The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) released the Long Island Watershed Action Agenda, a ten-year strategic plan for improving water quality on Long Island, including aquatic habitat conservation and groundwater protection. The Action Agenda is part of the NYSDEC’s Long Island Watershed Program, which is supported by NEIWPCC staff.
“The Long Island Watershed Action Agenda will guide actions and investments to improve water and aquatic habitats, while bolstering partnerships and engagement with the public, local officials, and stakeholders,” said Amanda Lefton, NYSDEC commissioner and NEIWPCC executive committee member.
The Action Agenda is an evolution of the success of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP), a 10-year collaboration between the NYSDEC, the Long Island Regional Planning Council, and Suffolk and Nassau counties. While LINAP was focused on reducing nitrogen – the leading cause of water quality deterioration to the Sound – the Long Island Watershed Program takes a more holistic, watershed level approach to protecting water resources. For example, the Action Agenda will advance additional efforts to protect the sole-source aquifer as well as the recreational and commercial water resources that are vital to the region’s residents, visitors and tourists, and aquatic and terrestrial species.
Developed with the input of an implementation committee made up of regional stakeholders, the Action Agenda is organized by four main goal topics, with objectives and implementation actions outlined under each goal. The four goals are: clean water; healthy habitats; sustainable groundwater resources; and inspired and engaged public.
The goals will guide NYSDEC’s efforts to coordinate with federal, state, and local partners to address the most urgent actions needed to protect and restore Long Island’s watersheds.