Watershed Agricultural Council Appoints Interim Executive Director

May 9, 2009 - PRLog -- Full press release and photo available at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs069/1101908022729/archive/1102554624632.html

WALTON, NY -- The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) has named Dr. Daniel Palm as Interim Executive Director effective April 10, 2009. Dr. Palm will oversee the organization's day-to-day operations until an executive search has been completed to fill the position.

"As an executive management consultant, Dan brings valued organizational and leadership skills during this time of transition," said Fred Huneke, WAC Board Chairman. "Dan knows the Council's strengths and weaknesses, as he has served as a WAC board member and Forestry Committee Chair.  As a Delaware County resident and owner of many forested acres, Dan understands life in the watershed and the ultimate mission and vision of the Watershed Agricultural Council. On behalf of the Council and staff, I welcome Dr. Palm in his leadership role at the WAC."

Dr. Palm holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Economics from Pennsylvania State University. He has also served as Staff Economist for the Susquehanna River Basin Commission; Executive Director for the St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission; Executive Director of the New York Forest Owners Association; and Regional Director of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  

Dr. Palm replaces outgoing Executive Director, Thomas O'Brien.  "The Council thanks Tom for his years of service and the expertise he brought to the WAC's programs during his tenure," added Huneke.  'We wish him well in all of his future endeavors."
The Watershed Agricultural Council helps private landowners to improve their farm and forest lands in order to protect clean drinking water for nine million New York City residents. The WAC works with almost 1,000 landowners to enlist private contractors to develop conservation plans and construct conservation practices in accordance with farm and forest management plans.

The WAC mission is to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City watershed region.

The WAC is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service and other federal and foundation sources.  

The WAC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.  

For more information, visit www.nycwatershed.org.

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Watershed Agricultural Council works with farm and forest landowners in NYC watershed to protect clean drinking water for 9 million NYC residents. Best management practices applied through whole farm/forest management planning upstream keep water clean.