In recognition of the importance of forests to the health and well being of society, the state Department of Environmental Conservation is sponsoring a photo contest to “Celebrate New York’s Forests.”

The contest is designed to increase awareness of and appreciation for all types of forests, urban and rural, large and small, public and privately owned, across the state.

Submitted photos should capture all aspects of forests and trees in five categories. The categories are nature (wildlife, plants, natural landscapes, etc.), enjoying the forest (hunting, fishing, trails, camping, hiking, etc.), trees where we live (parks, streets, yards, etc.), forest products (maple syrup, lumber, baseball bats, furniture, etc.), and state-owned Forests (State Forests, Forest Preserve lands, forested Wildlife Management Areas, Campgrounds).

Contest details, rules and forms can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/75396.html

Photos must be taken in New York State and will be accepted through Nov. 1. A maximum of three photos may be submitted by a photographer, each with a submission form found on the DEC website, via e-mail or on a CD via regular mail.

DEC has non-exclusive rights to use submitted photos on DEC’s website, in the Conservationist magazine, in brochures and in other publications promoting forests and DEC. The photographer will retain ownership of the photo.

The winner in each category will receive a framed print of their photo. Winning photos will be distributed to the media when the winners are announced on or about Dec. 1, 2011.