The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC or DEC) is responsible for the conservation, improvement, an protection of natural resources within the U.S. state of New York. It was founded in 1970, replacing the previous Conservation Department. The Department manages the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve lands, state forest lands, wildlife management areas and various other state owned public lands of New York. The Department is also responsible for regulating sport fishing, hunting and trapping within the state, and enforcing the State's environmental laws and regulations.