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

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:

• USDA-NRCS Earth Team Volunteer Program, especially the Streamwalk Program

• Regional and State Envirothon

• County Agricultural Program

• New York City Water Supply Watershed Whole Farm Planning Initiatives

• Lower Hudson Coalition of Conservation Districts (LHCCD) along with New York City and the counties of Ulster, Rockland, Rensselaer, Putnam, Orange, Greene, Dutchess, Columbia and Albany.

• Lower Hudson – Long Island Resource Conservation & Development Council including the counties of Ulster, Suffolk, Rockland, Putnam, Nassau and Dutchess, and New York City.

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:

• NYS Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control

• New York Guidelines for Urban Erosion and Sediment Control

• New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual

• Addendum to New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual (Alternative Stormwater Management Practices)

• Addendum to New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual (Redevelopment Strategy)

• Addendum to New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual (Proprietary Practices)

• Westchester County Best Management Practices Manual for Stormwater Management 

• Westchester County Best Management Practices Manual for Individual Sewerage Systems

• Westchester County - A Guide to Aquatic Buffers

• Step by Step: Your Guide to Cleaner Water

Model Ordinances Available From The District:

• Erosion and Sediment Control

• Wetland and Watercourse Protection

• Stormwater Management Guide for Local Officials

Related Links:

• New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee

• New York State Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts

• United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)

• National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)

 

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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