Environmental Management Council (EMC)
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About the Rockland County Environmental Management Council
Welcome to The Rockland County Environmental Management Council (EMC) web page. The EMC was established by the Rockland County Legislature in 1973. Its members are volunteers representing Rockland County's five towns. They bring a variety of expertise and experiences from fields such as academia, non-profit, engineering, geology, business, marketing, public communications, and technology. They are appointed by the County Executive, confirmed by the Legislature, and sworn in by the County Clerk. The EMC works in a non-partisan, non-adversarial manner to support environmental improvement within the system.
On this web page you can find information about the EMC's mission, meetings, and membership; the Eleanor Burlingham Earth Day Contest and the Green Champion Award; examples of green infrastructure for storm water management; and clean(er) and more efficient energy infrastructure.
Note: This web page is for informational purposes only. The EMC does not endorse or promote goods and services offered by companies which may be referenced.
Our Mission
The Environmental Management Council preserves and protects Rockland County's natural resources through community outreach, public recognition of environmental achievements, education, and publicly advising on environmental issues and opportunities.
In support of its mission EMC's activities include:
- Sponsoring the Eleanor Burlingham Earth Day Contest for school students to observe their interactions and interest in the environment, and presenting the annual Green Champion Award to organizations or individuals who consistently exemplify outstanding environmental stewardship.
- Monitoring land use and development to help ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and submitting public written and oral testimony to regulatory commissions and planning boards.
- Working with other agencies and organizations to preserve water resources by encouraging broader adoption of green infrastructure to better manage storm water run-off.
- Identifying and promoting technologies and practices to reduce 'carbon footprints' and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Researching and promoting additional ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in order to reduce waste streams in government, commercial, and residential settings.
- Preserving and extending biodiversity by emphasizing the importance of native plants and controlling invasive plant species, among other initiatives.
- Meeting regularly to discuss environmental issues and opportunities and progress toward the EMC's goals. Meetings are open to and may include presentations by the public.
- When requested by the County Legislature, researching and providing opinions on environmental issues that may have significant impacts on the County and its residents.
Meetings and Membership
EMC's monthly meeting - open to the public - is usually held on the third Wednesday from 5:30 - 7 pm in person. Meeting locations and dates may vary depending on the season. Be sure to refer to the Agenda for the correct meeting location. To learn about meeting updates, other environmental matters, and how to apply to join the board please email Brianna at rosamilb@co.rockland.ny.us.
Members (13 seats, 6 current vacancies)
Executive Director: Brianna Rosamilia
Clarkstown:
Joanna Galdone
Glenn Sungela - Chairperson
Darwin Keung - Corresponding Secretary
Elizabeth Lamoureux
Haverstraw:
Gabriella Dwyer
Orangetown:
William Herguth
Catherine Mazzocchi - Vice Chairperson
Ramapo:
Natalie Patasaw
Chana Friedenberg
Stony Point:
VACANT
Listed below are past meeting Agendas and Minutes. Previous years' meeting agenda, minutes, and other documents are available upon request by contacting the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources at 845-364-2670 or env@co.rockland.ny.us
EMC Agendas & Minutes:
Eleanor Burlingham Earth Day Creative Arts Contest
The EMC sponsors the Eleanor Burlingham Earth Day Creative Arts Contest annually which encourages youths to spend time outdoors and observe interactions between humans, plants and animals. Students submit creative work to the EMC for review. Winners are selected each year and a recognition ceremony takes place in early June with the County Executive and other government officials. The Contest was initiated in 1992 and is named after long time EMC member, Rockland Conservation Association member and active environmentalist, Eleanor Burlingham.
This year's topic was to "take a walk, go for a hike, or sit outside to enjoy some quiet time with nature. Take this time to use your power of observation! Then draw a picture, write a poem, or write down what you notice about your natural environment."
The EMC received over 100 entries from fifth grade students across the County. Of those entries, they selected 6 students to be recognized for their submissions. The recognition ceremony was held in the Legislative Chambers in June.
(Above) Students are recognized by County Executive Ed Day and EMC members for their submissions to the Eleanor Burlingham Creative Arts contest in June 2023.
Edward Brophy Green Champion Award
The EMC also presents the Edward Brophy Green Champion Award annually which is given to an organization, business or group who has shown an exemplary focus on the environment. Edward Brophy was a local artist, avid outdoorsman, member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and strong supporter of the Environmental Defense Fund, as well as a long time EMC board member. Recipients are publicly recognized at the EMC's potluck award dinner which has been hosted at Haverstraw Bay County Park, Dutch Garden and Kennedy Dells County Park.
The 2019 Green Champion Award was presented to the Blue Rock School at the annual award ceremony. Photo below illustrates County Executive Ed Day and EMC Chairperson Natalie Patasaw with Blue Rock School Teachers.
