"This money will augment our $4-million worth of construction projects slated for 2009 and 2010," noted WAC's Agricultural Program Manager Brian LaTourette. "We are scheduled to implement 85 best management practices (BMPs) on roughly two dozen farms over the next two years. These BMPs are designed to improve water quality and mitigate potential water pollution problems on the farm. By pro-actively addressing these hurdles to water quality, we're helping local farmers improve profitability at the same time we're keeping pollutants and bacteria out of the NYC water supply. Soil erosion, animal waste and barnyard runoff pose serious threats to public health. By keeping water clean with simple, applicable, farm-specific BMPs, we can greatly reduce agriculture's impact on our most valuable resource - clean drinking water." Each year, as part of a voluntary, landowner conservation program, the WAC receives funding from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) to put these practices in place.

The ARRA watershed funding is expected to affect an estimated 255 jobs locally. "The impact of this federal stimulus money is far-reaching," noted WAC Board Chairman Fred Huneke. "Not only are we directly affecting water quality for nine million New York City residents, we're putting people to work at various agencies. The majority of this funding will be directed to technical services. As WAC designs these farm plans, we're contracting third-parties to build these projects, which puts money directly into the local economy. The Multiplier Effect of these watershed projects is significant. We are fortunate to have secured the $1-million grant in such a competitive application cycle."

The WAC, through the application of whole farm planning, designs and installs conservation practices with an emphasis on waterborne pathogens, nutrients, and sediments. The WAC works with NRCS, Soil & Water Conservation Districts and Cornell Cooperative Extensions in eight counties. The New York City watershed covers an area of 1.2 million acres and contains 19 water supply reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes. The City's water is unfiltered, one of only five metropolitan water sources nationwide that do not undergo significant water treatment protocols. This is in large part due to the success of the New York City Watershed's voluntary program whereby landowners agree to apply conservation practices on their farms. The WAC and other agencies provide the technical expertise, with the NYC DEP paying the cost of the water quality improvements. Additionally over the next two years, the WAC's Agricultural Program will spend $800,000 in DEP funding to execute BMPs within the Croton Watershed.

According to a press release from Federal Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's office, $84.8 million is available to the Watershed Operations Program nationwide.  Funding is provided as part of the Obama Administration's plans to modernize the nation's infrastructure, jumpstart the economy and create jobs. "President Obama is committed to improving water quality, creating more dependable water supplies and decreasing soil erosion and this funding will make a big difference in the lives of the people who live in these rural communities," Vilsack said.

Senator Gillibrand also recognized the importance of this regional award. "This project is great news for the New York Watershed and the communities it serves," Senator Gillibrand said.  "Through this effort, we'll update critical infrastructure, create jobs and rebuild our economy, while improving water quality and restoring the environment. I'm pleased President Obama has made this a priority for New York, and I will continue working with Senator Schumer and the entire New York Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government."

For more information on the WAC's Agricultural Program, visit www.nycwatershed.org or contact Brian LaTourette at (607) 865-7090, ext. 284. 

 

For project-specific information, contact New York State Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations Leon Brooks with NRCS at (607) 865-7090, ext. 228.

The Watershed Agricultural Council helps private landowners to improve their farm and forest lands in order to protect clean drinking water for nine million New York City residents. The WAC works with almost 1,000 landowners to enlist private contractors to develop conservation plans and construct conservation practices in accordance with farm and forest management plans.
 
The WAC 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, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service and other federal and foundation sources.
 
The WAC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
 
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