Elizabeth Higgins
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Ulster County
Ashokan Watershed Program Coordinator
phone:(845) 688-3047 or (845) 389-3561(cell)
e-mail: emh56@cornell.edu
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County(CCE)
CCE’s role in the project is to:
- facilitate development of outcomes, strategies and protocols for effective coordination of the partner agencies efforts;
- coordinate stakeholder organization and involvement in stream management planning and implementation;
- provide education and outreach expertise;
- build local knowledge, skills, and capacity;
- develop targeted programs and training opportunities;
- manage a funding program to implement SMP recommendations;
- connect people to programs for assistance;
- provide access to Cornell University expertise and USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service funding; and providing a mechanism to contract for other outside expertise.
The DEP-CCE Agreement is for $3.65 million dollars for a five year period (2008-2013).
Specific CCE program responsibilities include:
Facilitation and Capacity Building of Stakeholders in the Ashokan Watershed
- Coordinating the Ashokan Watershed Advisory Council and associated Working Groups
- Co-Development of the Annual Action Plan
- Facilitating Stream Management Program Adoption by Towns
- Facilitate coordinated responses to flooding events
Administering the $2 million dollar Stream Management Program Implementation Fund
- Developing Implementation Fund grant guidelines
- Administering grant proposal approval and funding disbursement
- Pursuing additional grant opportunities to supplement the Fund
Participating in Stream and Community Assessment and Stream Management Plan Development
- Assist and/or facilitate in assessment of invasive species concerns, aquatic habitat, and recreation issues
- Participate in new and/or updated Stream Management Plans
Education and Outreach
- Providing the Education and Outreach component of the Streamside Assistance Program
- Developing/implementing annual Education and Outreach plan and providing education programs, trainings, and information to stakeholders
- Developing/implementing Stream Steward Program
- Developing/implementing Youth Watershed Program
Managing the program office in Shandaken