NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITY

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.

In April 2023, the NYC Mayor's Office released the City’s Climate Action Plan titled PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done. On page 57 the plan states, ‘create an incentive program to support farmers in the NYC Watershed who expand agricultural production of fruits and vegetables.’ In partnership with and through funding made available by NYC DEP, the WAC developed a new grant titled Economic Viability Micro Grants Program: Fruit and Vegetable Expansion Pilot Grant in direct response. 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.

EASEMENT APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) is looking for new easement applications for its December applicant selection round. WAC is excited to be offering two easement purchase options: an agricultural conservation easement or a forest conservation easement. If you have a passion for your land and want to see it kept whole for future generations of farmers and forest managers, please visit our website to complete an easement application. Please submit new applications no later than November 15th to be reviewed in December. The easement application process is completely voluntary – there are no obligations to proceed with an easement even if an application is approved. General requirements for new easement applicants are 50 acres or more of farmland and/or 100 acres or more of forestland with some stream, pond, and/or wetland frontage.

WAC accepts new easement applications on a rolling basis, but generally only selects new applications to proceed into the easement land planning process twice per year.

For more information or to apply click here.

CHECK OUT THE 2023 PURE CATSKILLS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

We’ve gathered honey collectors; wool and fiber makers; outlets for wreath and holiday decorations; cut-your-own tree farms; alcohol makers; handcrafted and hand-blended gift ideas; holiday caterers; preserved goods; botanical lines; holiday bakers; value-added dairy producers; maple syrup makers; local stores and farm stores/stands; places to stay and winter markets. . . all in one easy-to-access resource. View the Gift Guide here.

Support your local producers and community by making your purchases count for clean water and the environment this holiday season!

WATER BAR INSTALLATION

Chances are you have hiked, biked, or even driven over a water bar in your 4-wheeler or side-by-side. You probably know their job is to move small volumes of surface runoff off the trail to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation. But have you ever seen one installed? What equipment is used to make them? How long does it take?

The Forestry Best Management Practice (BMP) Program cost-shares water bar installation on timber harvests in the NYC Watershed to stop sediment in surface runoff from entering the streams and rivers that flow into the NYC reservoir system. This video on MyWoodlot shows a water bar being installed on a harvest in the Watershed. For information about additional BMPs eligible for cost-share on timber harvests in the NYC Watershed visit: nycwatershed.org/bmp-program

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE WATERSHED AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL

Administrative Assistant – Agricultural Program

The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking an Administrative Assistant to the Watershed Agricultural Program. The Administrative Assistant will provide direct support to the Watershed Agricultural Program and Procurement Contract Coordinator, utilizing the Best Management Practice contract, and procurement procedures of the Watershed Agricultural Council. This position reports to the Procurement and Contract Coordinator. Qualifications and requirements detailed in the position description below. EOE. Salary range: $45,000-$46,500.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Administrative Assistant – Finance Department

The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking a Finance Administrative Assistant. The Finance Administrative Assistant will be part of the WAC Finance Department, with primary responsibility for compilation and coordination of the DEP Payment Requests. This position shall work closely with all Department Directors and Program Managers as needed. Qualifications and requirements detailed in the position description below. EOE. Salary range: $45,000-$49,000.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

To learn more or apply visit nycwatershed.org/careers.