Our Mission

To promote the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, the protection of water quality, and the
conservation of working landscapes through strong local leadership and sustainable public-private partnerships.

Our Footprint

0% Farm Participation
0 acres of Managed Forest Land
0 Conservation Easement Acres
0 Pure Catskills Members

The Watershed Agricultural Council works with hundreds of farm and forest landowners in the NYC Watershed. Together, with our program participants, we have an expansive Conservation Footprint in the region. View the map here.

Events

News

November 2023 News

November 2023 News

Check out the November News from the Watershed Agricultural Council. Our new Grant Program is offered to Fruit and Vegetable growers, apply here. Shop local...

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We are looking to our like-minded supporters who s 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 30 years. Because of this commitment and capacity, the Catskill Mountains provide 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: https://ow.ly/jE2x50Qa2Yy

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!
“Cattle late fall grazing in our newly fenced in “Cattle late fall grazing in our newly fenced in meadow.

Suzanne and I, plus our family thank the Council for the high tensile fence, spring development, and all other BMP's. Glad to be farming in the NYC Watershed!” — Wayland “Bud” Gladstone
The cold creeping into the Catskills… 🍂 📷 The cold creeping into the Catskills… 🍂

📷 : Ryan Naatz
We ❤️ this fall weather, get out there an do s We ❤️ this fall weather, get out there an do some 🍏 picking before it gets cold! 
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📷: Ryan Naatz 
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#nycwatershed #applepicking #catskills #catskillmountains #fall
This week is going to have prime weather and peak This week is going to have prime weather and peak leaves. There’s nothing better than fall in the Catskills 🍂
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#nycwatershed #catskills #catskillmountains #fall #leaves #mountains #farmland #nofarmsnofood
We are thrilled to announce a new pilot grant oppo We are thrilled to announce a new pilot grant opportunity that will encourage implementing activities that support farmers in the NYC Watershed seeking to expand the agricultural production of fruits and vegetables. 

Categories include 1) Greenhouse and/or Raised Bed Expansion Reimbursement, 2) Water Access Reimbursement and 3) Farm Structure Reimbursement.
 
The total amount that can be applied for is $5,000; the deadline is November 30, 2023. For application details and to apply, visit nycwatershed.org/economic-viability/fruit-and-vegetable-expansion-pilot-grant.

Looking for more information about the Economic Viability Micro Grants Program: Fruit and Vegetable Expansion Pilot Grant or other grants we offer? Contact Kristan Morley, Economic Viability Program Manager, by phone at (607) 865-7090, via email at evprogram@nycwatershed.org, or visit nycwatershed.org/economic-viability
Webcrest Farm is a five generation dairy farm nest Webcrest Farm is a five generation dairy farm nestled in the hills of Bovina, NY. Ed and Donna Weber are lifelong dairy farmers who have worked with the Watershed Agricultural Council since 1995. Learn about their new calf housing facility and their positive impact on water quality in the NYC Watershed that supplies drinking water to over 9 million NY residents daily.

#nycwatershed #nofarmsnofood #agriculture #catskills #catskillmountains #farm #farming #dairy #dairyfarm #bovina
Let freedom ring… photographed yesterday (9/11/2 Let freedom ring… photographed yesterday (9/11/23) in Bloomville, NY 🦅🔔🇺🇸

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