As early as 1760, efforts were made to straighten, dredge, and drain the river corridor to make the land dry enough to farm. The effort didn't succeed until sixty-six years later when a large canal lowered the water table of the river. Mill owners, however, sought to keep the lands flooded, and a battle ensued between the millers and the farmers who wanted the lands drained. The disputes were finally settled in the farmers' favor in 1871. Until just recently, the Wallkill River valley was primarily agricultural.
Dairy farming is no longer the dominant economic force in the valley.
Due to the proximity of the valley to larger metropolitan areas, the region is becoming more suburbanized. However, an abundance of state and federal public lands are helping preserve the natural beauty of the area and provide valuable habitat for wildlife.