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Watershed Agricultural Council

Watershed Agricultural Council

The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) works with farm and forest landowners in the New York City Watershed to protect clean drinking water for more than
nine million people.

The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) works with farm and forest landowners in the New York City Watershed to protect clean drinking water for more than
nine million people.

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Through Whole Farm Plans, Forest Management Plans, and Conservation Easements, we help landowners put sustainable practices into action—safeguarding water quality while supporting the economic vitality of agriculture and forestry.

Through Whole Farm Plans, Forest Management Plans, and Conservation Easements, we help landowners put sustainable practices into action—safeguarding water quality while supporting the economic vitality of agriculture and forestry.

Conserve

farm and forest land for generations to come

Support

working landscapes and economic viability

Advocate

for natural resource conservation in the NYC watershed

Protect

drinking water for over 9 million New Yorkers

Every day, this collaborative, incentive-based approach delivers over 1.1 billion gallons of clean water to New York City. 

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Every day, WAC’s programs support thriving farm and forestry economies while preserving the watershed as New York City’s watershed, viewshed, and foodshed—a vital resource that nourishes both people and place for generations to come. 

Every day, WAC’s programs support thriving farm and forestry economies while preserving the watershed as New York City’s watershed, viewshed, and foodshed—a vital resource that nourishes both people and place for generations to come. 

Our Mission

To promote the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, protect water quality, and conserve working landscapes through strong local leadership and sustainable public–private partnerships. 

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Am I in the Watershed?

To see if you’re in the NYC Watershed, visit our map below! 

View the map!
Agriculture

The Agricultural Program provides a voluntary, incentive-based framework for farmers located within the NYC Watershed to implement environmentally sound and economically viable agricultural practices while protecting water quality.

Visit the Agriculture Page
90
Farm Participation
Forestry

The Forestry Program provides technical and financial support to loggers working in the NYC Watershed for implementation of water quality protection measures and provides resources and education programs for both landowners and students in the region.

Visit the Forestry Page
120000
Acres of Managed Forest Land
Conservation Easements

The Conservation Easement Program offers working lands easements. Designed to encourage agricultural and forestry activities within the New York City Watershed – two important elements of the greater regional economy.

Visit the Conservation Easements Page
33051
Conservation Easement Acres
Economic Viability
The Economic Viability Program supports working landscapes in the NYC Watershed by helping farms, forests, and rural businesses remain productive and sustainable. Through a range of programming, we empower landowners and entrepreneurs to grow, adapt, and thrive while protecting water quality and preserving the region’s rural character.
Visit the Economic Viability Page
326
Pure Catskills Members

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