saratoga Tree Nursery. Seedlings will be given away each day of the Fair, while supplies last. By planting trees, residents can help New York State reach its goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033.
Stop by the magazine booth to subscribe to New York’s environmental magazine, the Conservationist. A ‘State Fair Special’ of six issues for $10 is being offered, as well as a Conservationist lanyard, reusable snack bag, and reusable tote bag, while supplies last, with the purchase or renewal of a subscription. New York State residents can also enter to win a lifetime fishing license or a sporting goods store gift card with an approximate value of $460. To enter the drawing, simply fill out a short survey. No purchase is necessary to enter.
Outside of the Aquarium building, DEC will staff an informational booth throughout the Fair to provide information about climate change, the Great Lakes, outdoor recreation, marine resources, and much more. The Office of Indian Nation Affairs will be available there on Friday, Aug. 29 for Native Americans Day.
DEC Forest Rangers will be located near the New York State Police exhibit. The Forest Ranger booth will feature wildland firefighting and search and rescue equipment that Rangers use in the field. Smokey Bear will be accompanying the Rangers during the Fair’s evening parades on Aug. 25, 26, 28 and Sept. 1.
In a recent DEC podcast episode of “DEC Does What?!”, hosts are joined by Oneida Fish Hatchery Manager Bill Evans and Public Participation Specialist Emma Antolos to explore DEC’s participation in the New York State Fair and how DEC staff promote outdoor recreational opportunities and environmental conservation efforts across the state (listen here). “DEC Does What?!” is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available.
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