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.
Our Team
Caitlin Stewart, District Manager
After receiving a BS in Environmental Science and Geography from SUNY Oneonta and a MS in Geoscience from UMass Amherst, Caitlin began her career as a Conservation Educator at the District in 2008. In 2019, she transitioned to Manager. Caitlin stokes her life with outdoor adventures with her dog, Artemis.
Lenny Croote, District Technician
Lenny began his career with the District in 2002, and oversees the sediment and erosion control program, Adirondack tree and shrub sale, and septic system program. When not in the office working on permits or GIS, he is found in the field assisting municipalities with flooding issues or landowners with invasive plants. His certifications include Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative, Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training Network, and Certified Pesticide Applicator category 3A.
Katie WhitKovits, District Technician
Katie began working with Conservation Districts as a summer intern at SUNY Oneonta in 2012. She went on to work for Herkimer County SWCD from 2017-2022 until she finally happily landed here in Hamilton County. Katie has experience with education and outreach, invasive species programs, and an array of fieldwork. At the Hamilton County SWCD, she leads the Agricultural Environmental Management Program, Envirothon, and Conservation Field Day. She loves kayaking, camping, and anything else she can enjoy out in the Adirondacks with her husband and dogs.
Marj Remias, Clerk and Secretary to the Board
Marj joined the District in 2017 as Secretary/Treasurer. As an early retiree and native of the Adirondacks, she has found a new home here with the District. Marj is often selling grass seed or straw, receiving water samples, or directing inquiries to staff when not doing office work. As a nature enthusiast, she is very happy to be working in a conservation capacity.
Board of Directors
Victoria Buyce, Chairperson
John M. Stortecky, Vice Chairperson
Chris D. Rhodes, Town Supervisor
Betsy Bain, 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
Board Meetings & Minutes
Board meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month
unless rescheduled, at 9:30 AM at the Hamilton County SWCD office,
Inlet Highway Department, and virtually.
The public is welcome to attend.
Minutes and Agenda
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.