Columbia University Discuss 295M Watershed Climate Project

Representatives Address WAC Concerns, Farmer Participation is Key

WALTON - Columbia University's Center for Climate Systems Research and Agricultural Modeling Intercomparison and Improvement Project was awarded $2.95 million in federal Community Project Funding to address predicted climate change and its effect on agriculture and water quality in the New York City Watershed. Columbia representatives Malgosia Madajewicz, Jeffrey Potent, and Kevin Karl presented project goals, organization, and updates at the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) meeting on Mar. 26. 

There are three main objectives, said Karl, including analysis, evaluation, and recommendations. The team will first analyze current and predicted climate change conditions and how they affect agriculture, water quality, and agricultural best management practices (BMPs). BMPs are structural, vegetative, or managerial practices that reduce water pollution. The evaluation process will look at how BMPs handle historic conditions and model the ability to function through a variety of future conditions. The final stage would be to make recommendations for BMPs, either adjustments to current ones or introduction of new ones.

The project will work by defining climate risks, engaging stakeholders, determining pathways of future economic and emissions, designing adaptations to farm systems, and assessing the impact of recommended changes to the economics of farming. After each stage of evaluation or finding, Karl said the team will re-engage stakeholders for their input. "It is important to us to engage a diverse range of stakeholders," said Karl. Engagement of stakeholders will help keep the project on track and ensure recommendations are useful and relevant to stakeholders, he explained.

For 2024, Karl said, they are working to develop a list of current BMPs and priority ones, which will be completed through a series of focus groups and multi-institutional collaboration. They will also work to develop models to predict future climate change effects using historical data. Once data on climate change and BMPs are collected the team will test current BMPs and their performance in future conditions. These are the goals for this year, said Karl, though the project will continue until 2026. 

After the first workshop, Karl said sizing of BMPs, including structural and riparian, was a significant concern and will be researched further. Farm nutrient management planning - the rate, method, source, and timing of plant nutrients and soil amendments - regarding sizing and storage issues could also be a key BMP, he said.

WAC Councilmember and Dairy Farmer Barbara Hanselman asked if the group should consider visiting more farms other than the two they already have. She said that having participated in research projects in the past, although the groups had good intentions it appeared to be difficult for them to grasp a real understanding of the needs of the farmers and BMP implementations without having seen them work. Without an understanding, Hanselman said, the recommendations or findings could be rendered useless. "I know there is potential for the project to better protect water quality and hopefully farms in the future," she said, "I do have reservations about why this is being entered in and hoe much of an effect and added demands will be in the long term for me (or farmers)." Handelman continued to explain that increased demands and a decrease in potential revenue for farmers are a reason young people can't get into farming and the industry is dwindling. She continued to state that there is always skepticism for residents that Delaware County will eventually become protected land and agriculture will be nonexistent due to the need for water quality protection as the watershed supplies New York City drinking water.

WAC Councilmember Tom Huston also noted the financial difficulties for young farmers. He said through the last ten years he has been working to figure out what the future of his farm will be since he is aging and has no children. Huston said there are plenty of young people willing to learn and looking to farm, but have a difficult time getting into the field due to the financial burden without enough income. He added that many fail early due to one small mistake. "There are people out there if we can give them the right kind of help," Huston concluded.

Karl said they understand they will need to work with farmers to gain trust throughout the project. He added that the purpose of the study is to ensure the longevity of agriculture in the region and the future. "We want to help ensure agriculture stays relevant in conditions that will be challenging," he said.

Karl added that young farmers' financial struggle was brought up during the first workshop event. While this is not the focus of this study, Karl said it is an important consideration when developing recommendations. Karl noted in the presentation that the economic vitality of farming is being taken into account.

Madajewicz said engagement of farmers will happen along the way and through scheduled workshops and a survey. Volunteer participation in at least three workshop events will help with the development of a survey to capture a wider pool of input from farmers, said Madajewicz. During the survey process, researchers will have the opportunity to visit farms, she added.

WAC President and Andes Supervisor Wayland "Bud" Gladstone said, "One of the purposes is to help support agriculture as the best use for the land within the watershed." He added that stakeholders should remain patient and willing to work with the study. "I think as we move forward the end result should support WAC and agriculture's future," said Gladstone.

WAC Executive Director Ryan Naatz reminded everyone that regular meetings are scheduled with WAC staff and Columbia representatives to ensure the project is done in a collaborative effort. He added that the project can only be "as good as the participants' willingness to engage in the program." 

WAC Councilmember John Verhoeven noted that climate change will affect the region through a combination of high water events and droughts. He asked if the study would address these issues.

Karl said these weather events are certainly something they are looking into in addition to a combination of events and how BMPs will handle them.

The next workshop event will be scheduled for sometime in April. Visit nycwatershed.org for more information.