Citizens Advisory Committee on Conservation

(518) 439-4955, Ext. 1157
E-mail:

Citizens Advisory Committee on Conservation (CACC) members
Libby Liebschutz, Chairman

Town of Bethlehem Representatives
Jeffrey Lipnicky, AICP, Town Planner
Robert Leslie, AICP, Senior Planner

Contact information for Town Staff, Department of Economic Development & Planning
(518) 439-4955
Ext. 1157 - Robert Leslie, Senior Planner
Ext. 1159 - Deborah Kitchen, Administrative Aide

For Advisory Committees such as the Citizens Advisory Committee on Conservation (CACC), please see Agendas and Minutes/Advisory Committees

Responsibilities of Committee

The Citizens Advisory Committe on Conservation (CACC) emerged as a Tier I recommendation of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). The Comp Plan directed the Town Board to appoint an advisory committee, which at the direction of the Town Board, explores conservation projects and opportunities with willing landowners. The CACC is an advisory body that provides advice and recommendations to the Town Board. It does not have independent regulatory powers. Staff members of the Department of Economic Development and Planning (DEDP) provide staff support to the CACC.

The Town Board has exclusive responsibility to request assistance, advice and recommendations from the CACC. The CACC has been asked to assist in the development of an integrated pedestrian trail network in the Slingerlands area. It has also been asked to develop information about funding programs that can be used to assist in open space conservation

The Bethlehem Citizen's Advisory Committee for Conservation (CACC) welcomes comments, questions and suggestions from the public.

CACC Written Input Form

Send written correspondence to Bethlehem CACC, Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Avenue, 2nd Floor, Delmar, NY 12054; or send an e-mail to

Related Documents/Presentations/Links

Tax Incentives for Conservation Easements:

New York State Conservation Easement Tax Credit (annual tax credit for donated or partially donated easements):
http://198.66.224.63/yourregion/ny/faq_ny_ce_program.pdf (link to PDF document)

Federal Tax Incentive for Donated Conservation Easements:
http://www.landtrustalliance.org/policy/taxincentives/how-to-use/incentive-faqs

Land Trust Working in Bethlehem:

Scenic Hudson:
http://www.scenichudson.org/

Open Space Institute:
http://www.osiny.org

Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy:
http://www.mohawkhudson.org/

New York State Local Open Space Planning Guide:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lgss/pdfs/OpenSpaces.pdf (link to PDF document)

• Recommendations on Open Space Report - Presentation to Town Board 10/14/2009
• Recommendations on Open Space Needs and Opportunities Presentation 07/01/2009
• Summary of Comments 10/23/2008 Open Space Topics Meeting
• Summary of Comments 10/06/2008 Open Space Landowner Meeting
• Open Space Plan Topics Meeting Presentation - October 23, 2008
• Open Space Meeting Topics Workbook - October 23, 2008
• Memo from Director of Economic Development and Planning to Town Board Regarding an Approach for Town of Bethlehem to Undertake the Development of a Farm and Open Space Protection Program September 6, 2007
• Quarterly Report August 16, 2007
• TOB Municipal Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan Grant Application 12/2007
• Recreation, Conservation, Education and Municipal Land Map Memo to Town Board
• Existing Recreation, Conservation, Education and Municipal Land Map (1.6MB)*This map is intended to identify existing recreation, conservation, education, and municipal lands in the town. Identification of lands on this map is not intended to imply that they are open for public access. Some lands are privately owned and access may be prohibited or by landowner permission only.
• Memo from CACC to Town Board - April 18, 2007 - Clarification of Task regarding Map of Existing Conservation and Recreation Land
• Summary of Comments from Open Space Protection Programs - Funding and Tools Workshop, January 8, 2007
• Slingerlands Integrated Pedestrian Network Plan (30MB, this is a very large file)
• Slingerlands Pedestrian Network Presentation by Edwards and Kelcey - November 13, 2006 (10MB, this is a large file)
• Open Space Protection Programs - Funding and Tools - October 18, 2006
• Quarterly Report - June 9, 2006
• Work Plan - Revised June 9, 2006

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