Integrated Co-Benefits Strategy

Engages in advocacy to modify permits and secure variances for mechanical dredging, including contacting the Town Supervisor, sending letters to the Sandy Creek Town Board and federal/state agencies, and requesting supporting documentation to enable earlier start times for dredging operations.

Performs periodic dredging projects to maintain a navigable water channel into Lake Ontario, including removing and placing approximately 6,000 cubic yards of sand on the barrier beach, conducting contract dredging, and using owned equipment such as a dredge and 1,800 feet of discharge hose to support operations. Activities have been ongoing since 2003, with specific projects documented in 2012 and 2014.

Conducts board and annual meetings, maintains financial reserves ($48,724.33 as of July 2016), files taxes and sales tax refund claims, and reimburses third parties (e.g., $240 to Greene Point Marina for website maintenance).

Mobilizes and manages volunteer efforts for dredge setup, operation, discharge hose monitoring, boat traffic direction, worker support, fuel transport, and volunteer coordination during channel maintenance projects.

Obtains financial resources for dredging operations through government funding ($75,000 secured), municipal support ($15,000 from the Town of Sandy Creek), and public donations (over $13,440 via GoFundMe), as well as generating minor event revenue ($700 from a beach party).

Protects land through direct acquisition and conservation easements, including purchasing development rights on farms via the NYS “Dairy Transitions” program, accepting donated properties and easements, and securing appraisals for farmland protection. Examples include the 39-acre Schapiro Reserve, the 4-acre Gateway Reserve, and a 25.6-acre protected parcel with wetlands and a waterfall.

Collaborates on the development of a proposed greenway linking recreational, natural resource, and growth management goals, with a focus on the Chenango Canal corridor. Also advances a 16,000-acre greenbelt plan through land easements, regulatory tools, and partnerships with private landowners and key stakeholders.

Conducts research and modeling to inform conservation strategy, including creating a Strategic Land Protection Plan using GIS suitability models and demographic data, and modeling a greenbelt around four municipalities to balance growth with farmland and biodiversity protection.

Manages SMHT-owned reserves—including Leland, Schapiro, and Gateway Reserves—through trail development and maintenance, periodic mowing, selective harvesting, fencing, signage, and site enhancements such as ponds and access ramps. These efforts support public recreation, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Conducts annual inspections of properties under conservation easements to ensure compliance with legally binding land-use restrictions. This stewardship activity supports long-term protection of natural resources and land-use integrity across Madison County, NY.

Coordinates regular trash removal along 2 miles of Route 12B north of Hamilton through a statewide roadside cleanup program, and organizes trail cleanups at Leland Reserve. These efforts began in 2007 and continue as ongoing community engagement and environmental protection activities.

Offers guided ecology walks, self-guided interpretive trails with printed and audio guides, and seasonal field studies for fifth-grade students from Hamilton and Madison Central Schools. Programs include winter snowshoeing, invasive species removal, and ecological observation, serving approximately 45 students annually over a 14-year period.

Undertakes ecological restoration projects such as planting 4,300 native trees and shrubs and conducting wetland conservation at Schapiro Reserve to reduce runoff and improve water quality in the Susquehanna River watershed. These efforts enhance biodiversity and protect critical habitats.

Uses organic products and methods to maintain park grounds and fields, ensuring a safe, chemical-free environment for public use and supporting ecosystem preservation in areas such as the Long Pond Greenbelt.

Operates and maintains parks, playgrounds, recreation buildings, and athletic fields including Mashashimuet Park and Sag Harbor Park to provide public access for wholesome recreation. Facilities include tennis courts, baseball fields, picnic areas, and public restrooms, with daily access from 6:00 a.m. to sunset.

Manages seasonal maintenance schedules, including closing fields from mid-November to April 1, and operates a permit system for organized groups to reserve facilities and fields for structured use.

Provides youth soccer programming across multiple communities and hosts baseball activities including the Sag Harbor Whalers of the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League and Sag Harbor–Bridgehampton Little League games and tournaments.

Advocates with municipalities, partners, and elected officials to protect the health of New York State's Great Lakes and shoreline ecosystems, contributing to milestones such as the Ramsar Wetland of International Importance designation for the Niagara River in 2019.