As seasons change, so do environmental concerns. That's why we are here with monthly updates to help you Live the Green Life and be a friend of the environment. Follow us on social media (the links are in the footer of this page) and share your pictures and ideas with us by using #LiveGreenNY in your social media posts--we'd love to hear from you! Water -- Preserve, Conserve, and Recreate Boating, fishing, and swimming are just a few outdoor recreational activities which involve water. While water can be enjoyed for recreational purposes -- it also must be preserved and conserved as a valuable natural resource. New York State is recognizing the importance of water during the second week of May. But we should mark our calendars each day to take actions to help ensure clean and safe water sources for drinking, transportation, recreation, and more. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Our state has lakes, rivers, ponds, ocean, waterfalls, and other spectacular water ways. It is important to keep those waters healthy and clean. While most algae blooms are harmless, others can provide exposure to toxins and substances that can make people and animals sick. That's why when it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to: Know It -- Not all HABs look the same. HAB color and appearance variations can include: - scattered green dots in the water
- long, linear green streaks
- pea soup color
- the look of spilled green paint
- blue-green or white coloration
Avoid It -- Contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface can be harmful so avoid contact for yourself and your pets and livestock. Check our Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Notifications Page for a current list of identified blooms -- starting once the 2021 monitoring season begins in late May. Report It -- You can report a suspected freshwater HAB through the NYHABs online reporting form available through DEC. Report health concerns related to HABs to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov You can also contact your local health department. Learn more about HABs in the marine environment. Citizen Science Opportunities Besides the reporting of harmful algal blooms, there are other ways citizens can be hands on in protecting our state's waters. Whatever your water-related area of interest, here's how to join in on the opportunities: Water Assessment by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE) -- citizen scientists are asked to collect biological data that will be used to assess water quality. To take part: - Get Trained -- great news -- training is online! You can take part from the comfort of your own home using the Sampling Guide (PDF) and WAVE Training videos (leaves DEC's website).
- Sign the WAVE Waiver -- Print, sign, scan the waiver (PDF), and email it to: wave@dec.ny.gov.
- Get Equipment -- gather a kick net and a sample vial to collect a WAVE sample. The WAVE Equipment Loan Program has a limited number of sets available.
Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP) -- includes volunteers who report on lake conditions. Volunteers include lake residents and users, teachers, lakefront community members, students, and scientists. CSLAP participation is limited to volunteers from NYSFOLA (New York State Federation of Lake Associations) member lake associations interested in conducting sampling on their lake. Please visit the NYSFOLA website to learn more about CSLAP. Artificial Reef Volunteer Fishing and Diving Survey -- for those who recreate on and in the water, the artificial reef program is looking for volunteer anglers and divers to record and share their catches and marine life observations while visiting New York's artificial reefs. Information from volunteers can help provide a better understanding of the: - abundance of marine life on reefs
- species that are being encountered
- amount of fishing effort that is occurring
- collectively allows DEC to monitor the performance of the reefs. Interested in volunteering? If you fish or dive -- learn how to participate.
Please note there are several DEC stewardship programs available to budding scientists and interested citizens. Read more about DEC-related opportunities. Want to learn more? If you enjoy Living the Green Life, check out our Green Living, WAVE, and Making Waves newsletters. Sign-up to learn more ways to live green through DEC Delivers. Be a Friend of the Environment: May TipsVisit DEC's website for tips on how to be a friend of the environment including observing Compost Awareness Week and Air Quality Week this week, adhering to the open burning ban, safe pharmaceutical disposal, and more. |