A proper understanding of stream science and processes is integral to completing good restoration work post-storm that protects infrastructure, property, streambanks, and natural ecosystems. Conducting smart work that considers floodplain connectivity and regional curve recommendations for channel sizing eliminates or reduces the need to go back and repair mistakes--saving valuable resources.In partnership with NYCDEP’s Stream Management Program, the District is presenting a FREE course in post-flood stream intervention techniques for area contractors, highway departments, and municipalities. The purpose of this training is to increase the knowledge and improve the decision-making ability of machine operators working in streams after flood events. Those who attend and complete this course will be placed on a District list of contractors who have been trained in stream science and proper restoration work, distributable to landowners and municipalities.
The first day of this 2-day training course is scheduled for Monday, March 26, 2011 (snow date March 27) at the Greene County Emergency Services Building in Cairo. This will be a full day of classroom instruction on basic stream processes and tips and techniques for proper construction work. The second day of this course will be scheduled in the early summer and will consist of a field site visit to a stream reconstruction project in action.
Though there is no cost to attend this course, pre-registration is required. Complimentary breakfast and lunch refreshements will be provided.
To register or to request more information, contact Robyn Worcester, District Education & Outreach Coordinator, at (518) 622-3620 or
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Recent Happenings
2011 Summit keynote speaker Don Lake discusses floodplain functions, the effects of development pressure, and Green Infrastructure practices.
Defining stream management in the wake of Hurricane Irene means many things to different people. The well-attended 6th Annual Watershed Summit explored what fundamental stream principles can teach us in anticipating flood behavior, what corrective actions to take to minimize future damage based on stream functions, and examined why certain areas and projects held up well through the Irene event better than others.
This rain garden at the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts is an example of a best management practice for mitigating the impacts of stormwaterAfter the well-attended Kick-Off meeting in June, participating municipalities resumed work on the Mountaintop Better Site Design project this fall, with the aim of incorporating environmental protection language and strategies into local planning and zoning codes. Project consultants have created the Low Impact Development Manual for Mountaintop Communtities (2 Mb pdf), which is a resource for landowners, developers, and planning officals to use when designing development projects.
Upstream view of stream restoration project reach after installation of revegetative treatments (willow stakes, potted trees, seed & mulch)In partnership with New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the District recently completed construction of a stream restoration project on a reach of the East Kill along County Route 78 (Colgate Road) in East Jewett. This restoration project was undertaken in order to improve floodwater and sediment conveyance through the historically unstable stream reach. The project will reduce maintenance and flood mitigation costs for landowners, the Town of Jewett, and Greene County, as well as improve water quality impacts and provide benefits to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Planning, design, and mobilization for this project occurred prior to Hurricane Irene. Led by James Buchanan, Project Manager, the District successfully completed this project and was also able to complete a significant amount of post-stom restoration and repair work in the surrounding vicinity.
The District recently completed the construction of a stormwater retrofit project at the future site of the Mountain Top Library & Learning Center. The project includes a permeable asphalt parking area (the first of its kind in the NYC Watershed), rain gardens, and a runoff conveyance and treatment system. The District is working in partnership with the Catskill Watershed Corporation, NYC DEP, NYS DEC, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Haines Falls Free Library on this project that will help protect Schoharie basin waterways from the negative effects of stormwater runoff.
Project Background and Porous Pavement Demonstration
Kim Ackerley, Catskill Watershed Corporation’s Stormwater Program Specialist, demonstrates the remarkable properties of the porous pavement parking surface at the Mountain Top Library Stormwater Retrofit Project. This video is also available at www.cwconline.org.
