Resources for Otsego County

The Otsego Lake Watershed Supervisory Committee (WSC) administers Public Law 1100 and local laws which are established for the purpose of protecting Otsego Lake as a public water supply. Membership consists of two representatives from the Village of Cooperstown and one member each from the Towns of Middlefield, Otsego, and Springfield. Park closures as a result of harmful algal blooms will be posted to the Village of Cooperstown's site.

 The mission of the Otsego Lake Association is to educate, advocate, and actively participate in protecting the health, beauty, and well being of Otsego Lake by facilitating the implementation of the Otsego Lake Watershed Management Plan. 

SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station's sampling data and annual reports can be found on their website.

The official watershed plan for Otsego Lake

 Canadarago Lake Improvement Association Mission Statement:

To assist in having the water level of Canadarago Lake controlled so as to provide its users the convenience of a properly regulated lake level at all times, and in doing so, to cause no property owner hardship or inconvenience.

To assist in preventing any pollution of the lake so as to preserve its water fresh and clean for health and safe usage by the area inhabitants and the general public and to prevent any pollution in the future.

To study and consider other improvement features, such as drainage, irrigation and improvement of the fish and game habitat in the area.

To these ends, it is intended to unite its members in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and material understanding about the lake and its maintenance problems so that the entire membership will go forward wholeheartedly in carrying out the above goals.

The official watershed plan for the Canadarago Lake watershed.

 Otsego County has a Septic System Replacement Program

Households and small businesses (under 100 employees) within 250ft of Goodyear Lake, Canadarago Lake, Otsego Lake, Gilbert Lake, Wilber Lake, Caryl Lake, Crumhorn Lake, Allen Lake, Oneonta Lower Reservoir, Susquehanna River Main Stem, Bear Swamp Pond, Little (Goey) Pond, Oneonta Creek, Dunderberg Creek, or West Creek can apply for financial assistance in repairing their septic systems! 

 The mission of the Otsego County Health Department is to work in partnership with the community to improve and protect the health and well-being of all residents of Otsego County through health education, disease control and prevention, and public health preparedness.

Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation district assists in a variety of areas, including soil testing and mapping, stream management, and forest management.

In addition to administering the Septic System Replacement Plan for residents along Goodyear Lake and the southern stem of the Susquehanna River , the county planning department is a great resource for municipal data. 

 The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Originally established by Congress in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service to combat "the wastage of soil and moisture resources on farm, grazing, and forest lands . . .  “, the NRCS has expanded to work with landowners through conservation planning and financial assistance designed to help them conserve, maintain and improve their natural resources. The Agency emphasizes voluntary, science-based conservation; technical assistance; partnerships; incentive-based programs; and cooperative problem solving at the community level. The NRCS contributes to conservation assistance through millions of dollars to conservation assistance through their various financial assistance programs and conservation planning efforts. 

 Founded in 2019, the Community Foundation of Otsego County is 501(c)3 nonprofit public charity that brings together financial and human resources to address challenges and increase opportunity in Otsego County. They distribute grants to nonprofit organizations in our community and partner with them to reach solutions. 

OCCA is a countywide environmental organization addressing a broad spectrum of basic environmental concerns. OCCA plays a key role in initiating and carrying out programs designed to improve or protect Otsego County’s air, land, and water. Wide support from county residents enhances our ability to accomplish our mission. More recently, OCCA has been expanding our reach into the neighboring counties of the Mohawk Valley region to connect our neighbors to our HeatSmart Mohawk Valley Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign, Community Energy Engagement Program, Clean Energy Communities Program, and Climate Smart Communities. 

Otsego 2000 celebrates, protects, and enhances the environmental, agricultural, cultural, scenic, and historic significance of the greater Otsego Lake region. As a ‘first responder’ on environmental, sustainability, and community issues that affect the region's quality of life, Otsego 2000 endeavors to ensure healthy environmental and economic futures for present and coming generations through informed advocacy, public education, innovative projects, and ideas for economic advancement. 

The mission of Otsego Land Trust is to conserve our natural heritage of woodlands, farmlands, and waters that sustain rural communities, promote public health, support wildlife diversity and inspire the human spirit. Otsego Land Trust works in the northernmost headwaters of the Susquehanna Watershed. 

The official watershed plan for the Butternut Creek.