Opportunities

New York Enacts New Rules Affecting Personal Watercraft

On May 28, the New York State Environmental Board approved regulations adopting California's emission standards and labeling requirements for personal watercraft. The new regulations are designed to improve air and water quality by reducing hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions from new personal watercraft. The revised regulations will be phased in with the 2006 model year, and would require new watercraft engines to produce successively lower emissions over the course of several years. For more information, see DEC’s website, www.dec.state.ny.us.

Locally, Tompkins County’s Water Resource Council is continuing to explore options for managing the environmental and aesthetic impacts of personal watercraft usage. The Network also would like to alert readers to the availability of excellent training opportunities, registration information, and tips on boating etiquette available through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, at www.nysparks.com/boats, or from the Regional Office, (607) 387-7041, Ext. 3.

Emergency Planning Tools Available to Help Farms Protect Water Quality

Cayuga Lake Watershed Network staff, working with Extension Agents and Conservation Districts, conducted a series of workshops for farmers and emergency responders in Cayuga and Seneca Counties in April. A workbook and planning guide to assist farm operators in anticipating and preparing for a variety of emergency events was presented to participants. Advanced onfarm planning, and communication between farms and emergency responders, can greatly improve the efficiency of response actions. The result is a safer environment for farm families and employees, and less potential for spilled manure, fertilizers or pesticides to enter streams, lakes and underwater sources of drinking water. Planning guides are available through the Network Office, and through Cooperative Extension Offices in Cayuga and Seneca Counties.

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