Soil and Water Conservation District

The Aquatic Restoration Program of the Westchester County Department of Planning and Soil and Water Conservation District provides a unique opportunity to educate and reach out to the public about environmental issues. In the photos above, county staff and high school volunteers work together on restored dunes at the Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye City.

The Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a special purpose District created to develop and carry out a program of soil, water and related natural resources conservation. Environmental professional staff of the Westchester County Department of Planning serves the seven-member citizen Board of Directors.  The Westchester County SWCD has developed a program with a district urban/suburban conservation orientation, and considers a wide range of soil and water resources conservation concerns, including:

  • Restoring streams, freshwater and tidal wetlands and other natural resources to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, and retrofitting stormwater management facilities to improve water quality (see Aquatic Restoration Program)
  • Protecting and managing streams, wetlands, ponds, lakes, reservoirs and floodplains
  • Controlling erosion and sedimentation as well as polluted stormwater (i.e., nonpoint source pollution) by advocating the use of best management practices through public education and outreach.

  • Encouraging and facilitating the development and implementation of soil and water resources conservation practices and strategies based on watershed-wide perspectives and analyses

  • Promoting sound soil and water resources conservation techniques and natural resources stewardship through public outreach and education

Erosion and Sediment Control Construction Activity Training Workshop January 29, 2009

The Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District and Department of Planning are presenting an Erosion and Sediment Control Construction Activity Training Workshop on January 29, 2009 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.  The workshop will be presented by Donald Lake, P.E., CPESC, CPSWQ.  This workshop will benefit contractors, developers, erosion and sediment control inspectors, planning board members and municipal staff and others who are involved in the installation, construction, repair, maintenance or inspection of erosion and sediment control measures or construction of post-construction stormwater management practices at SPDES-permitted construction sites.  This workshop is endorsed by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and provides the required 4-hour training for compliance with the NY-SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity (GP-0-08-001)

Go to flyer containing detailed information and registration form.  The form should be mailed with payment to Lisa Vasilakos, Westchester County Department of Planning/SWCD, 148 Martine Avenue, Room 432, White Plains, NY 10601. For questions, please contact Lisa Vasilakos at 914-995-4407 or lav2@westchestergov.com

 

This new sediment basin at Gardens Lake in Mamaroneck is part of the District's efforts to improve water quality.


The District's Aquatic Restoration Program includes the restoration of East Creek at Flint Park in Larchmont.


The District's 2007 accomplishments were varied, from stream restoration and polluted stormwater control projects to the sponsorship of professional technical workshops and production of water quality protection brochures for residents.  The District's successes are noted in its 2007 Annual Report

The ambitious 2008 work plan features the design and construction of a variety of natural resources restoration and polluted stormwater control projects as well as the development of educational workshops and brochures.  The District will continue its partnership with other districts and agencies to further its mutual soil and water conservation and management goals.  The District's objectives this year are noted in its 2008 Work Plan
 

District Board of Directors:
Stephen Coleman, Chair
Daniel Seidel, Vice Chair
Marc Godick, Treasurer
Susan Carpenter
Elizabeth Paul
Sandra Reyes-Guerra
Terry Singer
Associate Directors:
Jan Blaire
Robert Del Torto
Michael Estremera
Phyllis Wittner
District Staff:
Robert Doscher, District Manager
Lisa Vasilakos, Environmental Planner
Linda Dillon, Administrative Assistant


Improving water quality through better stormwater management practices is a District priority.

The District's work program also involves a number of other activities including the:

Technical services provided by staff, including assistance with:

  • interpreting the USDA-NRCS Soil Survey of Putnam and Westchester Counties

  • stormwater management and water quality protection, including the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual

  • erosion and sediment control

  • natural resources and ecosystem protection and management

  • environmental mapping, such as National Wetlands Inventory, Tidal Wetlands, Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas, Flood Zone, and Historic Aerial Photographs

Technical Manuals and Brochures Available From The District:

Model Ordinances Available From The District:

A team of students from John Jay High School (pictured at right) won the 17th annual Hudson Valley Regional Envirothon.  The Envirothon was held at Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill on April 29, 2008.

 

Related Links:

 

For further information, contact:
Robert Doscher, District Manager
(914) 995-4423 FAX (914) 995-3780
rrd1@westchestergov.com
or Lisa Vasilakos, Environmental Planner
(914)995-4407 FAX (914)995-3780
lav2@westchestergov.com
Westchester County Department of Planning
148 Martine Avenue, Room 432
White Plains, NY 10601

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