The New York City Soil and Water Conservation District (NYCSWCD) was established under Chapter 785 of the 1990 Laws of New York and became
effective January 1, 1991. NYCSWCD is a representative body of the five boroughs of New York City whose purpose is to conserve the soil
and water resources of New York City, to improve water quality, to control and prevent soil erosion and sediment damage, to preserve and
enhance natural resources, to control and abate non-point sources of water pollution, to protect public lands and to promote the health,
safety and general welfare of the city.
NYCSWCD acts as a liaison between government planning agencies and communities, ensuring community input into the public planning process.
The Jamaica Bay Task Force, a non-profit group, has been re-established, thanks in part to the partnership with Friends of Gateway (FoG).
The Task Force meetings feature presentations and discussions on Jamaica Bay-related issues, as well as projects and programs taking place
in the bay, ranging from the Jamaica Bay Marsh Islands Ecosystem Restoration Project (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) to the Jamaica Bay
Watershed Protection Plan (New York City Department of Environmental Protection).
Activities/Projects:
As the New York City City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) constructs the Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan (JBWPP), NYCSWCD
is assisting the DEP in coordinating Education Committee meetings to develop specific educational strategies for inclusion in the Plan. Representatives
from the National Park Service (NPS), academia, and community groups are gathering on a monthly basis to discuss projects and programs across
the New York City area that could be modified to include Jamaica Bay-related issues or expanded for implementation in the Jamaica Bay watershed.
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