New York State Technical Committee
The State Technical Committee (STC) provides information, analysis and recommendations on a wide variety of policy issues to NRCS. Although State Technical Committees have no implementation or enforcement authority, USDA gives strong consideration to the Committee's recommendations.
What does the State Technical Committee do?
The New York State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) is an advisory group coordinated by the State Conservationist to help organize and deliver Farm Bill related program benefits. General meetings of the STAC are scheduled two times each year or announced for special program activities.
The State Technical Committee recommends criteria and guidelines for agricultural and nonindustrial private forestland producers regarding new and existing conservation programs and initiatives.
Who are the Committee Members?
The New York State Technical Committee members come from a variety of backgrounds and provide an invaluable service to the NRCS in making programmatic decisions for New York. They are the leaders in their fields of expertise and are deeply concerned about environmental resource concerns. The current members are as follows:
- USDA-NRCS NY
- Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Scenic Hudson
- Department of Enviornmental Conservation (DEC)
- Ag & Markets
- Enviornmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Farmland Trust
- Ag Stewardship
- Soil Water Conservation District (SWCD)
- SUNY Enviornmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
What are the Subcommittees?
Subcommittees of the STAC are organized to address current issues and details of various Farm Bill programs. Occasionally, ad hoc subcommittees may also be created to address special programs or as determined by the State Conservationist. Subcommittee meetings are scheduled to coincide with requirements for implementation of specific programs. The organization of the New York STAC also includes a link to Local Work Groups. Through a locally led process, Local Work Groups also serve in an advisory role and their input is included in the STAC meetings.
How to become a member?
Individuals or groups wanting to become a member of the State Technical Committee within New York may submit to the State Conservationist a request that explains their credentials for becoming a member of the State Technical Committee. Decisions of the State Conservationist concerning membership on the committee are final and not appealable. The State Conservationist will respond to requests for State Technical Committee membership in writing within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days.