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 20—“Why Did the Salamander Cross the Road? NY’s New Wetlands Law”— explores how DEC is implementing New York’s new wetlands law to expand protections for freshwater wetlands to safeguard drinking water, strengthen biodiversity, and support climate resiliency.

In this episode, hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by staff from DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife— Roy “JR” Jacobson, Habitat Protection Section Head, and Krista Spohr, Freshwater Wetlands Outreach Coordinator—for a conversation about the newly adopted freshwater wetland regulations and general permits, how DEC determines where wetlands are located to enhance conservation efforts statewide, and the long history of state and federal environmental protections for these critical ecosystems.

Episode 20 also spotlights the latest environmental news and DEC initiatives, including upcoming Free Fishing Weekend events in New York State, the rescue of a bull moose that fell through the ice, and upcoming Camp Santanoni Winter Weekend events in the Adirondacks.

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