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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises people to wear masks to help avoid wildfire smoke, and when driving, to close all vents and windows and run the air conditioner in 'recirculate' mode to reduce outside air intake. (Adobe Stock)

Canadian Wildfires Affect Health of Humans, Wildlife

As smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets New York and much of the East Coast, it's causing a wide range of health effects - and not just for people…

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, deforestation makes up 12 to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Adobe Stock)

New Company Helps Cities with Reforestation

By Sakshi Udavant for Next City.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

The Mashomack Preserve is one of more than 100 nature preserves in New York under the care of The Nature Conservancy. (Carl Heilman/The Nature Conservancy)

Partnership Mixes Traditional & Western Ways to Protect NY Preserves

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - New York environmental groups are teaming up to blend Indigenous knowledge of the land with Western scientific knowledge to …

Every winter, hundreds of seals bask on the offshore rocks of Plum Island. (Robert Lorenz)

Island Wildlife Haven Saved from Public Sale

NEW YORK -- An island in Long Island Sound with hundreds of acres untouched for 70 years has been saved from the auction block. Plum Island is the …

Owasco Lake is the source of drinking water to more than 50,000 New Yorkers. (Miguel/Adobe Stock)

Land Acquisitions Help Protect Clean Water

ITHACA, N.Y. -- The state of New York and a nonprofit conservation organization have joined forces to help protect watershed areas and drinking-water …

More than 100,000 people visit the Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome, NY, every year. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

Funding for NY's National Park Repairs on the Way

ALBANY, N.Y. -- From the Statue of Liberty to Niagara Falls there are more than 30 national parks and monuments across New York that could benefit …

Earth Day 50 will focus on the importance of continuing investment in the health of the planet. (lovelyday12/Adobe Stock)

Challenges and Lessons for 50th Earth Day

NEW YORK -- Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. And to mark the occasion, environmentalists are having a virtual gathering, urging the …

The proposal would allow federal agency approval of logging on up to 7,300 acres of national forest land at a time with no requirement for public comment. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

Conservationists Object to Forest Service Rule Change

NEW YORK — Conservation groups say proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act would cut off the public's right to comment on more…

Extreme weather due to climate change can exacerbate pollution runoff and toxic algal blooms in the Great Lakes. (Jacob/Adobe Stock)

Coalition Seeks Commitment on Clean Drinking Water

NEW YORK – A coalition of more than 160 local, state and national environmental groups is asking every presidential candidate how he or she …

In 2017, the deferred-maintenance needs at Statue of Liberty National Monument totaled $166.4 million. (MonicaVolpin/Pixabay)

Congress Urged to Fund National Park Repairs

NEW YORK - National parks in New York and around the country are jeopardized by a $12 billion backlog of deferred repairs, but legislation now in …

Coastal wetlands are natural barriers that can help protect against storm damage. (Andrea Sears)

Restoring Wetlands Improves Coastal Resiliency

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. – The town of East Hampton, New York, will soon be demolishing a house so the land can once again serve as a protective …

The LWCF has invested more than $336 million in parks, wildlife refuges and recreational areas in the state of New York. (ataribravo99/Pixabay)

House Set to Vote on Conservation Fund

ALBANY, N. Y. – A package of public-lands bills that would preserve and strengthen the nation's most popular conservation program has broad…

Gateway National Recreation Area has $675 million of deferred maintenance projects. (U.S. National Park Service)

Bill Could Fund Backlog of Park Repairs

ALBANY, N.Y. – National parks and monuments have postponed maintenance for years and it's catching up with them, but there may be help on the …

The seawall protecting the Statue of Liberty is among the National Park Service sites in need of repair. (National Park Service)

Congress Urged to Fully Fund Maintenance of National Parks

ALBANY, N.Y. — As part of National Infrastructure Week, advocates are calling on Congress to fully fund maintenance at national parks here in …

In 2016 alone, National Park Service sites, such as the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site in New York City, contributed $35 billion to the U.S. economy. (Elisa.rolle/Wikimedia Commons)

NY Lawmakers Urge Trump: Include National Parks in Infrastructure Plans

NEW YORK – Members of the New York congressional delegation, New York City lawmakers and conservation groups celebrated President's Day weekend …

Significant amounts of PCBs remain in river sediments north of the Troy Dam, environmentalists say. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)<br />

EPA Delays Decision on Hudson PCBs Cleanup

NEW YORK – The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed a decision on whether General Electric has properly completed its cleanup of the Huds…

The extreme weather that hit the U.S. in 2017 included three major hurricanes. (WikiImages/Pixabay)

Review Highlights Need to Fight Climate Change in 2018

NEW YORK – Catastrophic hurricanes, severe flooding and raging wildfires fueled by drought have been prominent features of an eventful year for …

More than 7 million acres of grassland and forest has been converted to agricultural production for ethanol production. (GregMontani/Pixabay)

Research Shows Ethanol Fueling Climate Change

NEW YORK – The federal mandate to add ethanol to fuel has led to a big increase in climate disrupting pollution, according to new research from …

2.5 million acres of the Adirondacks and 300,000 acres of the Catskills are

Ballot Proposal Passage Called a Victory for NY

ALBANY, N.Y. -- With Tuesday's election, New York voters have given state forest preserves some important protection. Voters approved New York's …

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail stretches 2,180 miles from Maine to Georgia. (Juliancolton/Wikimedia Commons)

Stats Show Public Lands Boost Local Economies

NEW YORK -- Public lands, national parks and monuments add billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs in New York, according to a recent …

Leaks, venting and flaring on federal lands releases 110 billion cubic feet of gas a year. (Tim Evanson/Flickr)

Repeal of Federal Methane Rule Fails in Senate

NEW YORK – The U.S. Senate on Wednesday narrowly rejected an attempt to overturn a rule meant to stop the release of billions of cubic feet of …

The Atlantic canyons are considered hotspots of biodiversity. (tpsdave/Pixabay)

Obama Bans Drilling in Atlantic, Arctic Waters

NEW YORK — President Obama has designated hundreds of millions of acres of federally-owned Atlantic and Arctic waters off-limits to oil and gas …

Designating the Boreas Ponds tract as wilderness would supplement the existing High Peaks Wilderness Area. (Sammetsfan/Wikimedia Commons)

NY Urged to Designate New Wilderness Area

NEW YORK – A coalition of conservation organizations on Monday called on New York State's Adirondack Park Agency to designate the Boreas Ponds a…

Finger Lakes National Forest is part of the 104,000 acres of federally managed land in New York. (U.S. Forest Service)

Report Debunks States' Claims to Federal Lands

NEW YORK – Claims by anti-government groups that federal lands must be turned over to the states would not stand up in court, according to a …

Restoration of the Buffalo River has been central to the economic revitalization of Buffalo, New York. (George Burns/Wikimedia Commons)

Putting the Great Lakes on the Presidential Agenda

BUFFALO, N.Y. - A broad coalition of business, industrial and environmental leaders wants to know where the presidential candidates stand on …

The Northeast Marine National Monument is a hotspot of biological diversity. (NOAA)

Marine National Monument a Victory for Habitat, Science

NEW YORK - President Obama on Thursday announced the designation of the first marine national monument in Atlantic waters. Spanning almost 5,000 …

Barges carry volatile Bakken crude oil down the Hudson River to New Jersey refineries. (Mr.Choppers/Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Oppose Hudson Barge Anchorage Proposal

NEW YORK – A proposal to establish 10 anchorage points for commercial vessels traveling the Hudson River is coming under fire. The plan would …

A Student tests a water sample from a New York lake to identify the presence of cyanobacteria toxins. (SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry)

SUNY Research Group Works with Community to Protect NY Lakes

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Chemists at SUNY's College of Environmental Science and Forestry are leading the way in protecting New York's lakes. …

Some animal rights advocates in New York oppose the use of powerful air rifles for hunting big game. (Erdogan Ergun/freeimages)

NY Animal Rights Advocates: Big Bore Air Rifles a Big Problem

NEW YORK - New York's Department of Environmental Conservation has proposed amending state law to allow certain air-powered firearms, also known as …

The plant was proposed for Haverstraw, N.Y., 3.5 miles from the Indian Point Nuclear Power Station. (Alexisrael/Wikimedia Commons)

Advocates Praise Denial of Desalination Plant

NEW YORK - Last week's decision by the Public Service Commission to turn down a proposed water desalination plant in Rockland County is being called a…

Conservation Fund grants benefit NY forests, beaches and the NYC watershed. Courtesy: The Nature Conservancy

Congressional Showdown Threatens Conservation Fund

NEW YORK – A federal conservation program that doesn't cost taxpayers a dime may expire on Wednesday if Congress doesn't act to reauthorize it…

Pope Francis used a visit to the White House to say climate change is an issue that can't wait. Green groups in New York wonder whether lawmakers at the state and federal level are getting that message. Courtesy: White House Government Photo

Pope Says Climate Issues Can't Wait: Do NY Lawmakers Get Message?

NEW YORK - In his first-ever visit to the White House, Pope Francis on Wednesday declared climate change is a problem that can no longer be left to …

PHOTO: Every year billions of gallons of raw sewage overflow into New York lakes and rivers, and a new DEC proposal may not require all overflow incidents to be reported. Photo courtesy New York City Dept. of Environmental Protection.

Many Sewage Spills Would Go Unreported Under Proposed DEC Rules

NEW YORK – Environmentalists are raising a stink over a loophole in proposed regulations for reporting overflowing sewage systems in New York st…

PHOTO: More than 75 marine scientists and environmental organizations are pressuring the Obama administration not to allow oil and gas companies to survey the Atlantic coast for places to drill, saying it could endanger sea life and threaten New York's coastline. Photo credit: Bryan Burke/Flickr

Calls for Oil, Gas Testing in Atlantic Draw Fire

NEW YORK - More than 75 marine scientists and environmental organizations are pressuring the Obama administration not to allow oil and gas companies t…

PHOTO: The League of Conservation Voters has released its National Environmental Scorecard tallying the environmental voting record for each member of Congress, and New York lawmakers ranked far better than many of their colleagues. Photo credit: Wally Gobetz/Flickr.

New York Lawmakers Get High Marks On Environmental Scorecard

NEW YORK - The League of Conservation Voters has released its National Environmental Scorecard tallying the voting record for each member of Congress…

$PHOTO: New York Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens presented Gov. Cuomo and his Cabinet with their reports recommending a continued ban on fracking for natural gas. Photo Credit: Office of the Governor.$

Cuomo Declares: No Fracking for Now in NY

ALBANY, N.Y. - In a long-awaited announcement, the administration of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday ruled the potential health and …

$PHOTO: Environmental advocates are sending congratulations to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but also are demanding he take action to make good on a campaign promise concerning science and fracking. Credit: T. Proulx.$

Green Group Reminds Cuomo of Campaign Promise on Fracking and Science

NEW YORK – One environmental group is sending congratulations to Gov. Andrew Cuomo on his re-election victory, but is also calling for action …

PHOTO: Thousands of people took part in the People�s Climate March on Sunday in New York City, one of many such demonstrations around the nation and world. Photo credit: Mark Scheerer.

Climate March Clogs NYC Streets With Something Other Than CO2

NEW YORK - Thousands of people took part in the People's Climate March Sunday in New York City, one of many such demonstrations around the nation and …

PHOTO: A new report digging deeply into public opinion polls shows conservation is a broad concern among America's Latino population and that candidates in upcoming mid-term elections should take note. Photo courtesy Hispanic Access Foundation.

Study: Latinos Are Enviros in Large Part

NEW YORK - While some might think immigration policy dominates the concern of Hispanics in New York and around the nation, a new report shows the …

FOTO: Una investigaci�n reciente escarb� hondo con encuestas de opini�n p�blica, muestra que la conservaci�n del medio ambiente es un inter�s prioritario en la mayor�a de la poblaci�n Latina de los Estados Unidos, y que los candidatos de las pr�ximas elecciones de medio t�rmino har�an bien en tomar en consideraci�n. Foto cortes�a de Hispanic Access Foundation.

Investigación: Latinos, ambientalistas en gran mayoría

NEW YORK – Aunque alguien pudiera pensar que la política migratoria es la principal preocupación de los hispanos de Nueva York y de to…

PHOTO: A close-up of one of two baby bald eagles (called eaglets) in its nest at the Nature Conservancy's Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island. Photo credit: Jim Colligan. - See more at: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2014-07-01/endangered-species-and-wildlife/long-island-baby-eagles-taking-wing-for-independence-day/a40228-1#sthash.St5idPBu.dpuf

Long Island Baby Eagles Taking Wing for Independence Day

SHELTER ISLAND, N.Y. - Two baby bald eagles are beginning to "take wing" on Long Island, and could be soaring in time to celebrate Independence Day …

$PHOTO: The town of Dryden is one of two municipalities with zoning laws banning fracking for natural gas. Their cases are being argued today in New York's highest appeals court. Photo courtesy of the town of Dryden.$

Future of Fracking at Stake in NY Courtroom Today?

ALBANY, N.Y. - A case being argued in New York's highest appeals court today could shape the future of fracking - using hydraulic pressure to extract …

IMAGE: The millions of songbirds flying over New York this spring en route to Canada are facing new threats to what some call

The Birds Want Half of Canada’s Forest

ITHACA, N.Y. - The millions of songbirds flying over New York this spring en route to Canada are facing new threats to what's called "North America's …

PHOTO: The presence of this nesting bald eagle and its mate has been confirmed by Nature Conservancy staff, inside the Mashowmack Preserve on Shelter Island. Photo credit: Derek Rogers, used with permission of The Nature Conservancy.

Bald Eagles' Nest a Positive Sign for Shelter Island

NEW YORK - It's confirmed - a pair of nesting bald eagles has been spotted on Shelter Island, and experts say it's a positive sign not only for the …

Photo: Bans are being considered on plastic and Styrofoam containers in New York City and Albany. Photo Credit: Mike Clifford

NYC, Albany Poised to Act on Styrofoam Container Bans

NEW YORK – New Yorkers throw away 40 tons of plastic foam each year, and local environmental advocates say much of it comes from eating fast …

From Laundry to Hotdogs: NY Vendors Want Long-term Budget Fix

NEW YORK - With lawmakers rushing to craft another short-term fix for the national budget, New York vendors who rely on parks and other national …

Photo: Water pollution entering Hudson Valley estuary in the Capital region. Photo credit: John Lipscomb, Riverkeeper.

Report: Air, Water and Hazmat Pollution Enforcement Drops in NY

NEW YORK – A new report says staff cuts at the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are resulting in a lot less oversight of …

$PHOTO: New York�s highest court will hear an appeal from a foreign-owned energy company that wants to start hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for natural gas underneath two upstate towns - Dryden and Middlefield - which have banned drilling. Courtesy Town of Dryden$

Fracking Showdown in NY’s Highest Court

ALBANY, N.Y. – The towns of Dryden and Middlefield will have to go another round in their court battle opposing the controversial practice of …

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NY: Public Lands/Wilderness