Otsego Outdoors reflects the shared goals of four environmental organizations with harmonious missions.

Otsego 2000 is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1981 to ensure the Otsego Lake region remains a masterpiece of nature by protecting and supporting its environmental, scenic, cultural, historic, and agricultural resources and its economic wellbeing. The Otsego Lake region and its surrounding landscapes, valleys, villages, and farms constitute a unique confluence of historical, environmental, cultural, agricultural, rural and scenic resources. The long-term economic wellbeing of the region and the quality of life for its residents derive from our stewardship of these resources. Otsego 2000, as the first responder on environmental and sustainable development issues affecting the Otsego Lake region and beyond, seeks to protect these assets for the benefit of present and future generations. We advance our mission through informed advocacy, intelligent planning, public education, and sustainable economic alternatives.

Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) is a countywide environmental organization addressing a broad spectrum of basic environmental concerns. OCCA plays a key role in initiating and carrying out programs designed to improve or protect Otsego County’s air, land, and water. Wide support from county residents enhances our ability to accomplish our mission. OCCA is dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County’s natural resources through research, education, advocacy, planning and resource management and practice.

Otsego Land Trust conserves our natural heritage of woodlands, farmlands, and waters that sustain rural communities, promote public health, support wildlife diversity and inspire the human spirit. Otsego Land Trust’s core values of Integrity & Trust, Respect for People & the Land and Waters That Sustain Us, commitment to Diversity, Commitment to Community, Tangible, Lasting Results are based on our dedication to protecting healthy lands and clean waters now and for future generations. They are convictions deeply held by our board and staff and practiced in our conservation efforts.

Butternut Valley Alliance, which officially joined the Otsego Outdoors partnership in early 2023, has endeavored to help the Butternut Creek watershed to become an even better place to live, work and play since 2009. Our activities connect communities, protect the environment, and promote the arts.  The Butternut Creek watershed comprises seven towns located along the Southwestern portion of Otsego County encompassing about 120 square miles and is home to roughly 7,500 residents. To fulfill our mission, BVA holds four large community-building events each year (On the Trail of Art, Summer Harvest Festival, Butternut Creek Fun Float and Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder) that aim to promote the arts and sustainable agriculture in the region and to encourage people to enjoy and care for the outdoors. BVA also presents public lectures on local history and regional environmental issues. In addition, BVA participates in water quality and invasive species monitoring, creek cleanup and buffer restoration, trail building and citizen science. In 2023, BVA received official status as NYS DEC forest stewards for three state forests in the Butternut Valley – General Jacob Morris State Forest, Wagner State Forest, and Texas School House State Forest.