Narrative of Resolution:
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Oppose proposed NYS Soil & Water Conservation District Law Changes
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RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OPPOSING THE PROPOSED NYS SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT LAW CHANGES
WHEREAS, the Districts have existed for over 70 years in local communities and were established due to the local needs of every diverse geographical region with locally led leadership, and
WHEREAS, the Sullivan County Legislature was notified by the New York Association of Conservation District of the proposed changes to District Law Article 2 - Section 4-12 which governs established bylaws for every local soil and water conservation district (District) in New York State that would have a negative impact management of environmental issues, local land management consequences and impacts on County operations, and
WHEREAS, Soil and Water District’s currently provide all counties in New York State with environmental services including but not limited to climate resiliency, watershed monitoring, soil health protection, sediment and erosion control, nutrient reduction, stormwater management, forestry management, water quality improvement, education and technical training, invasive species mitigation, green infrastructure, best management implementation, technical assistance for private citizens, municipalities, and the state. Soil and Water Conservation Districts strive to make our programs and services inclusive and open for everyone, while continuing to develop continuing service-based programs and staff development, and
WHEREAS, changing structure to District Boards would have a major impact on the ability to make decisions through informed partners on the very issues that Districts deal with every day, and
WHEREAS, the change in legislation also give opportunity for local communities to abolish this entity that has provided opportunities to address the needs on all land, both public and private, while also acting as a conduit for land management state aid to local communities, and
WHEREAS, moving to watershed structured law changes would also impact other local initiatives that Sullivan County receives funding for through other sources and changes how planning would be done as watersheds extend past County/Municipal boundaries.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature strongly opposes proposed legislative actions for changes related to District Law, and asks the NYS Association of Counties to oppose the changes because of the long term economic and environmental resource impacts to small communities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED. That the Clerk to the Legislature forward this resolution via email to the NYS Association of Counties.
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