Upcoming Events
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
Greene County Flood Maps, Determinations & Letters of Map Change Training
December 14, 2022; 1:00-3:00 PM
Greene County Emergency Services Building, 25 Volunteer Dr., Cairo, NY 12413
This 2-hour training goes over the mapping side of the NFIP. Some of the topics covered include:
- how to use the various maps (paper, digital, online resources, GIS);
- navigating the websites available for maps and other relevant information;
- forms and processes for individual property owners and others to use when map changes are needed.
This training will be led by David Sherman of NYSDEC, and has been approved for Certified Code Enforcement Officials (CEOs) credits by the NYS Department of State's Division of Building Standards and Codes. CEOs will receive 2 credits: 1 credit for Topic 1 (Enforcement and Administration) and 1 credit for Topic 2 (Uniform Code).
In addition to CEOs, this training is appropriate for planners, contractors, building inspectors, and county and municipal staff. Please contact the governing body of your town, village, or county to determine if this training can be applied to annual training requirements.
This is a free training provided by NYSDEC through support from FEMA.
To register electronically, please navigate to the following link:
https://forms.gle/YRBDZ45k7MuG9yes6
For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 518-622-3620
Programs Available
Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)
GCSWCD staff are available to help farmers interested in participating in the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program. This state program was designed to enhance farm operations while protecting natural resources. As part of the program, staff evaluate current agricultural practices, offer conservations plans to address concerns, and connect the farm with available financial or technical assistance. Participation in AEM is a requirement for NYS Grown & Certified. To learn more about AEM, visit: https://agriculture.ny.gov/soil-and-water/agricultural-environmental-management
Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative (CSBI)
Are you a landowner with streamside property located within the Schoharie Reservoir watershed? If so, are you interested in improving the wildlife habitat within your streamside area and protecting your streambanks from erosion during future storm events?
The Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative at GCSWCD is a cost-free streamside planting program that may be able to help.
Landowners that participate in the CSBI program work with our knowledgeable staff to develop an individualized planting plan to enhance or restore their streamside area, known as the riparian buffer zone, with native trees and flowering shrubs.
Why should landowners participate? Riparian buffers function as an integral part of the stream ecosystem. There are many benefits to creating or increasing the size of a riparian buffer along a stream. Some of these examples include:
• Streambank stabilization
• Increased wildlife habitat to attract birds and pollinators
• Improved water quality
• Flood resiliency
No stream is too small or too large to benefit from a riparian buffer.
Riparian buffers come in all shapes and sizes and we work with each CSBI participant to determine the best fit for their streamside property. An ideal riparian buffer planting begins at the water’s edge and has an average width of 50 to 100 feet to provide maximum benefits.
Landowners can help restore and protect riparian buffers, which in turn restore and protect the quality of our streams.
For more information about the CSBI program, or to learn more about the benefits of riparian buffers, click here or contact Laura at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 518-622-3620.