A vibrant rainbow arches over a lake with wooded hills in the background.

Upholding Our Mission

The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District has been working to manage and promote the wise use of natural resources in Hamilton County since 1965. Our team is committed to getting conservation on the ground in all corners of the county. Frequent training, certifications, and professional development enhance staff expertise. Diversified programs and services support landowners, municipalities, schools, and natural resources. Core programs include watershed monitoring, sediment and erosion control, invasive species management, and conservation education.

Funding sources include New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, the Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance, the Environmental Protection Fund, Hamilton County, grant awards, and earned income programs.  We thank these organizations and partners for their support!    

 

Green paint splash on a white background with rough edges.

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.

Read More

People fishing on a boat and a boy walking on a dock with fishing gear.
Gray silhouette of a car against a green background.

Our Team

Woman smiling on a boat holding equipment.

Caitlin Stewart

District Manager

Caitlin's career with the District spans over decades. In the summers of 2003 and 2004, she worked as a water quality intern. After graduating with a BS degree in Environmental Science and Geography from SUNY Oneonta and an MS in Geoscience from UMass Amherst, she came on full time with the district in 2008 as the Conservation Educator. In 2019, she transitioned to manager. Caitlin stokes her life with outdoor adventures with her dogs Hurricane and Artemis and never takes it for granted that she lives, works her dream job, and plays in the Adirondacks.

Learn More
Man working in dense green vegetation.

Lenny Croote

Senior 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.

Learn More
Smiling person with equipment on a boat.

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, Environ, and Conservation Field Day. She loves kayaking, camping, and anything else she can enjoy out in the Adirondacks with her husband and dogs.

Learn More
Woman holding twigs in outdoor setting.

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.

Learn More
Green paint splash on a white background with rough edges.

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

Katherine Girard

District Conservationist, Natural Resources and Conservation Service

Ryan Cunningham

Associate Environmental Analyst, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee
Gray silhouette of a car against a green background.

Board Meetings and 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