Upcoming Events
NYSDEC-Endorsed Four-Hour Erosion & Sediment Control (E&SC) Training
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Greene County Emergency Services Building, 25 Volunteer Dr., Cairo, NY 12413
The Four-Hour Erosion & Sediment Control Training is a required course for certain contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and other qualified individuals that will be involved with the implementation of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan on a construction site that has coverage under a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity. Trainees will gain knowledge on erosion and sediment control practices, how to perform site inspections, and where to turn to get technical assistance on erosion and sediment control problems.
A Stormwater Trainee Identification Number will be assigned to each person that completes the NYSDEC four-hour training. This Identification Number will be registered with the NYSDEC and is valid for three years.
Municipal officials (such as code enforcement officials) may be able to use this course towards Professional Development Elective (PDE) hours. Contact the NYSDOS directly for more information on reporting your PDEs.
This training does not allow contractors to conduct their own Qualified Weekly Inspections.
The cost for this training is $75.00, and includes lunch and refreshments. The fee is payable by check (made out to GCSWCD), and is nonrefundable. Scholarships may be available - inquire about eligibility prior to sending your payment. Due to assigned training numbers, registrations cannot be transferred after the registration deadline.
Registrations must be received by Monday, February 27th!
To register electronically, please navigate to the following link:
https://forms.gle/buqr5eJZpptE8gjR8
For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 518-622-3620
Programs Available
Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)
GCSWCD staff are available to help farmers interested in participating in the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program. This state program was designed to enhance farm operations while protecting natural resources. As part of the program, staff evaluate current agricultural practices, offer conservations plans to address concerns, and connect the farm with available financial or technical assistance. Participation in AEM is a requirement for NYS Grown & Certified. To learn more about AEM, visit: https://agriculture.ny.gov/soil-and-water/agricultural-environmental-management
Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative (CSBI)
Are you a landowner with streamside property located within the Schoharie Reservoir watershed? If so, are you interested in improving the wildlife habitat within your streamside area and protecting your streambanks from erosion during future storm events?
The Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative at GCSWCD is a cost-free streamside planting program that may be able to help.
Landowners that participate in the CSBI program work with our knowledgeable staff to develop an individualized planting plan to enhance or restore their streamside area, known as the riparian buffer zone, with native trees and flowering shrubs.
Why should landowners participate? Riparian buffers function as an integral part of the stream ecosystem. There are many benefits to creating or increasing the size of a riparian buffer along a stream. Some of these examples include:
• Streambank stabilization
• Increased wildlife habitat to attract birds and pollinators
• Improved water quality
• Flood resiliency
No stream is too small or too large to benefit from a riparian buffer.
Riparian buffers come in all shapes and sizes and we work with each CSBI participant to determine the best fit for their streamside property. An ideal riparian buffer planting begins at the water’s edge and has an average width of 50 to 100 feet to provide maximum benefits.
Landowners can help restore and protect riparian buffers, which in turn restore and protect the quality of our streams.
For more information about the CSBI program, or to learn more about the benefits of riparian buffers, click here or contact Laura at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 518-622-3620.