In 1968, a small group of individuals with foresight regarding environmental matters in Otsego County banded together to form the Otsego County Conservation Association. OCCA remains the only countywide environmental organization working on a broad spectrum of programs to protect our local natural resources and educate the general public about important environmental issues and concerns.

Over the past 50 years, OCCA has been involved in virtually every major environmental issue facing the county and has accumulated a long list of accomplishments in the environmental restoration, protection, and education.

Our efforts have been instrumental in a number of ways, including

• Raising awareness about threats to water quality

• Challenging development with adverse environmental impacts

• Initiating and recruiting volunteers for Otsego County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

• Promoting appreciation of our county’s open space and existing trails

• Monitoring and commenting on major development projects within the county

• Organizing forums, festivals, panels and other events to raise environmental awareness

• Aiding municipalities with land-use planning

• Combating invasive species

OCCA is a unique organization, which for 50 years has played an important role in identifying key environmental issues in Otsego County and effectively addressing them. OCCA’s influence has been both strong and positive since its inception.  We believe in strong partnerships, and work closely with our sister organizations the Otsego Land Trust and Otsego 2000.