Appreciation takes root at Madison SWCD
Reflective safety vests, flannel shirts and calloused hands are the staples of putting water quality practices on the ground for the residents and watersheds in Madison County. For the 15th year, the Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District celebrated the many work collaborations and connections with their annual appreciation luncheon at the CCE Madison building in Morrisville, NY.
“It’s just a way to give a little back to our local family farmers, local contractors, town supervisors, county employees, elected officials, agri-business companies, engineering support, state and federal conservation partners and funding organizations who support us throughout the year,” said District Manager Steve Lorraine.
During the family-style slideshow presentation attended by a record crowd of over 100 guests, Lorraine highlighted a variety of 2025 projects that he and his staff worked on using the New York State Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program planning matrix. These in-house plans led to a diversity of work that include surveying and designing tile drainage, grade stabilization projects, road culvert projects, stream remediation, flood attenuation projects, manure storage systems, pasture systems, spring developments, milkhouse waste systems, heavy use areas, riparian buffers and planting cover crops locally.
The luncheon also honored Town of Nelson Supervisor and Chair of the Madison County Board of Supervisors Jim Cunningham for his passionate service as he steps down from his SWCD board position.
In addition, the staff managed construction projects, planted trees, installed fence on stream buffers and grazing systems, developed and applied nutrient management plans, took soil samples, cleared logjams, delineated watersheds for culvert sizing, secured stream permits and led educational training events and hosted the popular annual tree sale within their busy work schedule.
As the lead for the Madison County Water Quality Coordinating Committee and member of the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, district staff also worked in tandem with its partners on a wide array of projects in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed as well as undertaking grant writing.
“We appreciate the opportunity to thank all the hands that help us achieve our mission. It’s frankly a team effort, where a rising tide raises all boats,” said Lorraine.
To learn more about the work the Madison SWCD does for the community, contact the district at 315.824.9849 or visit madcoswcd.com.
by Troy Bishopp
