Environmental
The Commission for the Conservation of the Environment (CCE) [aka the Environmental Conservation Commission or the Environmental Commission] is a standing commission of the Town of Putnam Valley. The Town Code details the powers and duties of the CCE.
Members:
Michael Usai – Chairperson
Aubrey Carter – Member
Jeff Coren – Member
Beth Gorman – Member
Eileen Reilly – Member
Julie Ruben – Member
Wendy Whetsel – Member
Sherry Howard, Councilwoman – Town Board Liaison
Next Meeting:
Thursday, February 8th at 6 PM
Putnam Valley Library Community Room
Meetings of the CCE:
Video on Recycling
CCE Presentations of Recycling with Q&A – 11/10/20 – 1:23:26
This video was recorded via ZOOM featuringJohn Stanton of Atlantic Coast Recycling (ACR)and Michael Noel, Government Affairs Manager at TOMRAC Systems ASAwith special guest Eric Sapir, Partner at the law firm of Hawking, Delafield & Wood, specializing in Solid Waste Municipal Utilities projects.Moderated by CCE Commission member Glenn Sapirwith Questions posed by the Members of the Putnam Valley CCE.
Slide Show on Oriental Bittersweet
Download a PDF of the CCE’s Slide Show on Oriental Bittersweet.
NY State Department of Environmental Conservation
How to Avoid Single-Use Plastic
Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter
Bag Waste Reduction Law: Information for Consumers
Saving Electric with a Drying Rack
Eco-friendlier Methods for De-icing
Safer, Eco-friendlier Herbicide Alternatives
Natural Resources Inventory (NRI)
A complete printed copy of the NRI is part of the Putnam Valley Library’s collection. An online copy can be accessed using the link below.
Download Zip file with High Resolution (11×17) versions of the maps included in the NRI Document.
The Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) of Putnam Valley was prepared to update existing maps and information about the town’s natural and cultural resources, many of which appear in the town’s Master Plan, and add additional maps, each accompanied by detailed reports. The NRI enables town officials to make important decisions for planning with consideration of all existing information, including new data researched for this project. The NRI compiles and describes important, naturally occurring resources that enrich the town of Putnam Valley. Our wetlands, forests, streams, and shrublands house abundant wildlife and native plants, and these habitats provide vital benefits to people as well. These ecosystems help to moderate temperature, filter pollutants, keep drinking water and air clean, absorb floodwaters, and allow for pollination of agricultural crops. These ecosystems, along with our historic sites, present opportunities for outdoor recreation and education and create the scenery and sense of place that is unique to our town.
The NRI provides the building blocks for comprehensive land-use and conservation planning. The NRI provides our community with a strong and current foundation for informed, proactive strategizing at every level of decision-making. The Putnam Valley Commission for Conservation of the Environment (CCE)1 along with a group of dedicated Putnam Valley resident volunteers, prepared the NRI with technical support from the Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program. This work is part of a partnership project between HHLT and Cornell University Department of Natural Resources, with funding from the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program. PV NRI Chair Glenn Sapir discussed the Natural Resources Inventory on “Locally Sourced” a Comcast public access television program taped on Feb. 21, 2019 in Carmel. Click here to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/fEPWx_b3iNo
The CCE encourages community participation in further identifying and prioritizing these natural resources. Putnam Valley can preserve our natural and historical heritage and ensure that healthy, resilient ecosystems—and the benefits they provide—remain available to our community for future generations.
1Section 8-23.A.(3) of the Town Code of Putnam Valley requires the CCE to “conduct studies, surveys and inventories of the natural and man-made features within the Town of Putnam Valley” and “to maintain an up-to-date inventory of all open spaces” within the town’s boundaries. New York State enabling law for municipal conservation advisory councils (CCE is one) also provides in General Municipal Law Section 239-x that an NRI be developed and maintained by the local conservation advisory council.
Download CCE Meeting Minutes
October, November, December 2020 Minutes Not Available