East Kill Management Plan
The East Kill Management Plan was designed as a comprehensive review of stream characteristics, data, maps and presents recommended management strategies. The management strategies consist of measures that can be taken individually and collectively to reduce the flood risks associated with living in the East Kill Watershed, improve the ecology of the stream and floodplain, while protecting the stream’s many resource values. Ultimately, the plan is meant to assist watershed municipalities and residents in planning for a sustainable future for their property, infrastructure, water and biological resources. Ensuring the health of the watershed’s environmental resources will also help to secure a future of prosperous economic growth and a good quality of life for watershed residents.
Restoration Projects
Based on recommendations set forth in the East Kill Stream Management Plan, GCSWCD and NYC DEP have completed several East Kill restoration projects in order to improve and help protect water quality in the Schoharie basin.
Vista Ridge Project (2011)
Town of Jewett
The project objectives are to address aggradation of the East Kill upstream of the Vista Ridge bridge, and address the channel's migration into Colgate Lake road. This project will be designed to protect the roads, prevent the erosion of silt and clay soils into the East Kill, and reduce localized flooding. The project will also enhance the riparian buffer and improve the habitat value of the reach.
Project partners: GCSWCD, NYCDEP, Schoharie Watershed Advisory Committee, Private Landowners
More photos and information on the Vista Ridge Stream Restoration Project
Farber Farm Stream Restoration Project (2000)
Town of Jewett
In response to the January 1996 high flow event, the Farber Farm stream reach was channelized and levees were constructed to alleviate future risk and potential damage from future high flow events. These modifications left the reach in a over-widened condition, limiting sediment transport. Assessments of the condition in 1997 and 1998 documented excessive sediment deposition throughout the reach which was potentially due to the modified channel condition. Further, the loss of riparian vegetation due to streamside grazing of livestock had led to degradation of the reach’s ecological potential and contributed to an increase in downstream channel and bank erosion. The restoration of the Farber Farm project reach was the first effort implemented in the East Kill stream corridor with the goals of promoting principles of natural channel design and stream corridor restoration. The primary goal of the project was to provide long-term channel stabilization while maintaining the integrity and benefit of a naturally functioning channel and floodplain. Secondary project goals included improvement of aquatic and riparian habitat within the project area while maintaining the aesthetic values of a natural stream channel. Thirdly, water quality was to be improved by addressing stream bank erosion and by modifying management and grazing practices.
Project partners: GCSWCD, NYCDEP, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets, Watershed Agricultural Counil, Trout Unlimited, JJ Farber Farm
Complete project report