With global climate change at our doorstep and an increasing need to adjust our thinking about conservation, Dutchess County is at the forefront of the movement. Earlier this month, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation certified Dutchess as a Silver Climate Smart Community — the highest award level in the state.
The award was well-earned thanks to the county’s commitment to work in environmental preservation and climate action. Dutchess now joins an elite group of 17 communities and six counties statewide who have earned the silver distinction for their efforts.
“Earning this Silver Certification is a significant milestone that demonstrates Dutchess County’s commitment to a cleaner and greener community for this and future generations. This was achieved by developing practical goals and executing action plans that deliver real results,” says Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino.
Qualification for the silver certification requires local governments to complete a minimum of six priority actions and earn a minimum of 300 points in doing so. Dutchess County, however, went above and beyond with its application, achieving 10 priority actions and 326 points.
While Dutchess has many well-established efforts to protect the environment and take action, including the county’s triannual household hazardous waste and electronics recycling collection events, environmental and recycling education programs, ongoing energy efficiency upgrades, and environmental infrastructure installations, the county was also recognized for its recent accomplishments, such as the launch of the Natural Resources Inventory website and environmental mapper application — both of which support land-use planning and conservation efforts — and the publication of the county’s first greenhouse gas emissions inventory report.
Among the largest of Dutchess County’s recent climate-smart accomplishments is the adoption of a climate action plan for county government operations. The plan outlines several recent environmental initiatives like a methane emissions study at the closed municipal landfill at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Wappinger and a composting program grant to support the community in its composting efforts.
“Dutchess County’s longstanding commitment to environmental preservation has evolved into a comprehensive strategy for climate adaptation and mitigation,” says Dutchess County’s Environmental Program Director and Climate Smart Coordinator, Devin Rigolino. “While Silver certification is the highest level awarded, we will keep the bar set high and continue our collective efforts to advance and achieve the County’s sustainability goals.”
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