Events

DEC Announces 2023 Exam Dates for Licensed Guides Program

Published

3 years ago

January 26, 2023

Online Exams to Become Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing or Kayaking, and Rock or Ice Climbing Guides

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced exam schedules for individuals seeking to become licensed guides. DEC is offering exams for guiding in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking, and rock or ice climbing.

“Licensed guides play a crucial role in safely introducing New Yorkers to the many natural treasures around them,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I encourage outdoor enthusiasts who want to pass on their knowledge to others to take the exam and grow their environmental stewardship.”

A guide must be at least 18 years of age. Guides offer services for hire, directing, instructing, or aiding others in a variety of recreational activities. DEC’s Special Licenses Unit administers licensing of outdoor guides. Applicants are not required to be New York State residents to receive a license.

To provide enhanced access to examinations, DEC is offering licensed guide examinations online in 2023. Dates and registration details are below:

Feb. 3, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Feb. 1, 2023;
March 11, 2023 – In-person examinations will be offered at the New York State Outdoor Guides Association winter rendezvous meeting. Registration must be received by March 4, 2023;
March 31, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by March 29, 2023;
May 12, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by May 10, 2023;
June 23, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by June 21, 2023;
July 7, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by July 5, 2023;
Sept. 15, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Sept. 13, 2023; and
Oct. 13, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Oct. 11, 2023.

To register, directions are available on DEC’s 2023 Licensed Guide Exams Registration website. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration and an additional one-time link for use to access the website on the date of the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam(s), applicants will receive information on applying for the appropriate guide license, including an application form. Please do not send applications or fees prior to passing the examination(s).

An outline of exam content, a study guide, and additional information can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program website. The Fieldbook, a reference book published by the Boy Scouts of America, is also recommended and can be found at a local library or bookstore. A list of current New York State Licensed Guides is available online.

For questions or assistance, contact the Special Licenses Unit at NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752; Phone: 518-402-8985, Fax: 518-402-8925; Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov.

Events

Pearl River Food Truck Festival May 9: Rockland County’s Must-Visit Food Event

Published

3 days ago

April 21, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

PEARL RIVER, N.Y. — The Spring 2026 Pearl River Food Truck Festival is set to return on Saturday, May 9, bringing a wide variety of food, drinks, and community activity to Central Avenue Field.

The event will run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to draw visitors from across Rockland County and the surrounding Hudson Valley.

Organizers have launched a new website for the festival, where attendees can preview vendors and plan their visit:
www.pearlriverftf.com

This year’s lineup features a mix of returning favorites and new vendors offering everything from seafood and barbecue to desserts and specialty drinks. Among those scheduled to appear are Red Barn Cidery, Cousins Maine Lobster, Grumpy Dumpling Co., That Cheese Lady, and Three Little Pigs BBQ.

Additional participants include Sweet D’s, Maillard Food Truck, Liquid Fables, Nelson Gourmet House, New York Soda Jerks, Crave NY Wings, Prince Popover, Cooper’s Daughter Spirits, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn, Manor Sangria, EmpaBake Empanadas, Doc Pickle LLC, Irie Delights Bakery, Crannog Apiary, Chef J’s Latin Dragon, Lara’s Kitchen, Pretzel Boy, and Stony Point Brewing Co.

The festival has grown into one of the more popular seasonal events in the area, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on local businesses and regional food vendors.

Admission details and additional updates are available on the festival’s website.

Events

Christopher Vergine Named Businessperson of the Year – Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Congratulations to Chris Vergine on being named Businessperson of the Year for the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

Christopher Vergine is a lifelong resident of Pearl River, New York and comes from a family with deep, multigenerational ties to the community. He grew up in Pearl River alongside his brothers, including Larry Vergine and Andrew Vergine, in a household where family, service, and community involvement were central values.

Chris has dedicated much of his life to serving others. Since becoming a volunteer firefighter at just 16 years old, he has taken on numerous leadership roles, including:

Past President of the Excelsior Engine Company of Pearl River
Former Captain of the Pearl River Fire Police
Active member of the Rockland County Fire Police Association

Beyond his fire service, Chris remains deeply involved in local civic organizations, including the Pearl River Elks and the American Legion in Pearl River.

Professionally, Chris is an owner of Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home, where he continues his commitment to helping families in the community during their most difficult times.

This recognition highlights not only Chris’s success in business but also his lifelong dedication to service, volunteerism, and the people of Pearl River. A well-deserved honor—congratulations again!