On the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar launched a new ‘Love Our New York Lands’ photo contest highlighting removing barriers to public lands for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities. The winning images will receive prizes and be featured in statewide digital and print campaigns to increase awareness of principles and guidelines that encourage safe, accessible, respectful, inclusive, and sustainable use of public lands.
“DEC is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act and is working every day to make more public lands accessible for visitors to enjoy and share with each other,” Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said.“ I encourage everyone to check out the many DEC recreation features on the new Accessible Recreation Destinations Map and throughout the DEC website. Plan your next adventure or relaxing escape to nature and send us your pictures of welcoming all ages and abilities to share the outdoors.”
Each of the Love Our New York Lands contests will have a different theme. August’s theme is “Accessible Recreation” to highlight participation in camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, nature viewing, and other recreational opportunities for New Yorkers with disabilities, and people of all ages and abilities. Three winning pictures will be chosen that feature creative shots of the public enjoying these and other activities at accessible recreation sites across New York State.
Complementing many recent accessibility improvements and initiatives, DEC launched a new interactive Accessible Recreation Destinations Map designed to showcase wheelchair-accessible features at DEC education centers, campgrounds and day use areas, waterway access sites, and trails, among other features. DEC also created a new Mobility Device Reservation Pilot Program for qualified individuals with disabilities to reserve and use an electrically powered wheelchair device free of charge to access the Camp Santanoni Historic Area in Newcomb, Essex County. DEC’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights helps ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, among other requirements, and can provide more information about accessible recreation opportunities statewide.
Prizes will be awarded to the winning photo entries. Photos will be judged on the following criteria: originality; artistic composition; technical quality; and whether the photograph showcases inclusivity in people enjoying New York’s outdoor activities safely and responsibly.
Accessible Recreation photo submissions should be emailed to [email protected] by Aug. 31, 2024, with the subject line “Accessible Rec.” The photographer’s full name, the DEC land where the image was taken (reference land name, location, and UID code listed in the Accessible Recreation Destination Map pop-up, if applicable), and Instagram/social media handle should also be included. DEC may use photos of facilities featured in a variety of publications and outreach materials, including the Accessible Recreation Destinations Map
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