Aquatic Issues
Like other areas Dutchess County has its share of environmental
problems. It is estimated that there are between 30,000 and 40,000 private
wells. Some are known to be contaminated; many others are suspected. We have
much of the county overtop of aquifers. Dutchess County water drains
through three main watersheds and many smaller ones. Most of our water
drains into the Hudson estuary; much of it drains into the Housatonic river.
The links below allow quick access to web sites that that relate to
issues that affect the quality of the water in dutchess County
Internet Links
Dutchess County's main newspaper, the Poughkeepsie Journal, covers many
local environmental issues. The Sunday edition has a section dedicated to
the environment. Archived articles can be accessed by anyone with a mid-
Hudson library card. A link to the log on page is shown below.
Poughkeepsie Journal archived articles
New York�s Department of Environmental Conservation is entrusted with the
enforcement of laws, policies, and rules that have been developed to protect
the environment. a great source of information about statewide and local
environmental issues as well as the policies of the DEC can be found at
their website.
Visit the DEC
The Dutchess County website allows access to information about not only
county government, but also much other information and statistics concerning
the county. Information needed to understand many of the environmental
issues that affect Dutchess County may be found here.
Dutchess County Online
Scenic Hudson has been a leader in environmental preservation in the Hudson
Valley for years. From sponsoring the Great River Sweep for many years to
developing the waterfront in Beacon, Scenic Hudson has been instrumental in
helping to prevent even more environmental destruction than there already
has been.
Scenic Hudson
Since 1989 Winnakee Land Trust has been responsible for the preservation of
nearly 1300 acres in Dutchess County. This land is now safe from the
development that has plagued much of the county.
Winnakee Land Trust
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook sponsors both research and
education opportunities and events, many of which focus on Dutchess County
issues.
Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Dutchess County is fortunate to have a branch of Cornell Cooperative just
down the road from the Institute of Ecosystem Studies. CCE maintains a GIS
mapping lab, sponsors 4H activity, and supplies much information for both
suburban homeowners and the shrinking Dutchess County agricultural community
among the many other services they provide.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County
Other Resources