NYS Department of Environmental Conservation | 25,609 followers on LinkedIn. Conserving, improving and protecting New York State's natural resources and environment | The dedicated professionals of New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are passionate about the outdoors and protecting the environment. Agency staff protect our air and water, fish and wildlife, and more than 5 million treasured acres of public land for outdoor recreation. Educating the public, especially youth, about caring for the environment and natural resources is another critical part of DEC’s mission.