Responsible Outdoor Recreation 

In This Issue:

• #RecreateLocal
• #AdventureAtHome
• Upcoming free fishing weekend
• #GetCountedNY

Get Outside Locally

DEC and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) are encouraging New Yorkers to engage in responsible recreation during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. DEC and State Parks recommendations incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health for reducing the spread of infectious diseases and encourage New Yorkers to recreate locally, practice physical distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. In addition, DEC and State Parks launched a new hashtag - #RecreateLocal - and encourage New Yorkers to get outside and discover open spaces and parks close to home. Use DECinfo Locator to find a DEC-managed land nearest you.

#AdventureAtHome

Join DEC by taking an #AdventureAtHome. Over the next few weeks, DEC will be sharing ways for you to enjoy the outdoors close to home. Follow along on DEC’s website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube on how to enjoy some of your favorite outdoor recreation activities while you #RecreateLocal and even how to pick up a new activity.

Fish for Free June 27-28

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced a Free Fishing Weekend for June 27 – 28. The event is the second of six free fishing days offered in New York State every year. New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license. Free fishing day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

DEC encourages all anglers, new and experienced, to recreate locally and seek out fishing opportunities close to home. DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying your catch, and understanding fishing regulations.

Use the DECinfo Locator to find a DEC-managed resource near you and visit the State Parks website for information about parks and park closures. For more information about engaging in responsible recreation this summer, visit DEC's website.

DEC reminds anglers to maintain safe social distancing while fishing (PDF) this year to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Guidelines to protect yourself and others include:

• Fish local: Stay close to home. Keep your fishing trip short. Avoid high-traffic destinations.
• Be safe: Avoid crowds and groups. Keep a distance of six feet or more from others. When fishing from a boat, make sure it's large enough so persons on board are at least six feet from one another.
• Stay home: If you're not feeling well, stay home. Anyone 70 and older or with a compromised immune system should postpone their trip.
• Be adaptive: Move quickly through parking lots and paths. If crowded, choose a different fishing location, or time to visit.
  
  Anglers fishing from boats should be able to maintain at least six feet of distance between one another. For more information on boating guidelines and safety, go to State Parks website and DEC's website.

#GetCountedNY

Many people may not know the total population of the United States, of New York State, or even their own city, village, or town. But an accurate population count is vital to ensure our schools receive the aid they deserve, that we have appropriate representation in Congress, and that we receive appropriate levels of federal aid for services, such as hospitals, fire departments, and other vital programs.

Did you know that our nation’s population grew nearly 10 percent from 2000 to 2010? Or that the last census showed that women make up the majority of our population (50.8 percent). But what has happened since then? That’s what we need to find out through the 2020 Census, and we need your help.

Information gathered through the census helps us get an accurate population count for all regions of our state, providing key information used by businesses looking to grow or expand in New York. Census counts also allow communities to prepare for the needs of their residents—from ensuring adequate space for children in our schools to receiving necessary funding for investments in our transportation system.

New York urges you to be part of our “complete count” effort, which will ensure census data is accurate. It’s quick and simple to participate, and it can even be done online now.

Don’t be anonymous. Make sure you are counted in the 2020 U.S. Census, and encourage friends, family and co-workers to participate as well. Census data is an important tool that will help shape our future, and an accurate tally will help ensure everyone counts when it comes to key decisions impacting our future.

Learn more.