The Post-Flood Stream Emergency Training was a great success! On March 26th and 27th, 2012, the GCSWCD, in partnership with NYCDEP's Stream Management Program, presented a FREE course in post-flood stream intervention. The second component of the training will be scheduled in early summer 2012, and will provide a field visit session to an active construction site.
Training Purpose
This training was provided in order to increase the knowledge and improve the decision-making ability of machine operators working in streams after flood events. Operators were instructed on topics including, basic stream processes, why certain "myths" about stream behavior are untrue, and a number of construction techniques that can be utilized while performing emergency restoration projects. The preseneters of this course included: Joel DuBois, Greene County SWCD; Cory Ritz, Ulster County SWCD; Doug DeKoskie, NYCDEP; and Deron Davis, NRCS.
Over 160 individuals attended the training in Greene County, and approximately 40 attended the same training held in Ulster County earlier in March. Those who attended and completed 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.
Importance of this Course
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)
For information, contact GCSWCD at (518) 622-3620.