JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH

June is National Dairy Month, and here in the NYC Watershed and Catskills, we’re proud to offer some of the finest value-added dairy products around! Search local Pure Catskills members online here to find where to find fresh local dairy products near you.

VISIT US AT EVENTS

The Watershed Agricultural Council, MyWoodlot and Pure Catskills invite you to join us this season at the following events:

• Delhi Farmers’ Market (7/16/ & 8/20/25)
• Pakatakan Farmers’ Market (7/12 & 8/9/25)
• Lexington Farmers’ Market  (7/19/25)
• Delaware County Fair  (8/12- 8/16/25)
• NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days (8/15-8/17/25)
• CCE Family Farm Day (8/23-8/24/25)
• Delhi Harvest Festival (9/27/25)
• Belleayre Fall Festival (10/11-10/12/25)

More events may be added to this schedule. Please check our website for more information.

95th ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FARM TOUR

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County is holding its 95th annual Delaware County Farm Tour on Friday July 11th. The first stop will be hosted by Harmonie Farms (10790 NY-30, Downsville, NY 13755), the Mattson family, beginning at 11:00 AM.

The second stop will be hosted at Brookside Maple and Farm (2544 Co Rd 2, Delancey, NY 13752), owned and operated by Matt, Micah and Caroline Scobie, beginning at 1:00 PM with lunch. Bring your own lunch; milk and ice cream will be provided. During lunch we will hear from Delaware County Dairy Ambassador Lillian Eklund on her team’s dairy promotions efforts. For more information click here.

To read these stories and more, check out our enews here. 

THE 2025-2026 GUIDE TO PURE CATSKILLS PRODUCTS IS HERE!

We’re excited to share that the 2025–2026 Guide to Pure Catskills Products is now available. This Guide is your go-to resource for discovering and supporting the farmers, artisans, and small businesses that define the heart of the Catskills. Explore the guide to connect with these and many more Pure Catskills members. Visit purecatskills.com for full member listings, events, updates, and more. If you have questions, reach out to us at purecatskills@nycwatershed.org or call (607) 865-7090.

MANURE INJECTION GRANT

Manure injection in the NYC Watershed and Delaware County is well underway! Over 5 million gallons in 1,000+ acres have already been spread. Spreading is being done by Albano Farms through the Conservation Innovation Grant awarded to Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation Disctrict in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County and the Watershed Agricultural Council.

SCENES FROM THE FIELD

WAC staff have another busy season underway from soil sampling, scissor cuts, site showings, Best Management Practice construction, Annual Status Reviews, Annual Monitoring Visits, logger classes, Outreach and Education Events and more! Check out our social media (Facebook, Threads and Instagram) to stay up to date on the latest happenings in the NYC Watershed region.

Read these stories and more in the May 2025 News here. 

CONSERVATION EASEMENT APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

Did you know that WAC’s Easement Program accepts new conservation easement applications on a rolling basis? Our team is especially interested in talking to local farmers who have yet to explore the option of conserving their land. Conservation easements (“CEs”) are deeded property interests that restrict certain uses, such as subdivision and specific commercial pursuits, in order to protect others, i.e. the agricultural land base. WAC’s CEs are also a paid for development rights program. Click here for more information.

UPCOMING FARMER EDUCATION EVENTS

The following farmer education events are made possible by our partnership with CCE Delaware County. Check out our upcoming Farmer Education Events here.

BRAMLEY MOUNTAIN FIRE TOWER OPEN FOR PUBLIC ACCESS WHEN STAFFED

According to a release from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower in Delhi has been fully restored and will soon open to the public, thanks to a collaborative effort by the DEP, the Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, the Catskill Mountain Club, and Delaware County. The tower has been returned to its original summit, reflecting a shared commitment to both water quality and recreational access.

The Watershed Agricultural Council applauds the efforts of the Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, the Catskill Mountain Club, the Clark family, NYC DEP and Delaware County for a project that exemplifies eco-tourism and public-private partnerships at their best.

For more information on the tower, visit: bramleymountainfiretower.org

For these stories and more check out the April 2025 News here.

SAFE WINTER AND WET WEATHER MANURE SPREADING

We are currently in a season that presents significant risks for manure applications. This winter has brought unique conditions not seen in recent years, so it’s crucial to adhere to winter and wet weather manure spreading guidelines. Please ensure you follow the recommended winter spreading plans to help mitigate any potential issues. Read more here. 

HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA

According to the NY State Ag & Markets Website as of March 12th, 48 flocks in New York State have tested positive for HPAI since February 2022. The Department is working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on a joint incident response and is also collaborating with partners at the Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation.

The detections of HPAI in New York prompt reminders for commercial and hobby poultry farmers to increase their biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease. The Department encourages all poultry producers, from small backyard to large commercial operations, should review their biosecurity plans and take precautions to protect their birds. Poultry biosecurity materials and checklists can be found on the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” website.

The Watershed Agricultural Council would like to remind Watershed farmers that flocks in the following NYC Watershed counties have tested positive: Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester and Delaware. Please practice biosecurity and report any sick birds to the USDA. To report sick birds, unexplained high number of deaths, or sudden drop in egg production, please contact the Department’s Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502 or the USDA at (866) 536-7593.

UPCOMING FARMER EDUCATION EVENTS

The following farmer education events are made possible by our partnership with CCE Delaware County.

Spring Small Ruminant Meeting
March 19 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
MTC Community Room, 61 Academy Street, Margaretville, NY

Marketing Your Farm’s Products
March 25 @ 5:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Andes Fire Department Meeting Hall, 5259 County Road 1, Andes, NY

Manure Road Show 2025
March 31 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Hobart Community Center, 80 Cornell Ave, Hobart, NY

For more events visit our website here.

Read these stories and more in the March 2025 News here.

NYC DEP Commits $228 Million to Help Protect Forests Near the Watershed, Support Area Farms and Agriculture Through Local Partnership

FEBRUARY 4, 2025, HAMDEN, NY- At a press event at Lucky Dog Farm on Friday, January 31st, the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced a new $228 million commitment to farm and forest landowners in the watershed region to protect water quality while supporting the economic viability of agriculture and forestry in the area. Since 1992, DEP has previously committed $400 million in its partnership with WAC to ensure watershed protection from farm and forest runoff within the New York City Watershed.

To ensure continued water quality protection, and economic support to farm and forest owners, DEP and WAC have signed three new contracts valued up to $228 million over the next 10 years.

The new contracts will help ensure the use of best management practices—such as nutrient management plans, manure storage, and cover crops—and preservation of farms and forests from development through WAC-purchased conservation easements.

“This new investment epitomizes DEP’s long-term commitment to advancing our shared interests with our watershed community partners—protecting water quality while helping local industry thrive in an evolving market,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “As an avid fan of Pure Catskills products, I am excited to see more over the next decade, and DEP is pleased to be part of the progress and successes the agricultural community in the Catskills and other parts of the watershed has been able to make.”

“This partnership has protected water quality in the Catskills for New York City and has allowed for agriculture to continue to happen here in a way that’s protective for the environment, has really set the standard for around the world,” said DEP Deputy Commissioner for the Bureau of Water Supply Paul Rush.

Up to $35 million will go directly for farming best management practices; $6 million will be used for forestry initiatives, such as the installation of erosion control measures and stream crossings foractive logging projects; and $3.8 million will be used for economic viability initiatives such as the Pure Catskills branding campaign and Economic Viability Micro Grants Program—grants available to support watershed producers with marketing, training, staffing and expansion of fruit and vegetable production. Another $7 million will go toward a new three-year conservation easement contract to help WAC to acquire new farm and forest conservation easements.

WAC Executive Director Ryan Naatz said, “While these agreements mark a renewed partnership between the Watershed Agricultural Council and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, they more importantly demonstrate a commitment to upstate farm and forest landowners and ultimately, City water consumers. WAC is proud to work hand and hand with DEP to deliver world-class economic incentives and water quality protection programs.”

WAC Board Chair Wayland “Bud” Gladstone said, “This 10-year contract solidifies the commitment and trust DEP has in our ability to protect farms, forests, the economic viability of the region, and land conservation as we continue to provide clean drinking water for NYC residents. As a member of the watershed farming community, I am thankful to have WAC’s continued support of farmers and programming that implements these critical Best Management Practices… I’ve said it before and I’ll say it one more time, there is no better place to own a farm than in the New York City watershed”

Read more in the DEP Press Release here. See more photos here.

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

2024 proved another successful year of supporting the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, the protection of water quality, and the conservation of working landscapes in the NYC Watershed. Check out the 2024 Annual Report here.

TRANSITION PLANNING IN THE NYC WATERSHED

Check out our new video to learn more about ourBusiness Planning and Farms and Forests in TransitionPlanning Grants. In the video, the Frisbee Family of Riverdale Farm in Delhi, NY share their experience receiving funding from these programs to preserve and grow their legacy for the next generation. Watch the video here.

MICRO GRANTS AVAILABLE

The next grant round is now open! Start your new year off right by applying for one of our grant opportunities in the following categories:
1) Marketing
2) Staffing
3) Event and/or Mileage
4) Training
The application deadline is 2/28/2025. For eligibility, more information, and to apply online visit: nycwatershed.org/economic-viability/micro-grants-program

Read these stories and more  in the January 2025 News here.

2024 proved another successful year of supporting the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, the protection of water quality, and the conservation of working landscapes in the NYC Watershed. Built on a foundation of local leadership and strong public-private partnerships, the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) now serves over 1,000 participants across the region. Thanks to the strategic guidance of the Board of Directors, and a renewed partnership with New York City, WAC has secured increased funding commitments to guarantee our impact for many years to come. Thank you to all who participate and support our efforts, here’s to a great 2025! —Ryan Naatz, Executive Director

Read the 2024 Annual Report here!

Happy Holidays from your friends at the Watershed Agricultural Council!

MEET THE NEW PLANNERS
We would like to welcome two “new” faces to our staff.

Ben Hepler- Conservation Planner
“I started with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County in November of 2017 as a Nutrient Management Planner. I thoroughly enjoyed drafting plans and working with the farmers of the NYC Watershed through educational events. I applied for the Whole Farm Planning position to continue my work and love of agriculture. At home, my family and I run a cow/calf operation and finish about 70 head for the freezer trade market. My wife and I also keep a small flock of Katahdin sheep.”

Camberly VanValkenburg- Assistant Conservation Planner
‘While working to earn my degree from SUNY Morrisville, I spent three summers with the Delaware County Soil and Water Stream Program as an intern. Staying close to home on my family hay farm, I am excited to join WAC as an Assistant Conservation Planner where I will be helping the Whole Farm Planning, Nutrient Management, and Precision Feed Management teams with various tasks such as sampling and data collection efforts.”

ATTENTION EAST OF HUDSON FARMS IN THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT

Westchester County, through its partnership with the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB), is in the process of reviewing its Agricultural District No. 1, which will be completed by July 19, 2025. The County and AFPB are requesting the help of participating farms and encouraging new enrollment to promote the continuation of farming and the preservation of agricultural land in the County!

We kindly ask that farms currently enrolled in the District, and those requesting enrollment, complete a brief survey. This will help ensure your contact information is up-to-date, and we have a understanding of your current agricultural practices. The survey is located at https://arcg.is/1G4jmf2 or scan the QR code.

The District currently includes the following municipalities: Cortlandt, Yorktown, Somers, North Salem, Lewisboro, Bedford, Sleepy Hollow and the portion of Mount Pleasant west of the Taconic State Parkway. 130 farms are within the District, which totals approximately 9,254 acres. Farming activities range from small scale operations under 25 acres, to farms greater than 250 acres. As part of its 2025 review, the County and AFPB are recommending the inclusion of Pound Ridge, North Castle, New Castle and Ossining, which were historically included.

If you have questions, concerns or would like additional information on the District, please contact Jesenia Laureano, Associate Environmental Planner at (914) 995–2085 or Jnl1@westchestercountyny.gov.

Check out the December 2024 News here for more program highlights and opportunities!

We are looking to our like-minded supporters who share our goals of supporting and protecting farm and forest land in our beautiful region. Like you, we recognize our natural resources are central to our quality of life. We need fresh water to drink, clean air to breathe, healthy food to eat and economic prosperity to sustain our lives and communities. Now, more than ever, our local food system and food security are vital. Broken supply chains have taught the world just how precious our farms and local resources are.

The Watershed Agricultural Council, an on-the-ground local organization of committed professionals, uses both science and law through economic and conservation strategies to protect NYC’s Watershed for over 30 years. Because of this commitment and capacity, the Catskill Mountains are a source of safe and abundant drinking water to the Northeast’s largest metropolitan city. We ensure the delivery of over one billion gallons of fresh drinking water every day to more than nine million NYC residents.

When we protect a farm, we preserve a way of life. For generations, people in the Catskills have appreciated the rural character of the region’s undeveloped landscape: beautiful farm and forestland patched together with cool mountain streams.

Join us today as we protect farms, forests and clean water by donating online at: nycwatershed.org/donate

Thank you for supporting the Watershed Agricultural Council’s mission of promoting the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, the protection of water quality, and the conservation of working landscapes for generations to come!

#GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world on December 3, 2024 and every day.

The 2024 Pure Catskills Holiday Gift Guide is here to make your holiday shopping fun and easy! With winter weather blowing in, snuggle up and flip through the pages of local makers, growers and producers that have everything you need to give perfect gifts to those you love this year.

We’ve combined your favorite wool and fiber makers; outlets for wreath and holiday decorations; cut-your-own tree farms; alcohol makers; handcrafted and hand-blended gift ideas; holiday caterers; botanical lines; holiday bakers; value-added dairy producers; maple syrup and honey makers; local stores and farm stores/stands; places to stay and places to eat; and winter markets and events all in one place. The Gift Guide has a wide variety of goods made with love and ready to be gifted with love.

Support your local producers, businesses and community by making your purchases count for clean water and good stewardship this holiday season.

Read the Holiday Gift Guide here!