Purpose

The Environmental Management Council is Tompkins County's official citizen advisory board on local environmental issues.

The primary purpose of the EMC is to advise the County Legislature on matters affecting the preservation, development, and use of the natural features and conditions of the County that have a bearing on environmental quality. The Council also considers other matters referred to the Council by the County Legislature.

The EMC also serves as a link between County government and the public, educating citizens on environmental issues of concern. The Council develops and conducts public information programs in the County that are designed to increase understanding of the nature of environmental problems and issues and their solutions. The Council conducts studies, surveys, and inventories of natural and scenic features which are of local, County or regional significance.

Another important role of the EMC is to recommend ways to improve the coordination and effectiveness of public and private projects and other activities within the County as they affect the natural environment. The EMC coordinates with conservation advisory councils, conservation boards, local town and planning boards, and private groups.

What we do

The EMC works on topics related to the needs of the community, such as environmental education, energy and sustainability, natural resource management, land use planning, and environmental reviews of proposed projects. EMC Committees, which are formed to address a variety of issues, are where the majority of the work is completed.

The EMC also participates in hands-on projects, such as the adopt-a-highway clean-up program. The EMC adopted a two-mile stretch of Route 13 between Warren Road and Hanshaw Road that we maintain.

The EMC works directly with the County's Planning Department to promote the protection and responsible management of the County's natural resources, and prepares an annual report every year.

See links on left for more details. Please contact us if you have questions or comments.