Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC)
The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) partners with farm and forest landowners across the New York City Watershed to protect clean drinking water for more than nine million New York residents.
Through Whole Farm Plans, Forest Management Plans, and Conservation Easements, we help landowners implement sustainable practices that improve water quality, reduce pollution, and strengthen working lands in both the Croton and Catskill/Delaware Watersheds.
Widely recognized as a model public–private partnership, WAC uses a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) approach—an incentive-based system that empowers private landowners to act as stewards of New York City’s drinking water. Thanks to their voluntary participation, more than 1.1 billion gallons of clean water flow to city residents every day.
Our work is guided by three pillars
1
Voluntary landowner participation
in watershed programs.
2
Local control
through our nonprofit structure.
3
Robust partnerships and funding
from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, USDA, United States Forest Service, and others.
Collaboration is central to our approach. WAC partners with local, regional, state, and federal agencies—as well as nonprofits—drawing on the expertise of Cornell Cooperative Extensions, County Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Together, we provide landowners with the technical guidance, resources, and financial support needed to protect water and sustain working landscapes.
Mission
To promote the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, protect water quality, and conserve working landscapes through strong local leadership and sustainable public–private partnerships.
Vision
A watershed where agriculture and forestry remain vital ways of life, water quality is safeguarded through science-based practices, and working lands are preserved for future generations.
Values
Balance: Protecting water while sustaining working farms and forests.
Stewardship: Conserving natural resources within active landscapes.
Science-based Solutions: Applying proven best management practices.
Collaboration: Building strong partnerships that advance our mission.
Service: Supporting landowners, partners, and communities with care.
Sustainability: Strengthening agriculture and forestry for the long term.