Walton, NY, January 25, 2023– The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) is pleased to announce that Columbia University’s Center for Climate Systems Research (CCSR) and Agricultural Modeling Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) have been awarded $2.95 million in Congressional Community Project Funding from Congressman Nadler and Senator Schumer for “Addressing Climate Challenges to Agriculture and Water Quality in the New York City Watershed.”
This project provides an opportunity for WAC to collaborate with a global alliance of agriculture and climate modelers, scientists and economists to address recommendations from the National Academy of Science’s 2018 review of the Watershed Protection Plan. CCSR and AgMIP, with support from NYC DEP, will provide WAC support to develop a climate action plan, assess BMP performance and program metrics and develop landscape modeling to assist with BMP prioritization. This project will enhance WAC’s work with farmers and agriculture within the watershed to implement management practices to protect water quality and support the economic viability of farming and rural communities.
“Good data provides the basis for informed decisions, which eventually leads to action,” Ryan Naatz, WAC Executive Director, said. “WAC applauds Columbia’s research goals and we look forward to working collaboratively with a long-term goal of incorporating science-based recommendations into our mission”
More information about the project can be found here: Columbia University Press Release