Ulster County Receives $75K State Grant for Watershed Protection, Education Efforts

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Ulster County has been awarded $75,000 through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Grants Program to support watershed management and expand public education efforts in the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek watersheds.

The funding is part of nearly $1 million distributed by the DEC for 14 projects aimed at protecting water resources and enhancing environmental education in communities along the Hudson River.

Ulster County’s project, “Ulster County Watersheds Coordinator Support to Local Alliances,” will focus on implementing watershed management plans for the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek. Officials said the grant will fund outreach and education initiatives, riparian buffer plantings, and public information campaigns on proper sewer system use — all intended to improve water quality and protect the Hudson River Estuary.

The county will also provide technical assistance to local watershed groups to help advance projects and improve water-quality outcomes.

The effort builds on needs assessments conducted with the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance and the Rondout Creek Watershed Alliance. County officials said both groups have established plans but limited capacity to carry them out.

Under the project, the county will help develop annual work plans, track progress on watershed goals, support organizational development for the Rondout alliance, and coordinate public outreach campaigns and events. At least one riparian buffer planting is planned in each watershed.

County officials said the initiative aligns with goals in the state’s Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda, including expanding riparian buffers, increasing community engagement, and improving access to healthy waterways. The work also supports broader county efforts to strengthen climate resilience and advance community-driven environmental projects.

“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.”

Deputy County Executive Amanda LaValle said the funding will help move long-planned watershed initiatives forward.

“This funding will help Ulster County and our partners take meaningful steps toward implementing watershed plans that have been years in the making,” LaValle said. “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.”

Andy Bicking, director of the Ulster County Department of the Environment, said building the capacity of local groups is key to improving water quality.

“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,” Bicking said. “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’s Environmental Protection Fund and supports priorities outlined in the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda for 2021–2025.