The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) are hosting a press event today, April 17 at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve to raise awareness of what the public can do to help prevent spring wildfires.

DEC Assistant Commissioner Sean Mahar and DHSES State Fire Administrator Francis Nerney will be joined by Kevin Wisely, Director of the State Office of Emergency Management, and DEC Forest Rangers to help get the word out that New Yorkers can help limit environmental damage caused by wildfires, which destroy natural habitats for wildlife and native plant species and stress both state and local municipalities’ economic resources.

WHO:  DEC Assistant Commissioner Sean Mahar

             DHSES State Fire Administrator Skip Nerney 

             OEM Director Kevin Wisely

             Pine Bush Commission Executive Director Chris Hawver

             DEC Forest Rangers

WHERE: Albany Pine Bush Preserve, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, New York 12205

WHEN: 11 a.m., Monday, April 17