The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing to ban open burning statewide. This would include burning of leaves and yard waste. The proposal rule does allow for a number of exceptions,
including camp fires, prescribed burns, celebratory bonfires (where allowed), fire training exercises, specialized burning to protect crops from frostbite and
burning of agricultural wastes (though not agricultural plastics).

To read the full proposal, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/ [1] and select “Proposed Regulations”

The state is holding several public hearings on the proposal. The hearing in our area will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 5 to 8 pm at the Norrie Point
Environmental Center, Staatsburg, NY 12580. Written comments may also be submitted.