Watershed Agricultural Council Revenue and Competitors

Since 1993 the Council has strived to protect both the rural, land-based economy of the Watershed region and the drinking water quality of a reservoir system that serves over nine million New Yorkers. Partnering with farmers, agri-businesses, woodland owners, forest industry professionals and others, the Council furthers both regional business profitability and environmental stewardship. It also assists private landowners in using a variety of best management practices, education, tools and approaches, such as conservation easements, to keep property within a working landscape. The Council protects over 27,000 acres of farmland through conservation easements, and works with over 500 farmers and 1,000 forest landowners in the Croton, Catskill and Delaware Watersheds. Working extensively through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, government agencies and community stakeholders, the Council's collaborations support a watershed management industry that employs hundreds of people throughout the region. Funded in part by New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Forest Service, U.S.D.A and other sources, the Watershed Agricultural Council and its programs can be found at nycwatershed.org. The Council oversees the regional buy local economic initiative Pure Catskills that connects regional farm, food and wood product businesses who depend on working landscapes and their products to consumers and outside markets through direct marketing and online campaigns. Over 280 member businesses band together for brand recognition and consumer recognition under this regional branding campaign. For more on Pure Catskills, visit purecatskills.com.