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January 2025

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. 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!

TRANSITION PLANNING IN THE NYC WATERSHED

Check out our new video to learn more about our Business Planning and Farms and Forests in Transition Planning 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.

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

LOGGER TRAINING WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED

The Watershed Agricultural Council’s Forestry Program has released its logger training workshop schedule for 2025. These classes are aimed at loggers in the NYC Watershed Region who are looking to become Trained Logger Certified (TLC), or just seeking to expand their knowledge and skills. Courses offered include:

 

  • Tracking Logging Job Profitability (with results from research efforts being done by the Forestry Program)
  • Core TLC classes including
  • Game of Loggging
  • Forest Ecology & Silviculture
  • Adult First Aid and CPR
  • Avenza Smartphone Mapping for Loggers

 

Visit nycwatershed.org/logger-training-classes for more information and to register.

MEET THE NEW PLANNER

Donald Arrant- East of Hudson Conservation Planner

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Donald Arrant as the new Conservation Planner for the East of Hudson Agricultural Program at the Watershed Agricultural Council. Donald joins us after having actively farmed in the Hudson Valley for the past thirteen years. Between 2010 and 2018, he managed the livestock program for the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming and has since worked and consulted on a variety of projects ranging from vegetable production to both small and large ruminant operations. In 2021, Donald helped start Fat and Sassy Goats, a prescribed goat grazing business. For the past two years, he has helped farmers as a financial consultant for NY FarmNet. 

 

Donald will be assuming the responsibilities previously held by Susanne Sahler. Over the months of January and February, Donald will be introducing himself to participants as he transitions into his new role.

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.

SCENES FROM THE FIELD

Here's a little something to remind us of warmer days, pictured is the Sherwood family taking their cows out to pasture this past summer.


Photo by:

Dan Vredenburgh, Conservation Planner

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION

The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking a Head of Administration. The Head of Administration directly supports the Executive Director, Director of Operations, Finance Director and the Board of Directors. The position requires independent judgment, skilled communication, and obsessive attention to detail. The Head of Administration is an integral part of the Executive Team and shall conduct business in a highly professional and confidential manner. This position works under the direct supervision of the Director of Operations. This is a new position with an anticipated start date of April 1, 2025. This is a non-exempt position. Qualifications and requirements detailed in the position description below. Salary range: $65,000-$70,000 dependent upon experience. EOE. Review of applications will begin February 17, 2025.

JOB DESCRIPTION


EASEMENT PROGRAM STEWARDSHIP SPECIALIST

The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking an Easement Program Stewardship Specialist. The Stewardship Specialist will steward assigned conservation easement properties and projects and ensure that landowners are following the terms and conditions of their conservation easements. This position works under the supervision of the Easement Program Stewardship Coordinator. Qualifications and requirements detailed in the position description below. Salary range: $55,000-$60,000 dependent upon experience. EOE. Review of applications will begin immediately.

JOB DESCRIPTION


AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM MANAGER – East of Hudson

The Watershed Agricultural Council seeks to hire an East of Hudson Agricultural Program Manager. The Program Manager is responsible for the implementation of the Agricultural Program in the Croton Watershed. The Program Manager will act as a chief liaison with the general public representing the agricultural program specific to water quality initiatives. The Program Manager will provide oversight of the EOH planning and engineering departments. This position reports to the WAC Executive Director. Qualifications and requirements detailed in the position description below. Salary range: $90,000-99,000. EOE. Review of applications will begin immediately.

JOB DESCRIPTION


To apply send cover letter and resume to:

Patti Bowker

Watershed Agricultural Council

33195 State Highway 10

Walton, NY 13856


or email pbowker@nycwatershed.org

For more information on any of our programs, visit nycwatershed.org

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Heather Magnan
(607) 865-7090, ext. 217