In this episode, we explore the work of DEC’s Division of Water to protect the iconic Great Lakes, the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world.

DEC’s Great Lakes Program is the largest watershed by land area, working across over 42 percent of the state’s land area and along over 750 miles of shoreline. New York's Great Lakes Basin includes Lake Erie, Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River, and holds 21 percent of the world's freshwater resources. Hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by Shannon Dougherty, DEC’s Great Lakes Program Director, to discuss restoration work in coordination with other counties and states, why DEC uses nature-based shoreline protection methods to protect local habitats and communities and support public access benefits, and recent success stories like the Rochester Embayment Area of Concern Delisting.

Shannon also explains how DEC tracks the overall health of the Great Lakes Basin, and the impact of HABs and climate change on Lake Erie and Ontario, including increased erosion and flooding events.

Episode 17 also spotlights the latest environmental news and DEC initiatives, including encouraging New Yorkers to sign up for one of DEC’s ‘First Day Hikes’ to celebrate the New Year, reminding outdoor adventurers to follow winter hiking safety tips, and to sign up to become Volunteer Campground Ambassadors for the 2025 camping season.

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About:

“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   

Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at [email protected] using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.