An essential part of DEP’s Long-Term Watershed Protection Program includes working with the many diverse stakeholders from the eight-county watershed region. Under the 1997 Watershed Agreement and subsequent filtration waivers, several organizations and government agencies are directly implementing new programs with funding provided by the City through contracts with DEP. These vital watershed partnerships help to protect water quality while promoting environmentally compatible economic development.

Two of New York City’s primary watershed partners include the Watershed Agricultural Council and the Catskill Watershed Corporation. Both organizations are locally-based not-for-profit corporations that were specifically created to assist DEP with the administration and implementation of watershed protection and economic development programs. The WAC is involved primarily with natural resource and land conservation programs, whereas the CWC primarily oversees community infrastructure and economic development programs. Many other watershed partners serve in various capacities, such as oversight, advice, public education, and communication.