Get involved in your community
Public events like meetings, hearings and workshops provide a great opportunity for streamside landowners to ask questions, express concerns and generally learn about stream stewardship activities. Local agencies host many public events every year and welcome input from residents and community members. As a watershed resident, you are encouraged to get involved with protecting the beautiful natural environment that we all share.
Explore Stream Management Plans
Many of the Stream Management Plans developed for Catskills streams collaboratively by municipal leaders, regional resource managers and landowners describe the current condition of the stream and surrounding vegetation throughout the watersheds they cover. These Plans also make recommendations for protecting healthy sections of stream and for restoring the stability of those sections that are at risk. These Plans provide guidance for landowners and local communities on how to manage Catskills streams in accord with the unique conditions found here. Click here to see if a Plan has been developed for the watershed in which you live or work.
Check into existing watershed stewardship programs
Many programs already exist for assisting streamside landowners monetarily and in-kind with stewardship activities. One place to learn about these opportunities is through the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC), which has programs in septic rehabilitation, stormwater retrofits, local technical assistance, education, and economic development. Forest landowners may be eligible for assistance through Watershed Agricultural Council’s (WAC’s) Forestry Program or through the Catskill Forest Association. Agricultural landowners may be eligible to participate in WAC’s Whole Farm Planning Program. The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development and CWC have several workshops and programs for watershed teachers. A Guide created by the Watershed Environmental Education Alliance lists education facilities and resources.