Promoting Wise Management of Natural Resources in Greene County, New York Since 1961

Post-Flood Emergency Stream Intervention Training

Registration Form | Training Invitation Letter

Date: Monday, March 26, 2012 (snow date: March 27)

  • FloodedRoadLarge rain storms can cause stream flooding and resultant infrastructure & property damage. It is important to be aware of proper emergency recovery methods to protect property, infrastructure, and resources, and to avoid exacerbating existing problems.8:00am - Registration
  • 9am-3pm - Classroom instruction, with a 1 hour break for lunch (provided)
  • This course will also include a second day field visit session to an active construction site to be scheduled early summer 2012

Presenters: Greene County SWCD, Ulster County SWCD, NYCDEP, and NRCS Staff

Location: Greene County Emergency Services Building, Cairo

Though there is no cost to attend this course, pre-registration is required. Complimentary breakfast and lunch refreshements will be provided.

To register for this course or to request more information, contact Robyn Worcester, District Education & Outreach Coordinator, at (518) 622-3620 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

griffin-rd-culvert-repairA proper understanding of stream science and processes is integral to completing good restoration work 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.

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. Operators should come away understanding basic stream processes, why certain "myths" about stream behavior are untrue, as well as a number of construction techniques that can be utilized while performing emergency restoration projects.

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.

Course Description

After a flood event, streams may look unraveled with gravel and debris strewn all over the place. Our first reaction is to put everything back to the way it was and maybe do some extra work.

Typically this extra work consists of widening and dredging the channel to increase capacity. While the pressure to get into the area and move material to protect the public is understood, it is important to understand how the stream has changed as a result of the flood.

Quick assessment can give the contractor or highway superintendent valuable information that will help determine how much work needs to be done and how the problem can be best resolved.

(Above text from Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District Training Manual)