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
Michael Davis - 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: Renee Clark (rclark@westelcom.com)
Renee Clark fulfilled the position of office secretary in November of 2022 when Lois Sayward retired. Prior to joining Soil & Water Renee worked at the Motor Vehicle office in Elizabethtown for almost 10 years. Renee is a native to Elizabethtown and graduated from Elizabethtown High School and continued on to graduate from Cazenovia College. Renee has many outdoor interests and is an avid animal lover, especially her two dogs. She enjoys serving on community boards and hopes to benefit her community with her involvement. Renee is looking forward to working with the staff of Soil & Water and serving the public of Essex County.
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 District Technician: Daniel Berheide
 (dberheide@westelcom.com)
Daniel Berheide is a graduate of School of Forestry, University of British Columbia. He is working on grants for green infrastructure and stormwater management, assists with the AEM program, and runs the District's forestry program.    

 District Technician: Thomas Firkins
 (tfirkins@westelcom.com)
Thomas is an Environmental Science graduate of Paul Smith’s College. He is assisting with a stream study in Port Henry. His previous work experience includes watershed stewardship, aquatic invasive species early detection and monitoring work, and trail development and management in the Champlain valley.