PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Protecting and improving water quality is a primary goal of Soil and Water Districts.  We have the expertise to assist with planning, designing, and constructing erosion control measures, nutrient management systems, and stormwater management practices.  In addition to providing practical solutions to enhance and preserve our natural resources, we also take an active role in promoting environmental conservation education at schools as well as in the local communities.

AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION

* No-till Equipment Rental Service:
- Contact our office at 845-343-1873 to find out about our No-Till Equipment rental program.  The District currently rents 2 No-Till Seed Drills and 2 Conservation Corn Planters.
- 2016 No-Till Agreement

* Other Equipment Available:
   1.  Tire Cutter (Removes Sidewalls)
   2.  Boom Mower (Used primarily for grass ditchbanks 
        on the black dirt)
   3.  Rhino Slide Out Brush Hog

* Technical and Financial Assistance for the Design 
   and Installation of Soil & Water Conservation  
   Practices:
   1.  Barnyard Runoff Control
   2.  Stream Protection
   3.  Cropland Erosion Control
   4.  Nutrient Management (Judicious use of 
        fertilizer/manure/crop amendments)

* Other Agriculture Support:
   1.  Agricultural Assessment Assistance
   2.  Farmland Preservation Programs (Assist in 
        securing funds & technical support)
   3.  Administrative & Technical Assistance to the 
        Wallkill Valley Drainage Improvement Association
   4.  AEM Horse Manure Management - Composting  
        Facility

  OTHER PROGRAMS 
 

• Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale: (Economical source of plant materials for wildlife enhancement, soil & water conservation, and beautification) 
• Pond Construction & Management Advice
• Fish Fingerling Sales   (Program has been discontinued - click below for information on where to purchase fish):
  
  
  1. Where Do I Purchase Fish Now?
  2. Grass Carp Permit Application
  3. Other Fish Permit Application
  4. Species Descriptions
  5. Companies That Help with Aquatic Vegetation Removal
  6. Barley Straw Helps Control Algae in Your Pond!      

• Natural Resources Maps & Technical Information:
• 1. Technical Publications
  2. Online Soil Maps

URBAN CONSERVATION

*  Site Plan Review Service: Stormwater management    
    & erosion sediment control concerns (Certified  
    Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control on staff)

* Water Quality Coordinating Committee: Conservation  
   District chairs group of County Agency heads & other 
   water quality professionals who meet to coordinate  
   local efforts/secure water quality funding

* Assist communities in implementing their   
   Stormwater Management Plans

Productive farmland next to the Neversink River in the Town of Deerpark was destined to become a commercial sand and gravel operation before being purchased by the Nature Conservancy (TNC). In 2002, TNC established 20 acres of native warm season grass on this land using the Conservation District's no-till seeder.  

​Grass buffer strip separating crop field from a stream.   

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​The District's Tree & Shrub Seedling Program is an annual event, usually the 3rd weekend in April.  

​
Stormwater Pond  

With a mix of fescue grasses on ditch banks and a winter cover of small grain (usually barley or oats), this Orange County black dirt land is well protected.  

​Gary Keeton from the Bashakill Area Association has taught 6th graders about local wildlife every year for 20 years in a row at the Soil & Water Conservation District's Conservation Field Days Event.

​Erosion from unprotected construction sites is a growing 
concern in Orange County.  New Stormwater laws require controls on sites disturbing more than one acre. Vigorous enforcement will be necessary for these regulations to be effective.