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 ([email protected])
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
([email protected])
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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 Senior District Technician: Daniel Berheide
 ([email protected])
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: Meagan Goff
([email protected])
Meagan is a recent graduate of Paul Smith's College with a degree in Environmental Science. She is currently running the riparian buffer program and is involved in coordinating the annual tree sale. She also assists with the AEM program, District youth education, and other District programming. Meagan grew up in Lewis.
District Technician: Noah Weber
([email protected])
 
Noah graduated from Washington and Lee University with a BA in Geology where he focused on cave surveying and mapping. He has previously worked as a wildlife biologist in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as well as studying intermittent rivers in central Tanzania. Noah has been a lifelong seeker of wild places on, amongst, and beneath the mountains, rivers and lakes that he lives near. Noah lives and farms in Westport and is very excited to continue serving the community as he joins ECSWCD with a focus on invasive species mitigation, culvert crossings for NAACC, and municipal, agricultural, and landowner assistance through our AEM and MAP programs.