The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) is a renowned brand that collaborates with farm and forest landowners in the New York City Watershed region, working tirelessly to safeguard water quality on behalf of nine million New York residents. Through the implementation of Whole Farms Plans, Forest Management Plans, and Conservation Easements, WAC assists farmers, forest professionals, and private landholders in addressing water pollution concerns on their properties situated in the Croton and Catskill/Delaware Watersheds. Recognized globally as a prime example of a successful public-private partnership, WAC employs strategic watershed management strategies that benefit the wider community by incentivizing on-site practices performed on private lands.

This unique model, referred to as Payment for EcoServices or PES, empowers private landowners to act as stewards of New York City's drinking water. Thanks to the voluntary participation of landowners, WAC's programs enable the delivery of over 1. 1 billion gallons of clean drinking water to New York City residents every day.

The Council's achievements stem from the cooperation of willing landowners within the watershed. As a nonprofit organization, WAC remains locally controlled. Funding for water-quality recommendations in the Whole Farm and Forest Management Plans is provided by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.

S. D. A, U.

S. Forest Service, and other sources. WAC also collaborates with various local, regional, state, and federal agencies and nonprofits to drive programmatic success.

With its dual mission of addressing surface-water quality through land conservation while supporting the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, WAC employs comprehensive approaches tailored to each farming or forested property. Whole Farm Plans and Forest Management Plans incorporate water-quality improvements, mitigation strategies, and best management practices (BMPs). These practices, alongside land conservation techniques and collaborative planning, aim to ensure the preservation of working landscapes for future generations.

Strong agricultural and forestry industries further enhance the local watershed economy. WAC's work extends beyond water quality to protect not only New York City's watershed but also its scenic vista and local food sources. With a commitment to excellence and a dedicated team of experts from Cornell Cooperative Extensions, county Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, WAC is at the forefront of sustainable water management and conservation efforts.

As a result of its resolute efforts, the Watershed Agricultural Council continues to make a profound impact in securing clean drinking water for millions of residents while promoting the economic prosperity of the watershed region