DEC and Cornell launch Snapshot NY wildlife monitoring program

WAER | By Robert Beck

Published July 9, 2025 at 6:02 AM EDT

**James W. proudly holds his Snapshot NY camera and gear. At right, a black bear captured on a trail camera in Western New York.**

The state is looking for private landowners to help with wildlife monitoring. The Department of Environmental Conservation and Cornell University are launching Snapshot NY where citizens agree to put trail cameras on private property and upload photos through an app.

People may use their own cameras or get one through the Snapshot program. With 60% of New York’s land privately owned, officials say the data collected will help fill critical gaps in wildlife research. Those interested can get involved through the Snapshot NY website.

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Robert Beck

Bob Beck, a veteran media professional, currently serves as a part-time editor/host at WAER Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Syracuse University. Beck retired as News Director at Wyoming Public Radio in 2022 after 34 years. During his time, Beck won 5 regional Edward R. Murrow awards and 5 Public Media Journalists Association awards for reporting. He also won 11 PMJA awards for the news and public affairs program Open Spaces. He was awarded the Wyoming School Bell award for education reporting and was part of two Emmy Award winning television productions. You can find him on X under the name @butterbob.

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