At Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust (THTLT), our commitment to environmental stewardship goes beyond simply conserving land; it includes a thorough evaluation of water quality as a crucial factor in our conservation efforts.
When considering new projects, we meticulously assess the potential impacts on water resources, ensuring that our investments contribute to the preservation of clean, healthy water for both the environment and local communities.
Water quality is fundamentally linked to the health of our ecosystems.
We ask critical questions:
- Does the proposed conservation project safeguard clean water?
- Are there sensitive species, such as native and introduced trout, that depend on high water quality?
- Is this land a vital source of drinking water for nearby residents?
- Does the proposed conservation project safeguard clean water?
These considerations guide our decision-making process and help us identify projects that will have a meaningful impact.
Ton Ka Wa — An example of land and water stewardship
One of our most recent agreements protects the 768-acre Conservation Easement at Ton Ka Wa Rod and Gun Club in Herkimer County, which has garnered significant attention from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Black River Watershed.
Funded by over $500,000 from the State’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program, this project aims to protect the Hinkley Reservoir, a critical drinking water source for more than 125,000 residents.
The property features approximately 2,500 feet of pristine shoreline along the West Canada Creek, which feeds the reservoir, as well as about 6,500 feet of shoreline on Conklin Brook.
The significance of these water resources played a vital role in the priority ranking of this project.
Chris Welch, President of the Ton Ka Wa Rod and Gun Club said, “The ability to safeguard the water quality in both Conklin Brook and the West Canada Creek was an important factor in our decision to place a conservation easement on the land; especially since most of our members are avid fishermen.”
In addition to Ton Ka Wa, we are excited about our new Forest Conservation Easement and Land Trust (FCELT) grant property owned by Peter Doerner in the Town of Boylston. This property is an area that is home to unique natural communities that contribute to the maintenance of excellent water quality in the Redfield area.
The ongoing project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 or early 2026, further showcasing our commitment to water quality conservation.
Water quality also impacts the health of fish populations, such as trout, which are sensitive to
environmental changes. To lessen changes that could affect these populations over time, conserving land resources such as forests and stream vegetation that provide clean and plentiful water is essential not only for wildlife but also human health and our region’s fishing economy.
At THTLT, we recognize that water quality is a defining element of our conservation mission. By prioritizing projects that protect and enhance water resources, we strive to ensure a sustainable future for both our ecosystems and local communities.
As we move forward, we invite you to join us in our efforts to promote clean water and preserve the natural beauty of Tug Hill.
“I am glad to be supporting a cause I believe in while spending time outdoors doing the activities I enjoy. The wide variety of volunteer opportunities available allows me to stay involved by participating in the ones that fit my schedule.”
We are accepting photographs highlighting the many landscapes, wildlife, activities, and people of the Tug Hill region for our annual calendar, Greenings newsletter, website, and social media. Credit will be given for any published photographs.
