New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a $13.24-million, five-year partnership with the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) of Paul Smith’s College to administer the Adirondack Park Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP). The announcement, made during Adirondack Day at the New York State Capitol, is expected to protect the Adirondack Park’s resources from the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) that damage ecosystems. [Read more…] about $13M DEC & Adirondack Watershed Institute Invasive Species Plan
water quality
Acquisition Helps Protect North Castle Public Wells, Croton Reservoir System
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Westchester Land Trust (WLT) have announced the acquisition of a total of approximately 68 acres of land to protect the drinking water sources of the town of North Castle and New York City’s New Croton Reservoir system. [Read more…] about Acquisition Helps Protect North Castle Public Wells, Croton Reservoir System
Great Lakes Health Report Issued
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the 2020-2022 Great Lakes Program Report that highlights collaborative efforts to conserve, restore, protect, and enhance New York’s Great Lakes land and water resources. [Read more…] about Great Lakes Health Report Issued
How Does A Land Trust Protect A Watershed? One Parcel At A Time
Species start to vanish from streams during the first stages of suburban development, according to the United States Geological Service. By the time impervious surfaces had absorbed 20 percent of the terrain of some New England watersheds, for example, those streams’ aquatic invertebrate communities had shrunk by roughly 25 percent. [Read more…] about How Does A Land Trust Protect A Watershed? One Parcel At A Time
Harmful Algal Blooms in NYS: A Season Summary
The 2022 Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) notification season has ended, and the Department of Environmental Conservation posted the summary of this year’s HABs notices to the HABs Archive webpage.
During 2022, 198 waterbodies statewide were listed with “Confirmed HABs” on the NY HAB System (NYHABS). Over 1,600 HAB reports were collected, and of these, over 1,000 met criteria for a Confirmed HAB. The reports ranged from a single observation to widespread blooms that were persistent throughout the season. [Read more…] about Harmful Algal Blooms in NYS: A Season Summary
Lake Champlain Basin Commemorating the Clean Water Act
Fifty years ago, the U.S. Congress passed the Clean Water Act. This landmark legislation has been critical in protecting and restoring the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources.
To recognize the Act’s importance, the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) and the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) have spearheaded a commemoration of the anniversary with a variety of events, activities, and publications in 2022. [Read more…] about Lake Champlain Basin Commemorating the Clean Water Act
Gibson: DEC & APA Should Reform Managing Adirondack Lakes and Ponds
At Adirondack Wild’s October meeting at the Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center, lakes and ponds came under the spotlight in a panel discussion about Cooperative Stewardship of Adirondack Lakes. Of particular interest was a given lake’s classification and subsequent comprehensive study, planning and management.
If Adirondack waterbodies are considered part of the Forest Preserve, and for the last fifty years the State Land Master Plan talks about land and water, then the law requires that lakes and ponds be classified, just as forests are. That raises important questions. [Read more…] about Gibson: DEC & APA Should Reform Managing Adirondack Lakes and Ponds
$1.4M For Hudson River Estuary Community Projects
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced grants totaling more than $1.4 million for 23 projects to help communities along the Hudson River Estuary improve water quality and enhance environmental education and stewardship.
The announcement coincides with the 20th Annual ‘Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor,’ where 5,000 student scientists are gathering along the Hudson River and New York Harbor to collect data on the Hudson’s fish and invertebrates, track the river’s tides and currents, and examine water chemistry and quality. [Read more…] about $1.4M For Hudson River Estuary Community Projects
Skaneateles Lake Watershed Property Protected by Easement
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) have announced the permanent protection of 234 acres at Casa Farms in the town of Niles, Cayuga County, with a conservation easement.
[Read more…] about Skaneateles Lake Watershed Property Protected by Easement
Adk Watershed Institute Wins Road Salt, Green Infrastructure Grants
Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) has announced it was recently awarded two research grants from the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP).
The first grant will help scientists and policy makers understand the extent of road salt pollution in Lake Champlain. The second grant will support AWI scientists to assess the effectiveness of recent stormwater upgrades in Lake Placid to improve water quality in Mirror Lake. [Read more…] about Adk Watershed Institute Wins Road Salt, Green Infrastructure Grants