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DEC Seeks Pool Owners for Citizen Science Survey of Invasive Beetle

Published

6 years ago

July 28, 2020

ALBANY, NY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging New York pool owners to participate in DEC’s annual Asian Longhorned Beetle Swimming Pool Survey.

This is the time of year when Asian longhorned beetles (ALB) emerge as adults and are most active outside of their host tree. The goal of the survey is to look for and find these exotic, invasive beetles before these pests cause serious damage to our forests and street trees. They have caused the death of hundreds of thousands of trees across the country. DEC is requesting that people with swimming pools periodically check their pool filters for any insects that resemble ALB.

If you suspect an ALB, take a photo and:

Send an email (foresthealth@dec.ny.gov) with the subject heading “ALB Pool Survey”.
Text an image to (518) 491-7391, and type “ALB Pool Survey” in the body of the text, or
mail a printed image to the Forest Health Diagnostic Lab at 108 Game Farm Road, Delmar, NY 12054.
Save the insect. Freeze the insect in a plastic bag or Tupperware container until you hear back from us.

No Pool? No Problem! You can still help! Look for the telltale signs of ALB damage on your trees, such as exit holes, accumulation of coarse sawdust, pits in the bark, and oozing sap.

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Update: Rockland County YouthFest Returns March 29 at RCC

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County will host its annual YouthFest on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockland Community College.

The free, family-friendly event is one of the largest community gatherings in the county, bringing together more than 150 local agencies, organizations, and service providers focused on youth and family programs.

YouthFest offers a wide range of activities, including interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, performances, and hands-on experiences for children and teens. Families can also enjoy entertainment, games, and attractions throughout the day while learning about resources available across Rockland County.

The event is held in conjunction with Rockland County Government Day, giving residents an opportunity to connect with county departments and learn more about public services and programs.

Organized by the Rockland County Youth Bureau, YouthFest draws thousands of attendees each year and serves as a one-stop destination for families seeking information, support services, and recreational opportunities.

Admission is free and open to the public.

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Frozen Toilet During Extreme Cold? What Homeowners Should and Shouldn’t Do

Published

3 months ago

January 29, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With freezing temperatures expected across Rockland County, Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents to take steps to prevent frozen and burst pipes, which can cause significant property damage and even lead to fires.

Officials recommend allowing faucets to drip slightly, especially overnight, to keep water moving through pipes. Residents should also open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.

Fire and Emergency Services advises keeping homes heated to at least 55 degrees, even when away, and insulating exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Residents are warned never to use open flames or unsafe heating devices to thaw frozen pipes.

If a pipe does freeze, officials recommend using a hair dryer or warm air to thaw it safely. Torches or other open-flame methods should never be used. A frozen toilet is inconvenient, but rushing the fix can turn a minor problem into major damage. Slow, careful warming is the safest solution, and professional help should be sought if the issue persists.

In the event of a burst pipe or water emergency, residents are urged to shut off the water immediately and contact emergency services or a licensed professional if needed.

Officials remind residents to stay warm, stay safe, and take preventative steps to protect their homes during extreme cold weather.