About the WAC Conservation Easement Program: Administration, Staff, & Mapping

WAC’s Conservation Easement Program (“CE Program”) was initially prescribed in the 1997 New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement as part of the Land Acquisition Program (“LAP”). The LAP seeks to acquire land and conservation easements in the West of Hudson watershed for the purpose of protecting New York City’s drinking water supply. It includes programs managed by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) and, independently, WAC’s CE Program.

WAC CE Program Funding

WAC’s CE Program is funded by the DEP via contract. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the New York State Department of Health (“DOH”) recognize the importance of the CE Program and have required a total commitment of over $70 million to date. This level of funding ensures the program can successfully continue with adequate resources to meet the future expected level of demand.

WAC CE Program Governance

The Easement Committee provides oversight and grants approval for certain matters of the WAC CE Program. The committee must consist of no more than eight (8) members appointed by WAC and one representative appointed by the DEP. A unanimous vote of a full quorum is required for all matters related to the acquisition and stewardship of WAC’s Conservation Easements.

Public Meetings

Easement Committee meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month; agendas establishing the time and location of each meeting are posted here. Under WAC’s Transparency Policy, Easement Committee meetings are open to the public. Additionally, the Easement Committee makes available for public inspection all records except those that are exempt from disclosure.