ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy efficiency is the key to combating global warming and its deleterious effects on the entire planet. Click on the above link to learn what OCCA is doing in regard to energy efficiency and energy efficiency education, including our Low Carbon Diet initiative.

EVENTS

OCCA frequently partners in the organization of events focused on environmental issues, such as the Otsego Lakes Festival, and Earth Festival. Periodic workshops on environmental themes have also been offered by OCCA.

FLIERS AND BROCHURES

OCCA does much to educate the general public about environmental issues through opinion pieces in the local media, our website, a quarterly newsletter, eco-bulletins and informational fliers. Publications created by OCCA cover topics such as our overall programming, light pollution, riparian buffer plantings, recycling and threats posed by industrial development. Click on the above link to view a list of links to our fliers and brochures as well as to other information pieces.

HERBICIDE AND PESTICIDE USE

The Otsego County Conservation Association opposes the wide spread use of pesticides and herbicides due to their harmful effect on the environment and supports limited use under the principles of integrated pest management (IPM) with the goal of moving toward organic methods of control. The improper use of these chemicals can result in elevated levels of harmful substances in the environment, having a detrimental effect on human and other animal life, as well plants. Run-off to streams and lakes and infiltration to groundwater can contaminate drinking water supplies.

Click here for reasons not to use lawn and garden chemicals, and for information on organic lawn care.

HORIZONTAL DRILLING FOR NATURAL GAS

Click on the above link to learn more about OCCA’s actions regarding horizontal drilling for natural gas. Regarding this issue, OCCA has crafted a position statement, commented on the DEC’s scoping document, created an informational flier, and written opinion pieces disseminated to the local media and feature articles in our newsletter. All of this, as well as other related material, is posted on this website. 

INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive aquatic and terrestrial species threaten the ecological balance of waterways and forests. Click on the above link to learn about which species are now present in Otsego County, which ones are threatening our area and what OCCA is doing to counter their negative impacts.

LAND-USE PLANNING

Land-use planning touches on the many human activities which have an impact on our shrinking natural surroundings, such as unique natural habitats, water quality, traffic patterns, noise abatement, air quality and light pollution. OCCA firmly believes in the importance of sound land-use in our county municipalities as well as in the entire region.

NATURAL RESOURCES SURVEY

Click on the above link to learn more about OCCA’s initiative regarding the inventory and analysis of the natural resources within our county and the applications envisioned for this survey.

OPEN SPACE

When it comes to Otsego County's natural beauty, open space is a major part of the equation. Plentiful open space is a good indicator of a healthy environment, offering carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and fresh air and water. OCCA strives both to protect open space and to encourage its appreciation among county residents. Click on the above link for more information.

RECYCLING

OCCA has a strong tradition in recycling promotion. Click on the above link to learn more about its involvement in various recycling efforts throughout the county.

WATER QUALITY

OCCA strives to protect the waters of the Upper Susquehanna River watershed, which incorporates all of Otsego County and includes Otsego Lake – the headwaters of not only the Susquehanna River but the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. Thus, by geographical destiny, we have a great responsibility to embrace, and we have done much to meet this challenge. Click on the above link to learn more.