Columbia County Climate Solutions and Conservation Roundtable

Does your community have a Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) or are they participating in the Climate Smart Community or Clean Energy Programs offered by New York State?  Are you curious about these and other local efforts to implement environmentally friendly policies?  Attend the Local Climate Solutions & Conservation Roundtable, Monday, March 18, 5:30 p.m. -7:30 pm, to be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 555 Joslen Boulevard, Hudson, NY.  At this free event, municipal representatives from Columbia County and beyond will report on their unique experiences and learn from each other. Attendees will share their experiences and ask questions of others in a relaxed setting.

Tara Donadio and Jill Falchi-Henck, Sustainability Planners with the CDRPC, will provide information about how their office supports local communities in undertaking Clean Energy and Climate Smart projects, including applying for state grants.

CACs are created by local municipalities, under New York State law, to provide information and advise the town on topics related to open space, natural resources, and other topics. At present, five municipalities in Columbia County have active CACs made up of volunteers, who are engaged in public education projects as well as providing information to city or town boards on a regular basis.

New York’s Clean Energy Communities program aids municipalities with clean energy actions that “save energy costs, create jobs, and improve the environment.” Municipalities can access tools, resources, technical assistance, and match-free grants through this program. Climate Smart Communities is a New York State program “that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. Benefits include leadership recognition, free technical assistance, and access to grants.

This event is sponsored by the Columbia Land Conservancy and the Columbia County Environmental Management Council. Register for this event at clctrust.org/events. The Roundtable is free and open to the public.