The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proud to present the latest episode of 'On the Front Lines,' the agency’s video series profiling staff and their work to protect the environment, sustain New York's natural resources, and serve the public.

"We are proud of this series, which gives the public a behind-the-scenes look at the great work our dedicated employees do every day across the state to preserve and protect the environment for generations to come," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "It's also an opportunity for New Yorkers to get to know our employees and the reasons they chose careers at DEC. A special thanks to Joelle Ernst for her work introducing families across New York to the joys of angling.”

The latest episode of ‘On the Front Lines’ featuring Joelle Ernst can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAsGR1hVi08.

Ernst, a 15-year employee of DEC, is an Aquatic Biologist in the Division of Fish and Wildlife.  She helps to run the State’s ‘I FISH NY’ Program, designed to increase fishing participation and awareness of the outstanding fishing opportunities in New York State.  The educational side of the program introduces people to the sport of angling through a variety of approaches including free fishing clinics and festivals.  When Joelle is not at work, she can be found spending time with her family in the great outdoors or on the jogging trail.

To learn more about DEC’s ‘I FISH NY’ Program, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89362.html and https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/98506.html to download ‘I FISH NY’ Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing.

'On the Front Lines' is posted monthly on DEC's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/nysdecvideos and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NYSDEC and Twitter https://twitter.com/NYSDEC pages. Watch past episodes on DEC's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnBbYubhbH1Xl9vDnioaZO1bSrTOLNNmw.