Workshop: Estate Planning for Watershed Landowners - December 3rd & 12th
 
Whether you're a farmer looking to pass along your property (and business) to your kids, or a forest landowner looking to minimize estate taxes, this workshop has something for you. A local attorney and experts from NY FarmLink and American Farmland Trust will answer your "What Should I Do..." questions, including "Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?" To register, contact Mariane Kiraly at (607) 865-6531 by December 3rd. Preview the two-day estate planning agenda and registration here. Cost is $20 for CCE members and WAC participants, $25 for nonmembers; registration includes the two-day workshop and lunch. 
If You Learn by Doing... 
Then to get out and do it! The New York City Watershed Environmental Educational Resource Directory, a field trip guide for teachers and educators, provides numerous resources designed to connect students with hands-on outdoor experiences. Learn how the watershed works by visiting the multitude of regional learning sites. 
 
Reservation Overrun
In a recent article in The Journal News, WAC Forester Andrew Hubbard talks about the deer population explosion within Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and its potential impact on the Croton Watershed.
 
Croton Farm Tenant Wanted
Hilltop Hanover Farm and EnvironmentalCenter, home to WAC's East of Hudson office in Yorktown Heights, is seeking proposals from groups or individuals interested in housing a grazing livestock operation at The Farm. The business should demonstrate prescribed grazing and pasture management techniques and participate in agricultural education programs for the public. For more information, call 914-962-2368.
SAVE THE DATE: Agricultural Conferences
The Catskill Regional Dairy, Livestock and Grazing Conference is scheduled for January 15, 2009 at SUNY-Delhi. The event is sponsored by WAC and CCE of Delaware County. Look for the flyer around town and the mailed registration details to arrive in mid-December. 
 
WAC is again a proud sponsor of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York's annual winter conference January 23-25, 2009. Click here for more information or to register for Meals Without Wheels.
 
What's All This About "The Fund"?
In November, donors contributed nearly $4,000 to the Conservation Easement Stewardship Fund. This FAQ on the Fund provides the basics of conservation easements and how you can help protect watershed farmland and clean drinking water.
Of Interest:  Out to Pasture
For the latest in grazing, seasonal tips and upcoming statewide meetings, subscribe to the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative email newsletter "Grazette."  To get on their list, contact Karen Hoffman.
 
Big Foot
We hear a lot about carbon footprints, but what about "water footprints"?  Calculate your "aqua shoe" here.
 
Ag in the Driver's Seat?
In a recent New York Times article, a Vermont community is turning over soil to transform their local economy...and succeeding at it...a classic example of "Agriculture is the Economic Driver."
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NYCWatershed.org
The Watershed Agricultural Council's web site

BuyPureCatskills.com
The regional "Buy Local"food-based campaign known for "Good Food. Clean Water."

CatskillWoodNet.org
The Pure Catskills brand for wood-based products

Donate Now
Safeguard irreplaceable resources, rural working landscapes and family farms by supporting the Conservation Easement Stewardship Fund.


Corrections: In our 10/24/08 issue, Challey Comer was interviewed by Bingamton News Channel 34.
Upcoming Events!
Estate Planning for Watershed Landowners, Hamden 12/3 & 12
 
 
Pasture Talk
Halcott Center 12/9
 
Catskill Regional Dairy, Livestock & Grazing Conference, SUNY-Delhi 1/15/09 
The Watershed Agricultural Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City Watershed region. The WAC is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service and other federal, foundation and private sources. The WAC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.