CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR

Each year, the Otsego County Conservation Association seeks nominations for its annual Conservationist of the Year award. The award is given to an individual, citizens’ group or grassroots organization, governmental body, non-profit organization with 501 (c)(3) standing or a business that has made a positive difference in environmental protection, preservation or education in Otsego County. For a list of past Conservationist of the Year award recipients, click here.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION.

Nominations must be submitted by September 30 each year. The award is presented at the OCCA Annual Dinner and Meeting, 2013 date and location to be announced. For details on the 2012 Annual Dinner and Meeting, click here.

In regard to nominations of individuals, preference will be given to nominees residing in Otsego County. Environmental professionals are not eligible to be nominated based on achievements accomplished for their compensated employment. Businesses cannot be nominated for a profit-making enterprise. Areas of interest for nomination are water quality protection and improvement, wetland preservation, stream improvement, stream, lake or river clean-ups, riparian buffer or tree plantings, recycling efforts, non-motorized open-space recreation enhancement, land-use planning efforts, or soil conservation efforts. Other areas of environmental endeavor may also be considered.

ECOTOURISM PROJECT

OCCA has begun to work with the Otsego County Tourism and Economic Development departments to identify and develop ecotourism opportunities throughout the region.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ECOTOURISM IN OTSEGO COUNTY.

NATURAL RESOURCE APPRECIATION

To encourage county residents to enjoy the natural beauty which surrounds us, OCCA publishes and distributes free of charge an attractive and user-friendly area guide, "Otsego Walks & Paddles," which features 10 trails and three canoe routes on the Susquehanna River. OCCA is the steward of one of the featured trails, Basswood Pond Trail. OCCA also annually organizes seasonal walks or canoe trips for county residents and visitors, most of them at sites included in the "Walks & Paddles" publication.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON ALL OF OCCA'S 2013 NATURE WALKS.

CLICK HERE FOR A POSTER FEATURING WALKS JUNE 1-JULY 9.

TRAILFINDER

Detailed, printable maps, directions and even bicycle-friendly B&Bs for 115 or the state's best multi-use trails created by Parks & Trails New York.