What We do

The Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District works cooperatively with the local agricultural operations to promote a common understanding of conservation and environmental stewardship. 

Most often we utilize New York State's Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program as the vehicle to gain a mutual understanding of the farming operation and its business objectives. When feasible, we assist landowners in acquiring state and federal funding to implement business objectives and facilities that enhance environmental quality and promote the business' economic viability. 

To start or continue with AEM, farmers should contact our District to progress through the confidential, AEM conservation tiers, below:

• Tier 1 – Inventory current activities, interests, and potential environmental concerns of the farmer. 
• Tier 2 – Document current environmental stewardship and assess and prioritize areas of concern. 
• Tier 3 – Develop conservation plans addressing concerns and opportunities tailored to farm goals. 
• Tier 4 – Implement plans using available educational, technical, and financial assistance. 
• Tier 5 – Evaluate practices and plans for conservation and farm viability. 

For more inforation, contact District staff Michaela Johnstone
(518) 267-3314   
​[email protected] ​

Agricultural Assessments

We prepare the soil group worksheets in our office. These are required for property owners when applying for an agricultural exemption.
The deadline for requesting a soil group worksheet from our District is Febuary 20. Agricultural Assessment applications must be submitted to your Town Tax Assessor by March 1. Check with your Town Assessor for details, which may vary from town to town.

​For  information or to schedule an appointment to have your soil worksheets prepared, contact District staff:

Michaela Johnstone
(518) 267-3314   
​[email protected] 

The fee for a soil group worksheet is $30.00 per tax parcel. We accept cash or personal check for payment.