Our quarterly newsletter, “The Lookout,” keeps OCCA members up to date on our activities and programming as well as on environmental matters of general interest. Click on the links below for past issues.
FALL/WINTER 2016 Volume 48 Issue 1
Headlines: Dominion Hearing; E-Fundraiser; Circuit Rider Program; Watershet Forum; Butternut Assessment; OCCA in the News; Solar Development; Lead Ammunition; Ag Plastic; Boat Wash; Images from the Field; Recycling Update; Water Chestnut Roundup; Harvest Program;
FALL/WINTER 2015-16 (Double Issue)
Headlines: NAT withdraws Edic to Fraser transmission line proposal; OCCA in the news; Clarvoe receives lifetime achievement nod from OCCA; Ben Guenther: Living the dream in Otsego County; OCCA names environmental essay contest winners; Recollection in the woods; Community Bank recycles e-waste on behalf of OCCA; 2015 farm plastics shipped to in-state recycler; OCCA, Solid Waste Dept. revise guidance document; OCCA Notes: Recycling is in the (plastic)bag; OCCA assumes lead role in ag, farmland plan revise; Climate, clean energy options to be discussed; Homeowners happy with solar installation, process; Microplastics an emerging water quality concern; Keeping pace with the REV; First ever yoga sessions planned for Earth Festival.
SUMMER 2015, Vol. 47, Issue 3
Headlines: OCCA celebrates invasive species awareness week with CDD pledge; PSC Trial Staff advises no-go for Edic to Fraser power line proposal; OCCA in the news (Edic to Fraser, Weekday Facebook posts, O’Handley column on Asian longhorned beetle/ DEC pool survey, Crumhorn FAS); OCCA expands recycling, zero waste info on website; OCCA submits comments on EPA’s drinking water impacts assessment; DEC announces improvements to Portlandville fishing access site; 100+ enjoy lunch with OCCA, OLA, FoGSP at Lake Appreciation Day; Slide show highlights Earth Festival tenth anniversary event; OCCA team seeks to raise $10,000 by September 21.
SPRING/SUMMER 2015, Vol. 47, Issue 2
Headlines: Register now for picnic lunch at Lake Appreciation Day, July 11; OCCA files official comments on Edic to Fraser transmission line proposal; OCCA in the news; EcoArt/Trendy Trash Contest winners announced; OCCA vols complete tape deconstruction project; OCCA website revamped; Clean, drain and dry or kiss the fish goodbye!; Trial ag plastic collection deemed a big success; Volunteers needed for cleanup, AIS removal; DEC on the lookout for invasive beetle; Nichols to lead tour of chestnut orchard; OCCA sends seven to environmental camp; Many turn out for BTWD in spite of cold; Statistics, history provide insight on road cleanup; Hike ‘Blue Trail at Basswood’; Morning birds at Mohican; Walk a fine line: the debate surrounding neonicotinoids; Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful recognizes Clarvoe.
WINTER 2015, Vol. 47, Issue 1
Headlines: OCCA seeks property-owner input in review of power line proposal; Edic to Fraser: frequently asked questions; Questionnaire for concerned parties re: Edic to Fraser; Farmers have opportunity to recycle plastics.
FALL/WINTER 2014, Vol. 46, Issue 3
Headlines: OCCA endorses countywide aquatic invasive species transport law; New planner has strong environmental background; The Terrible Ten – items NOT recycled in Otsego County.
SPRING 2014, Vol. 46, Issue 1, Double Issue
Headlines: OCCA announces results of WIOW countywide groundwater tests; President’s Message: Input essential for project review; OCCA in the news; Garage sale a time for reflection on consumption; Hundreds enjoy Earth Festival fun, message; OCCA sending essay contest winners to DEC camp; “It Starts With One” by Ariana Brown-Christman; “Think Globally, Act Locally” by Delilah Griger;Otsego Lakes Festival; Countywide Programming with OCCA; SUNY students assist with cleanup of Basswood trails; The buzz on bees; “Reduce, reuse, recycle” garage sale is best ever!; Hundreds participate in Bike to Work Day.
WINTER 2013-2014, Vol. 45, Issue 3
Headlines: OCCA Annual Dinner and Meeting (photos); Presidents’ Message: Your support is vital to our mission;Groundwater tests completed, full report to be released; OCCA in the news; Two honored for conservation, volunteer efforts; Participants sought for EcoArt contest, workshops; OCCA introduces new program director; Oktoberfest highlights OCCA, butterfly conservatory; Limited shale gas potential doesn’t negate possible impacts; OCCA 2012-2013 Members and Donors; TerraCycle program gaining momentum; OCCA to collect pellet bags at Earth Festival.
SPRING/SUMMER 2013, Vol. 45, Issue 2
Headlines: Groundwater testing program gets underway August 19; Invasive species and Otsego Lake: What comes next?; OCCA in the news; OCCA welcomes new environmental planner; Oktoberfest to feature strudel contest; Mission Accomplished; Appellate Division upholds right of towns to ban fracking; After Middlefield and Dryden, some basics; Eco-friendly Electric; Checking In; Show and Tell; Upcoming Enviro Events.
WINTER 2012/2013, Vol. 45, Issue 1
Headlines: Earth Festival offers brand new recycling opportunities; Annual dinner, meeting held in Cherry Valley; 2012 Year in Review.
FALL 2012, Vol. 44, Issue 1
Headlines: OCCA celebrates new Mohican Farm office with summer open house; Otsego, Schoharie stakeholders sought for Mohawk Region CGC; OCCA in the news; Cooperstown paints sharrows on Main Street; Otsego State of the Lake Report: Summer 2012; On Andy’s Trail; O-C-C-Yay!; Board member spotlight; Why do kids need to experience nature? Portlandville access cleanup; OCCA Circuit Rider Planner Program hitting its stride; A team effort; Energy Cooperative of America offers Green Power program; Planting trees for tribs; Executive Report: The effectiveness of OCCA-funded Otsego Lake programs; OCCA Annual Dinner, Meeting is Nov. 16; President’s Message: Congrats, welcome, thanks; Hard at work; Helping hands; OCCA launches ‘What’s In Our Water?’
WINTER 2011-2012, Vol. 43, Issue 3
Headlines: Sosa lauded by OCCA for community trail, stewardship initiatives; Membership is vital to our mission; Beekman Boys to kick off Spring Garden Day, Earth Festival; OCCA in the news; OCCA calls for withdrawal of DEC’s revised draft SGEIS; Shamieh joins OCCA staff as new environmental planner; OCCA names new director; School uses education mini-grant funds to purchase weather station; Combined efforts ensure continued success of HHWD; OCCA welcomes Sauerwald; Bassett Medical Center named 2011 OCCA ‘Green Business’; Karen Sheckells recognized for environmental excellence; Golden Artist Colors honored for Otsego Cty. recycling efforts; Two for two: Early ‘gas ban’ court decisions favor home rule; About appeals; Social media intern joins OCCA team; Begin collecting now for OCCA garage sale; Free shredding service returns to Earth Festival: ORCA schedules Bike to Work Day.
SUMMER 2011, Vol. 43, Issue 2
Headlines: Lentz assumes role of OCCA president, Clarvoe continues as project manager; Moving forward by working together; Riparian buffers an effective tool in water quality protection; Volunteers needed for water chestnut hand-pulling; Nature walk series continues; We’re putting membership dollars to good use: Here’s how; OCCA assists with emerald ash borer awareness efforts; A Look Back at “The Lookout”; OCCA: Working hands-on in your community; Protocol, chain of custody integral in water testing for legal purposes; Third Annual Bike to Work Day enjoys continued success; OCCA preparing for invasives paddle; Program makes lighting upgrades affordable; Lake Appreciation Day is Saturday, August 13; OCCA assists with Zoning Commission.
SPRING 2011, Vol. 43, Issue 1
Headlines: Earth Festival 2011 focus is on ‘three R’s’ of waste management; OCCA continues education, programs on natural gas drilling, water quality; OCCA in the news; WQCC hears report from hydrofracturing ‘ground zero’; Stewardship and the environment: The buck stops here; Reprinted ‘SOLO’ bumper sticker revives piece of history; Circuit Rider Planner Program offers valuable services to municipalities; Forum addresses costs associated with heavy industry; Well-spent Wednesdays; Save the Date: Hagers to be honored; OCCA announces two education mini-grants; OCCA, SWCD seeking water sampling interns; Students present on micro hydroelectric; OCCA 2010 Annual Fund Drive: Thank you for your continuing support!; Back yard composting good for gardening, environment; Wetland treatment project yielding promising results; OCCA sponsors three DEC camperships; Nature walk schedule beginning to take shape; August picnic planned for Glimmerglass Park; Social media intern joins OCCA team; Donations, volunteers sought for garage sale; Small, dedicated group enjoys snowshoe hike; Solar energy versus natural gas: the responsible choice; and Bike to Work Day is May 20.
WINTER 2010, Vol. 42, Issue 4
Headlines: OCCA 2010 Year in Review; Updated gas lease map now online; OCCA seeks empty inkjet cartridges, cell phones.
FALL 2010, Vol. 42, Issue 3
Headlines: James Herman lauded for conservation, environmental education efforts; Leatherstocking Golf Course and environmental stewardship: Are they mutually exclusive? OCCA in the news; Conservation only a part of solution to sustainability; Environmental planner joins OCCA team; A Look Back at “The Lookout”; Return to Andy’s Trail; BigFoot Baler available soon.
SUMMER 2010, Vol. 42, Issue 2
Headlines: Miller represents OCCA on advisory committee; Zebra mussel studies funded in part by OCCA; OCCA prepares to bring planner on board; Team effort appreciated; OCCA in the news; Bike to Work Day figures more than double in 2010; Weir lends a hand with water testing, natural gas projects; Marsh thistle: A prickly invader!; New Board members begin work with OCCA; Harman honored for work with dinner, endowment; LED lights offer environmental, economic advantages; Eradication efforts successful; Miller now on NESARE Executive Committee; OCCA helps with local food pantry program; Sketch now in place for landscape-inspired art; Presentation focuses on ag resource protection; Pressure washer bought with Norcross grant; Deadline nearing for comments on EPA study; OCCA-sponsored intern reports on activities; OCCA among no-lease supporters; Festival celebrates importance of Otsego’s Lakes; Otsego County students win prizes for Earth Festival Eco-art; Festival attendance figures top previous years; OCCA nature walk series takes hikers over hill, dale.
SPRING 2010, Vol. 42, Issue 1
Headlines: Earth Festival Seminar Series focuses on renewable energy, natural gas; French, Vargha join OCCA Board; President’s Message: Belated thanks; OCCA president to receive award from EPA; DISH, Texas mayor shares gas drilling experiences; OCCA member steps in to direct garage sale fundraiser; Composting should be part of county’s solid waste plan; Composting Q&A; OCCA 2009 Annual Fund Drive: Thank you for your continuing support!; WQCC explores carbon sequestration, ag carbon trading; Save the Date: Dinner in Honor of Dr. Willard N. Harman.
WINTER 2010, Vol. 41, Issue 4
Headlines: OCCA programs are strong, diverse as the organization moves forward; Member renewal key to OCCA success; OCCA in the news; Hartwick profs report on Susquehanna water quality; Team effort appreciated; Upcoming events.
FALL 2009, Vol. 41, Issue 3
Headlines: OCCA honors Robert, Jean Miller for lifelong devotion to the environment; Many thanks for a job well done; OCCA in the news; If you can’t beat ’em, eat ’em.
SUMMER 2009, Vol. 41, Issue 2
Headlines: Towns must act now to have sway over natural-gas companies; Why OCCA is appealing to members; OCCA in the news; What did OCCA do this summer?; Solar for the common man: Doing as the ancients did; Saving money, energy through Equity Energy; Geothermal energy systems offer multiple benefits; OCCA-sponsored interns learn, report findings to Board; Award nominations sought.
SPRING 2009, Vol. 41, Issue 1
Headlines: OCCA garage sale is coming soon; Save the OCCA garage sale; A word from the Executive Director: OCCA gears up for Annual Fund drive; OCCA in the news; Recycle Styrofoam, Christmas lights at Earth Festival; President’s Message: OCCA in the forefront regarding gas drilling concerns; Greasecyclers: An innovative green enterprise starts up; Davies latest to join OCCA board of directors; Enviro Events Calendar; OCCA membership contributions: Thank you for your continuing support!; Lake Campaign programs moving forward; OCCA is running on WVO; Bottled water no longer sparkles in public eye; Consumer rights watchdog urges us to drink tap water; Bike to Work Day planned in May.
WINTER 2008, Vol. 40, Issue 3
Headlines: OCCA celebrates fortieth year, honors international forester, Henry Kernan; Martha Clarvoe takes over OCCA presidency from Win McIntyre; Darla Youngs joins OCCA staff as administrative director; OCCA in the news; May all your holidays be green!; President’s Message: OCCA needs support for its countywide programs, too!