Learn About Us

Our programs range from education to training about how you can help protect and preserve the beautiful Basha Kill

50+

Years Experience

SINCE 1972

ABOUT US

We Are Here To Protect Our Wetland

Since our founding in 1972, Our mission has been to protect the Basha Kill wetlands and surrounding area from ecological degradation, to promote education and respect for the environment in general and to preserve the beauty of the area.

The Association consists of some 600+ members working together to preserve the unspoiled Ecosystem of the beautiful and unique Basha Kill.

Key Aspects About Us

Enviornmental Monitoring
Community Engagement
Partnership & Collaboration
Restoration
Advocacy
OUR HISTORY

History Of Our Organization

The BKAA was founded in 1972, the same time that the wetland became property of the the NYS Department of environmental conservation and a wildlife management area. Local residents were worried that the area would suffer from misuse under the hands of the state. Quickly, the concern changed to environmentally unsound development of the surrounding area, which has been an ongoing struggle to this day. The Association consists of 600+ members working together to preserve the unspoiled quality of the beautiful and unique Basha Kill. We serve as a local watchdog for the wetland by being alert to threats such as pollution, vandalism and unwise development.

Key Aspects About Us

Advocacy
Education
Volunteerism

Meet our board members

President
Leslie has been a resident of the Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area since 2000, which led to her decision to join the BKAA Board. She is dedicated to assisting with the monitoring and conservation of this wetland.
Vice President
Mark has been a resident of the Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area since 2000, which led to his decision to join the BKAA Board. He is dedicated to assisting with the monitoring and conservation of this wetland.

I’ve been a member of the board since 2023, joining as the Treasurer’s Assistant. I have since transitioned into the role of Treasurer. I love helping however I can to protect the Bashakill, which is one of my happy places

I’ve been on the BKAA Board for numerous years, and served as secretary for many of those years. I also maintain the merchandise inventory.

Data Collection & Guardian Editor
I am a native New Yorker from the Bronx and a U.S. Air Force veteran. After moving to Wurtsboro in 1975, I joined the Basha Kill Area Association, became an active member in 2014, and now focus on advocacy while also serving as a Nature Watch Volunteer and Editor of the Guardian.
Web site & Guardian Editor

The Bashakill beckoned me to the area, even before I knew what it was, during my trips from the Bronx to Western NY. I remember coming down off the Shawangunk Ridge and being mesmerized by its beauty. When I moved here in 2004, i fell even more love and also realized its ecological importance. I have been a BKAA board member since 2007.

Assistant Treasurer
Ellen grew up exploring the Bashakill so it’s in her blood to protect it. She took up the monumental task from long-time treasurer, Monique Lipton and has done an amazing job.  And even though she is handing the reins to Lisa Schnitzer, she will still be very involved.
Correspondence
My casual use of the Bashakill changed to sincere commitment after a friend from Europe insisted the wetland had to be vigilantly protected, since it is so close to a major, expanding urban area.
Membership
I am a long time local resident who loves the Bashakill and the area. As a board member, I help with the association’s membership, keeping track of the wonderful folks who also support the Kill!
Email Correspondence
I’ve lived in Mamakating for fifty years and been active in community issues after retiring from international finance. My wife Carol and I, long-time BKAA members, enjoy biking, kayaking, running, and fishing with our family, and participating in BKAA hikes and cleanups.
Nature Watch Co Leader
Nature Watch Co-Director, as well as, leader of diverse nature hikes along the Bashakill & presentations at Mamakating Environmental Education Center. 
Assistant Secretary
I've enjoyed the solace and beauty of the Bashakill Wetlands since I was a child. I joined the BKAA Board to give back where I can and to help protect this ecologically sensitive area for future generations.

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Basha Kill & What You Can Do To Help

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