The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) encourage New Yorkers to give back to the State lands and sites they treasure and get outdoors by participating in stewardship events for Fish and Wildlife Day on Saturday, Sept. 28.

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.