Since 1996, the District has been utilizing, and promoting the use of the Rosgen Stream Classification System. Developed after 30 years of stream monitoring by Dave Rosgen of Wildland Hydrology, the classification system is based on a number of delineative criteria associated with the stream's morphology.  The Rosgen system is favored by the District, and our partners at NYCDEP due to its use of measurable criteria and its consideration of the stream's sediment regime.  For additional information, contact Wildland Hydrology for a list of publications on the Rosgen Classification System. 

One of the first tasks the District completes when initiating a new stream corridor project, is the classification of the stream reaches.  Classification is based on the "current"  status of the stream  and it provides several distinct benefits.

1. Allows for effective communications between various disciplines, such as      geologists , hydrologists and biologists working on stream management.

2. Provides a consistent, replicable platform for integration of various stream resource inventories and assessments

3. Assists with predictions of future stream behavior based on local knowledge of     how different stream types respond to change.