DEC Highlights Offerings at the Great New York State Fair

Purchase Sporting Licenses, Receive Tree Seedlings, Check Out Conservationist Magazine Promotions, and Attend Aug. 23 Free Family Fishing Event, Among Other Activities

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar encourages New Yorkers to attend the many interesting, fun, and educational environmental exhibits at The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Monday, Sept. 2. DEC's activities, promotions, and other offerings help New Yorkers Get Offline and Get Outside this summer and throughout the year, while also providing valuable information about the agency's wide range of programs and initiatives helping protect the environment and communities.

"Attending The Great New York State Fair is a perfect opportunity for New Yorkers to meet our talented staff and learn more about DEC's programs and initiatives," Interim Commissioner Mahar said. "Whether you are purchasing your fishing or hunting license, trying to catch a local fish, learning about the State's actions to address climate change, celebrating Smokey Bear's 80^th birthday, or subscribing to DEC's Conservationist magazine, there's something for everyone."

In DEC's Aquarium building, visitors can purchase hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses while viewing tanks full of fish and amphibians from Oneida Lake. Visitors looking for hunter education course information are encouraged to stop by the Hunter Safety booth for details. DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers will be in attendance and available to answer questions on environmental laws and regulations.

Families looking for a fun way to Get Offline and Get Outside are encouraged to attend the Free Family Fishing Day on Friday, Aug. 23, from 12 to 5 p.m. No fishing license is required, and all fishing equipment will be provided.The event will take place at the pond area near Gate 10 and Tram Stop 6.

Those looking to subscribe to New York's premiere environmental magazine, the Conservationist, will receive the 'State Fair Special' of six issues for $10 as well as a Conservationist bucket hat and reusable bag, while supplies last. 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.

Help New York State grow closer to the goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033 with free tree seedling giveaways from DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery. Seedlings will be given away each day of the Fair, while supplies last.

Information about DEC's new accessible recreation mapper will be on display featuring accessible destinations in the Syracuse area. DEC will also be promoting the new "Love Our New York Lands" photo contest. August's contest theme is "Accessible Recreation" to highlight participation in camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, nature viewing, and other recreational opportunities for New Yorkers with disabilities, and people of all ages and abilities. Three winning pictures will be chosen that feature creative shots of people enjoying these and other activities at accessible recreation sites across New York State.

Outside of the Aquarium building, DEC will staff an informational booth throughout the Fair to provide outreach and be available to answer questions on sustainability, marine resources, air quality, hiker safety, and much more.

DEC Forest Rangers will be located near the State Police Exhibit. The Forest Ranger booth will feature wildland firefighting and search and rescue equipment that Rangers use in the field. Forest Rangers will also be celebrating Smokey Bear's 80^th birthday at the Fair by promoting wildfire safety and prevention. Spot Smokey Bear and a Ranger during the Fair's evening parades on Aug. 23, 26, 27, and 29.

For the third year, DEC is partnering with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), New York State Canal Corporation, and the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) to promote New York State's climate and clean energy actions. Visit DEC staff in the Center of Progress building at the 'Clean Energy Green Environment' exhibit to learn more about the development of a Cap-and-Invest Program, the statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative, the Climate Smart Communities Program for local governments, and investments under the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.

For more information on the Great New York State Fair, visit the NYS Fair website.

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