2

Upholding Our Mission

The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District team is committed to getting conservation on the ground to all corners of the county. Frequent training and certifications enhance staff expertise, reliable customer service, innovative technology, and diverse programs and services that support landowners, municipalities, and natural resources. Core programs include watershed monitoring, sediment and erosion control, invasive species, and conservation education.

History

In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt combated the Dust Bowl by passing legislation that supported the establishment of Soil and Water Conservation Districts to conserve soil and water. The Soil and Water Conservation District Law was adopted by the State of New York in 1940. The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District was established by the Board of Supervisors on February 4, 1965.

Hamilton County is one of only two in New York State that is located entirely within Adirondack Park. This area is renowned for its wealth of natural resources, including mountains, forests, and over 500 lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. One of only two counties in the state that is located entirely within Adirondack Park, the area is renowned for its wealth of natural resources, including mountains, forests, and over 500 lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

Hamilton County is the third largest and least populated county in the state, with an area of 1,808 mi2 and a 2020 population of 5,107 year-round residents. The county is rural, with no fast-food restaurants, chain hotels, stoplights, or shopping malls. People depend on locally owned and operated businesses for food, gasoline, and commodities. 63% of the land is state-owned Forest Preserve and remains unaltered by development. 89% of the county is forested, 5% is water, and 6% is open areas and hamlets.

Our team gets conservation on the ground with diversified projects and services that manage and promote these vital soil and water resources.

Design Element

Our Team

Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District
4
Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District
3

Board of Directors

Victoria Buyce, Chairperson
John M. Stortecky, Vice Chairperson
Betsy Bain, Town Supervisor
Beth Hunt, Town Supervisor
Shawn Hansen, Member-at-Large

Partners

Vacant, District Conservationist, Natural Resources and Conservation Service
Ryan Cunningham, Associate Environmental Analyst, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee

Design Element

Water Quality Coordinating Committee

The mission of the Hamilton County Water Quality Coordinating Committee is to maintain and restore the quality and quantity of water resources in Hamilton County using a coordinated, comprehensive, and educational interagency approach.

As determined by WQCC members, protecting Hamilton County's waters is of the utmost importance. Water quality concerns include invasive species, road salt, faulty septic systems, sedimentation, shoreline development, harmful algal blooms, and public education. Funding is continuously sought to remediate these concerns with appropriate best management practices.

WQCC Information

  • Water Quality Strategy

  • June 2023 Meeting Minutes