The Essex County SWCD, NY was formed in 1965. Soil and Water Conservation Districts are special purpose districts, authorized under NYS law and created to develop and carry out programs of soil, water and related natural resource conservation by providing technical assistance and programs to residents, land owners and units of government. Our office is located in the basement of the Essex County Department of Public Works in Elizabethtown, NY.

Board of Directors
 Michael Tyler- Chairman; Board of Supervisors rep
James Monty - Vice Chairman; Board of Supervisors rep
David Blades - Grange rep 
Bernard Leerkes - Farm Bureau rep
Anna Reynolds - At Large rep

District Staff

District Manager: Alice Halloran (ahalloran@westelcom.com)

Alice has a Master's Degree in Environmental Biology and has worked for the District for several years.  Her previous work experience includes jobs as an engineering technician, Assistant Forest Ranger, Ski patroller, and land survey technician.  Alice grew up in Minerva and enjoys adventuring in the Adirondacks and beyond. 

Secretary: Lois Sayward (lsayward@westelcom.com)
Lois has been with the District since 2011 as the Secretary/Treasurer to the Board and the Records Management Officer. Prior to joining the Essex County Soil and Water team, she served as Secretary to the Supervisor in the Town of Essex for 25 years. She is married to Dairy Farmer George Sayward and enjoys spending time with their family. 
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District Technician:  Olivia Dickenson 
(odickenson@westelcom.com)
Olivia has a Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies and Geology.  She started at the district as a summer intern doing roadside erosion assessments in 2018 and in October 2018 became a technician. She handles the district's Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program and all things GIS. 

 District Technician: Daniel Berheide
 (dberheide@westelcom.com)
Daniel Berheide is our newest full time hire and is a graduate of School of Forestry, University of British Columbia.   He is working on grants for green infrastructure and stormwater management, coordinates the youth summer education program, assists with the AEM program, and runs the District's forestry program.    

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