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Rockland County Under Drought Watch

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2 years ago

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Department of Health has been monitoring water usage in the county which has been relatively low; however, water conservation is encouraged to preserve our drinking water resources and keep water available for fighting fires. 

“Back in 2022 when this County was faced with a water emergency, the people of Rockland stepped up to do the right thing and cut back water usage 15 percent below average,” said County Executive Ed Day. “I am once again asking our residents to do their part and reduce water usage until we surpass this drought.”

“Dry periods like we are currently experiencing can have a significant impact on our water resources when they occur in the spring and summer months, but we still have time to recover when they occur in the fall.  However, we cannot predict if we are at the beginning of an extended dry spell or if rainfall will normalize when we need it to,” said Sam Rulli, Director of Environmental Health.

To help conserve water, residents can: Check toilets, faucets, and pipes for leaks to prevent water waste; fix these leaks as soon as possible. Take shorter showers – this can help reduce our water demand.

In addition, observe the Executive Order Burn Ban issued on 11/1/2024 which prohibits all outdoor burning activities, including but not limited to the burning of brush, leaves, and other yard debris, along with fire pits and campfires, are all restricted until further notice. This decision is in response to abnormally dry conditions that pose a significant risk for fires to ignite and spread quickly due to the recent lack of rainfall, low humidity, and gusty winds.

The Rockland County Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates. For more information about the drought watch, visit Rockland County Conditions | Drought.gov and the NYS DEC Press Release.

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West Point Memorial Monument Unveiled at La Fière Bridge Honors WWII Leaders

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2 hours ago

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June 10, 2026

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A new West Point Memorial Monument was unveiled on June 4, 2026, at La Fière Bridge in Sainte-Mère-Église, France, as part of the 82nd Anniversary commemoration of D-Day.

The monument honors more than 150 graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Long Gray Line who led and fought during Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy that began on June 6, 1944.

Among the most notable West Point graduates associated with the Normandy campaign are General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force; Lieutenant General Omar Bradley, who commanded U.S. ground forces on D-Day; Lieutenant General J. Lawton Collins, who led VII Corps during the assault on Utah Beach; and Major General Maxwell D. Taylor, who commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the airborne operations preceding the landings. These leaders played pivotal roles in planning and executing the operation that helped turn the tide of World War II in Europe.

Situated near the historic La Fière Bridge, a strategic objective during the Normandy campaign and the site of intense fighting following the airborne landings, the memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of West Point graduates who served during the liberation of Europe.

The bridge itself was a critical objective for Allied airborne forces, particularly elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, who fought to secure crossings and protect the inland advance from Utah Beach. The surrounding area remains one of the most studied and visited battlefields of the Normandy campaign.

The unveiling ceremony brought together military leaders, dignitaries, historians, veterans, and members of the public to honor the legacy of those who fought during D-Day and the broader Normandy campaign. The monument serves as a permanent reminder of the contributions made by generations of West Point graduates in defense of freedom during World War II.

Photo: Samantha Sergi

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Government

Rockland County Promotes Native Plants and Water-Smart Landscaping

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1 week ago

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June 3, 2026

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The Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to embrace water-smart landscaping practices that conserve water and support environmental health.

Officials recommend reducing nonfunctional lawn areas and replacing them with native plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, rain gardens, bioswales, and rain barrels. These practices help reduce water consumption, manage stormwater runoff, improve groundwater recharge, and increase resilience to climate change.

According to the Council, water demand in Rockland County rises from an average of 30 million gallons per day to as much as 45 million gallons per day during the warmer months, placing additional strain on local water supplies.

Residents are encouraged to consider native plants such as Creeping Phlox, Foamflower ‘Elizabeth Oliver,’ and Jacob’s Ladder, which require less watering once established and are well-suited to local conditions.

Examples of successful rain gardens featuring native plants can be found at Orangeburg Library, Bowline Point Park, Kennedy Dells County Park, and Piermont Library.

By replacing sections of lawn with native plants and incorporating features that manage rainwater naturally, residents can play a direct role in protecting Rockland County’s water resources.

The initiative is part of the county’s ongoing effort to promote sustainable landscaping and encourage participation in the national “Less Lawn More Life” movement.

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