County Awarded DEC Grant for Watershed Protection, Community Education
Published on March 26, 2026
Ulster County Awarded $75,000 DEC Grant to Advance Watershed Protection and Community Education
KINGSTON, NY- Ulster County has been awarded $75,000 through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Grants Program to strengthen watershed management and expand community engagement in the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek watersheds. The award is part of nearly $1 million in grants announced by DEC for 14 projects that safeguard water resources and enhance environmental education across Hudson River communities.
Ulster County’s project, “Ulster County Watersheds Coordinator Support to Local Alliances,” will help implement watershed management plans for the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek. The funding will support education and outreach efforts, riparian buffer plantings, and public communication on proper sewer system use — key strategies for improving water quality and protecting the Hudson River Estuary. These activities will help accelerate priority actions identified by local watershed groups and strengthen community participation in watershed stewardship. In addition to this planning and outreach work, Ulster County will also provide direct technical assistance to watershed groups to help advance on‑the‑ground projects and improve water‑quality outcomes.
The initiative builds on needs assessments conducted with the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance (WRWA) and the Rondout Creek Watershed Alliance (RCWA), both of which have strong foundational plans but limited resources for implementation. The project will help strengthen these alliances by developing annual work plans, creating systems to track progress on watershed goals, supporting RCWA in defining its organizational structure, and coordinating public outreach campaigns and events in each watershed. At least one riparian buffer planting will be completed in both the Wallkill and Rondout watersheds.
These efforts directly support the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda by increasing riparian buffers, expanding public engagement, and improving access to healthy waterways. They also complement Ulster County’s broader work to improve water quality, strengthen climate resilience, and support community‑driven environmental initiatives.
“This award from DEC is an important investment in the health of the Wallkill and Rondout watersheds and the communities that depend on them,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “By strengthening our local watershed alliances and expanding education and outreach, we can accelerate on‑the‑ground improvements that protect water quality and build long‑term resilience. We are grateful to Commissioner Lefton and the DEC for supporting this work and for their continued commitment to the Hudson River Estuary.”
“This funding will help Ulster County and our partners take meaningful steps toward implementing watershed plans that have been years in the making,” said Deputy County Executive Amanda LaValle. “By supporting education, riparian restoration, and stronger coordination among local groups, this project will advance practical, community‑driven solutions to improve water quality. We appreciate DEC’s partnership and look forward to the progress ahead.”
“Building the capacity of community groups working on the Rondout Creek and Wallkill River is a great way to jumpstart water quality in Ulster County,” said Andy Bicking, Director of the Ulster County Department of the Environment. “Fostering collaboration and providing technical support are two ways the Department of the Environment can help create the conditions for local success. We are grateful to the State’s Hudson River Estuary Program for this important funding opportunity.”
The Hudson River Estuary Grants Program is funded through New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund and supports priorities outlined in the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2021–2025.