Conservation Advisory Council (C.A.C.)

This volunteer committee consists of nine members, each serving a three year term. Openings on the committee are publicized, at which time applications are solicited, and members are chosen by the Town Board.

In the winter of 2001-2002 the CAC undertook an Open Space Survey.  Of 186 responses received regarding issues of importance, the three highest rated were open spaces for water conservation needs, aquifers and watersheds. Preservation of the Town's farmland and its scenic views and roads also achieved significant ratings.  Two-thirds of the respondents indicated that it was most important for the town to plan for the use and protection of its open spaces in order to maintain Hurley's rural character.

In 2002 the CAC applied for and received approval of two grants to initiate open space planning.  The first grant, from the Hudson River Greenway Communities Council, was used to prepare an Open Space Resources Inventory for the Town of Hurley.  This took the form of maps which have been framed and hung in the Town Hall for the benefit of the townspeople.  

In addition to the open space survey, the CAC held two public meetings at which the residents continued to express their interest in preserving the quality of the Town's waters.  As a result of the survey and the town meetings, the work program for the Open Space Preservation Plan was modified to include a separate, more detailed study known as the Aquifer Protection Study that is intended to identify and evaluate groundwater resources in the Town and recommend appropriate protection techniques.  In 2006, the CAC created and distributed an educational brochure to Hurley residents that explains methods of protecting our water.