It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dave Cammer, a Council and Committee member of the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) from 1996-2023. During his tenure at WAC, Dave served as chair of the Forestry Committee and Vice Chair of the Executive Committee. He was a member of the Finance, Conservation Easements, Building, Agriculture, East of Hudson, Endowment and Resource Development Committees.
“Dave was a foundational part of WAC and the epitome of agricultural and community service. He brought a farmer’s perspective, practical wisdom, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the Council’s work. He was a staple at our Finance, Agriculture, Forestry, and full Council meetings, making the drive of well over an hour, meeting after meeting, for decades. On the rare occasions he couldn’t attend, you could count on him to let you know well in advance. That was Dave. He took his responsibilities seriously and understood the importance of showing up well-prepared.
Over the years, I came to appreciate just how much his steady hand meant to WAC. Dave listened, considered the issues, asked the right questions, and helped bring discussions back on track. His perspective was grounded in real experience, and his contributions helped guide decisions affecting the farms, forests, and communities throughout the Watershed. He understood that our work was about more than programs, policies, or budgets. It was about people, their livelihoods, and the future of the communities they call home. Working with Dave also meant getting to know his subtle, quick-witted, and very sarcastic sense of humor. He didn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to make his point, and a well-timed pun or dry observation could sometimes say more than any lengthy discussion ever could.
Dave helped make WAC a stronger organization and shaped the culture of service and responsibility that defines it today. On behalf of WAC, and personally, I am tremendously grateful to have worked alongside him for so many years. We are better for having had him as a Council member, and a friend. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy and the lasting impact of his contributions will endure.” -Ryan Naatz, Executive Director
(Photo of Wayland “Bud” Gladstone (right) presenting David Cammer with this plaque on behalf of the Watershed Agricultural Council for his 27 years of service on the board on December 22, 2023.)
