The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the latest episode of “DEC Does What?!”, the bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Episode 28—“The (State) Fair Necessities”—spotlights the wide array of DEC-sponsored activities and people at the Great New York State Fair from Aug. 20 to Sept. 1, 2025. 

Since the 1930s, DEC (then known as New York’s Conservation Department) has participated in events at the New York State Fairgrounds. In this episode, hosts Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by Oneida Fish Hatchery Manager Bill Evans and Public Participation Specialist Emma Antolos to explore how DEC staff from the Divisions of Lands and Forests, Fish and Wildlife, Law Enforcement, Forest Protection, and Communications, Education, and Engagement promotes outdoor recreational opportunities and environmental conservation efforts across the state.   

Bill and Emma provide an overview of DEC’s State Fair offerings, including the aquarium, sales of hunting and fishing licenses, and free fishing clinics. They also share their stories about pursuing a career with DEC, favorite Fair foods (BBQ brisket and Korean corndog, respectively), and how their work to connect New Yorkers to the outdoors and nature intersects with the hundreds of thousands of State Fair attendees each year. 

All episodes of “DEC Does What?!” are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.