New Smithtown Conservation Board Members Sworn In

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown welcomed two new members to the Conservation Advisory Board on Jan. 29. Kathleen Albrecht and Thomas D. McCarthy were sworn in as new members, in addition to the current board members Armand DeRose, A. Lawrence Liquori, and Jack Hessel, the Town announced. DeRose will serve as Chairman of the Board, and Liquori will act as Vice-Chairman.

Albrecht has been a resident of the Town of Smithtown for over 36 years. In addition to her position on the Conservation Board, she is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Smithtown Historical Society. Albrecht’s two children both graduated from Smithtown High School West. She was inspired to join the Conservation Board because of her desire to get more involved in the community.

"I am looking forward to studying the issues, working with the Town of Smithtown Director of Environment & Waterways David Barnes and his professional staff, as well as the other four members of the Town of Smithtown Conservation Board," Albrecht said.

McCarthy has been a Smithtown resident for over 23 years and is an avid supporter of downtown revitalization efforts. In addition to his philanthropic efforts in the arts with organizations like Celebrate St. James, he is also dedicated to supporting first responders. A lover of all creatures, domestic and wild, McCarthy enjoys spending time with his family and rescue dogs.

"I’m looking forward to conducting research on our precious marshlands, swamps, and wetlands as well as improving upon our current log of open areas within the Town," McCarthy said. "Smithtown has a proud reputation of trailblazing in the field of alternative energy. We’ve been deemed Tree City USA for over 33 years in a row! So naturally, I’m aware I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m honored and thrilled to build upon our exceptional reputation."

DeRose and Liquori have each served on the Conservation Advisory Board for over 30 years. Hessel recently completed his first term as a member of the Board and is now serving his second term. Albrecht and McCarthy have now been sworn in for their first terms.

The new Conservation Board conducted its first meeting of the year Jan. 30. Topics related to Sweetbriar Nature Preserve and the Harned Saw Mill were discussed. The Board typically holds a few meetings per year.

The Conservation Board of the Town of Smithtown consists of five members appointed by the Town Board for two-year terms. The Conservation Board conducts research into the land area of the Town. The Board keeps an index of all open areas within the Town of Smithtown and an index of all open marshlands, swamps and all other wetlands, and may recommend to the Town Board a program for the better promotion, development or use of such areas.