INTERESTED IN A CONSERVATION EASEMENT?

Protect Your Land. Strengthen Your Legacy. Get Rewarded.

Are you a landowner interested in conserving your woodlots or farmland?

A conservation easement could be the tool you’re looking for.

Through the Watershed Agricultural Council, landowners are compensated for their development rights—helping to protect clean drinking water for millions of New Yorkers while keeping working farms and woodlots in production.

A conservation easement is an agreement that can support your long-term goals—whether those involve estate planning, farm transitions, farm improvements or retirement. Easements are a way to tap into equity now as you plan for the future. 

Interested in learning more? Contact Rebecca Morgan, Land Protection Coordinator, at rmorgan@nycwatershed.org or 607-865-7790 (ext 120) to get more information about how an easement can work for you.

NYC DEP EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the largest single landowner in Delaware County, is renewing its commitment to supporting local agriculture by exploring opportunities to return portions of its land base to productive agricultural use.

Much of DEP’s landholdings in Delaware County include former farmland as well as active agricultural fields. In recent years, the agency has taken deliberate steps to keep “working lands working,” ensuring that land conservation efforts align with the continued vitality of the region’s agricultural economy.

As part of this renewed focus, DEP is identifying parcels within its fee-owned properties that may be suitable for agricultural activities through future Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Supporting local agriculture not only preserves the rural character of the watershed but also strengthens the connection between land stewardship, economic viability, and water quality protection.

Farmers, producers, or organizations interested in using specific City-owned lands for agricultural purposes are encouraged to contact NYC DEP to discuss parcel availability and help inform the development of future RFPs.

View the current available parcels here.

Proposers must request a Proposal Package by contacting the DEP Project Manager, Brent T. McKeon, at (845) 771-1140 or brmckeon@dep.nyc.gov. Proposers that do not request a Proposal Package will be disqualified. All proposals must be postmarked no later than November 6, 2025.

LEARN ABOUT CHAINSAW SAFETY ON MYWOODLOT

Nothing beats hands-on learning, but reading about saw safety before going to a Game of Logging class will help set you up for success. Learn about chainsaw safety here.

HAPPY RETIREMENT!

Karl VonBerg joined WAC as a Watershed Forester in August 2008, but his positive impact on the Catskill forestry community began long before that when he worked as a consulting and procurement forester in the region. For 17 years, he brought not only a deep knowledge of forestry to his work but also a warm and generous spirit that enriched our workplace every day. We're so grateful for his dedicated service and for the valuable contributions he has made, both professionally and personally. We wish him the best in what will no doubt be a family-filled, happy, busy and exciting retirement.

NEW FACES AT WAC

Erin Cornell is excited to join the team as a Conservation Planner for the Agricultural Program. Erin studied Sustainable Resources Management at SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry and previously worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, where she developed a strong passion for land stewardship and working with farmers to support productive, sustainable agriculture. Outside of work, Erin is an avid hiker and loves spending time doing nature photography. "I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone!"

Chelsea Ingram joined WAC in May 2025 as the Procurement and Contracts Coordinator. She brings over seven years of experience in procurement, contracts, and payments, with previous roles at Amphenol and SUNY Delhi. At WAC, she supports our Agricultural Program by managing contracts, overseeing procurement, and helping ensure everything runs smoothly - while also building and maintaining strong relationships with farmers and contractors. Chelsea was drawn to WAC by more than just the job, she grew up next to the Weber Farm in Bovina and married into a farming family. The people, the farms, and the mission all feel close to home for her. "This has truly been my favorite place to work. You won’t find work like this or people like this anywhere else."

Rachael House joined WAC as the Administrative Assistant to the Agricultural Program. Rachel grew up locally and has spent much of her life in the area. Before joining WAC, Rachael worked in Procurement at SUNY Delhi and spent 11 years working at South Kortright Central School. "I’m excited to be part of the WAC team and look forward to getting to know everyone and contributing where I can!"

Rebecca Morgan grew up on a dairy farm in Walton, New York. Her career includes international human rights work in Central America and Eastern Europe, and food and farm system development work in the United States. Rebecca led Heifer International's National Immigrant and Refugee Farming Initiative, was the executive director of the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship, and most recently prior to WAC, consulted with multiple organizations to design and manage programs for farmer education, land access, distribution and logistics, land trust development, and farm planning. "I'm thrilled to be at WAC as the new Land Protection Coordinator with the Easement Program!"