CAC 2010 Accomplishments & 2011 Goals

Dutchess County CAC's and the Environmental Management Council (EMC) met at the annual meeting in February. The meeting was held at the Cornell University Cooperative Extension Dutchess County offices in
Millbrook. This was a chance for CAC members from various municipalities to share their successes and challenges from 2010 and their goals for the coming year.

Tom Baldino, the Beacon CAC chairperson, shared our 2010 accomplishments with the group. The first Beacon Composts: Zero Waste Garden Tour was held last June. The CAC proposed a public-spaces recycling program to the city council. Solar panels were installed on the roof of the municipal building, which was a five-year process. CAC members advised the city council and planning board on proposed projects in 2010, and will continue to do so.

Looking forward to 2011, the CAC hopes to see the installation of bicycle racks along Main Street. The Second Annual Beacon Composts: Zero Waste Garden Tour is scheduled for June 11. The CAC will assist the City of Beacon and Hudson River Sloop Clearwater with the actions outlined in the Urban Forestry Grant application.
As part of the solar panel installation, the CAC will ensure that an educational display is erected at City Hall.
The City of Beacon has partnered with Greener Corners and new recycling/trash receptacles should be installed along Main Street this spring. In partnership with the Beacon Sloop Club, the CAC is encouraging local teens to get involved with Beacon's environmental organizations. The CAC will continue its drive to recruit interested Beacon residents to become CAC members.