New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the launch of DECinfo Locator, an interactive map that provides access to DEC documents and public data about New York’s environment and outdoor recreation resources. This first-of-its-kind DEC mapping application generates results specific to locations across the state, including water and air permits, enforcement actions, recreational assets, environmental education facilities, and sites in the State Superfund and Brownfield Cleanup programs.  

“DEC created this platform to make information about New York’s environment accessible to everyone,” said Commissioner Seggos. “For the first time, the public can use DECinfo Locator to generate maps to check out both their favorite fishing location and learn about water quality. From viewing permits to searching for state land regulations, DEC’s new tool provides transparency to our work and helps New Yorkers better understand the full breadth of DEC’s work protecting the environment and our communities.”

With more than 50 interactive data layers, DECinfo Locator lets users see and download permits, former industrial site cleanup plans, water quality reports, and more based on where they live, work, or play. Selecting a map feature can bring up links to database records for petroleum bulk storage facilities, oil wells, or permitted mines. Users can also view potential environmental justice areas and Climate Smart Communities or find out what local wastewater facilities are doing to reduce their impact on New York's waterbodies. Several information layers can be active at the same time, allowing users to see the many ways DEC is working to protect and enhance the state's environment and recreational opportunities.

The map's Near Me feature lets users narrow data results by creating an interactive list of data points within an area of up to 10 miles from a selected point. In addition to environmental quality information, users can explore new places for recreation such as hiking, cross-country skiing, or mountain biking, or look up the rules for a nearby Wildlife Management Area. The public can also download Unit Management Plans for state forests, access a web page with details about allowed uses on a nearby Conservation Easement or find a DEC campground and see photos of individual campsites (where available).

Users can activate the Public Fishing Rights layer to see available locations and nearby boat launches, then overlay information about the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams to access DEC data for specific locations. Additional features and data will be added to the DECinfo Locator in the future.

To access the mapping application, visit the DECinfo Locator web page. Learn more about its features here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04XmO0trwac.