As the weather gets warmer, officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the State Department of Health are encouraging the public, especially those who are regularly around water bodies, to learn about and be aware of harmful algal blooms or “HABs” as they have become known.

DEC’s New York Harmful Algae Bloom System is now active, providing the public, including trained citizens, to send reports of HABs to DEC electronically via a simple user and mobile phone-friendly form.

DEC works with the Department of Health, the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and other state and local partners in leading the most comprehensive HABs monitoring and reporting program in the nation. In cooperation with its partners, DEC monitors hundreds of water bodies annually and works with other partners to ensure the public and environment are protected.

DEC Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “As New York experiences warming temperatures, DEC is working closely with the State Department of Health and our local partners to investigate harmful algal  blooms and make significant Investments to prevent excess nutrients and other contaminants from negatively affecting water quality.”

Health commissioner Doctor James MacDonald said, “Exposure to harmful algal blooms can cause health effects in people and animals, including pets, when water blooms is touched, swallowed, or when airborne droplets are inhaled.”

DEC officials said the public is encouraged to follow three main principles: 1. HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup or spilled green paint, to blue- green or white coloration.

2. People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.

3. If members of the public suspect a HAB, report it via the online reporting form available on DEC’s website.

Pa’s Junior Game Warden Camps!

The Pa Game Commission is holding five one-day Junior Game Warden Camps across the state, providing attendees a structured, fun-filled day learning about the career of a state game warden.

Campers, ages 12 to 15, will spend the day with wardens, gaining insight into the job and the commission’s mission of managing and protecting the states wildlife and habitats while promoting hunting and trapping.  Campers will also learn about wildlife forensics and methods used by wardens to catch poachers and solve wildlife related crimes. Other activities will involve wildlife capture techniques, woodland tracking and outdoor survival.

Registration is limited to those who have not attended a camp held previously. Register online at pgc.pa.gov.