By Blake Jackson
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) New York State Office has begun plans to develop a water supply strategy and environmental impact statement for the GreenThumb Gardens Network in New York City.
This proposal is to address the challenge of inadequate water supply for agricultural purposes in supporting food production within the community gardens managed by NYC Parks' GreenThumb program. These gardens, numbering 254 across the city, play a crucial role in food production and community engagement.
The proposed watershed plan will explore various solutions to mitigate the water supply constraints faced by these urban gardens. NRCS seeks input and feedback from stakeholders, including individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes, to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, and relevant information for consideration in the development of this plan.
Interested parties are encouraged to provide comments before the closing date of May 24, 2024. While comments received after this date will also be considered to the extent possible, early engagement is crucial to shaping the development of effective strategies for sustaining urban agriculture and supporting community-based food production initiatives in New York City.
For more information, read the full notice on Regulations.gov, or contact Dennis DeWeese at (315) 477-6527 or dennis.deweese@usda.gov.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: New York, Government & Policy