Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Labor Day weekend will kick off with the addition of a new Free Fishing Day in New York State for the 2024 season. The addition of the Saturday, August 31 Free Fishing Day, for a total of seven Free Fishing Days in 2024 in New York State, complements the Governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative launched this summer to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Trust for Public Land (TPL) today announced the permanent protection of 505 acres in Dutchess County. The State’s land acquisition will create the new Grape Hollow State Forest, providing enhanced wildlife habitat protection and a larger buffer for the adjoining Appalachian Trail corridor.  

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.