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

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50+

Years Experience

SINCE 1972

ABOUT US

We Are Here To Improve Our Ecosystems

Since our founding in 1972, the BKAA 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 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

Enviornmental Monitoring
Community Engagement
Partnership & Collaboration
Legal Action
Restoration
Advocacy
OUR HISTORY

History Of Our Organization

Since our founding in 1972, the BKAA 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 800 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 team members

Jacke Broder

President

Jackie has been a BKAA board member since 2007. She has a background in Wildlife & Forest Biology and is the Director of the Mamakating Environmental Education Center.

Lisa Schnitzer

Treasurer

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

Christine Saward

Secretary

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.

Graham Vest

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!

Cliff Johnson

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.

Ellen Pilipski

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.

Bill Lucas

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.

Walter Jahn

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. 

Jenn Davis

BoARD MEMBER
I grew up in Pine Bush but always frequented the Bashakill. I moved to Wurtsboro 8 years ago. I am the newest board member and can’t wait to help.

Cheyenne Otto

Water Testing
Hi Everyone! I have been a lifelong resident of the Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area, which led to my choice to join the BKAA Board to assist with the monitoring and conservation of this wetland. I have a dual Bachelor of Science in Geology and Biology. Currently I manage the Water Testing Program to monitor the water quality of the Basha Kill which is an important indicator of the ecosystem’s health

Frank Coviello

Data Collection & 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.

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© 2024 Basha Kill Area Association Inc.
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