Working with communities to protect and restore streams in the Ashokan Watershed

Annual Report 2013

Water Quality Streamside Infrastructure Floodplain Management Landowner Assistance Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Stream Access & Recreation Our Areas of Focus 2 Annual Report AWSMP 2013 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z

Contents

2013 in Review 3 Letter from AWSMP Managers 4 Program goals 6 Performance and outcome metrics 6

Protecting and enhancing stream stability and water quality 7 Stream restoration projects 7 Stream assessments 7 Stream stewardship education 8 New approaches to stream management 9 Educating future generations of stream managers 10 Sharing information with the online public 10

Floodplain management and planning 11

Assistance to streamside landowners 12 Focus on a riparian buffer planting 12

Protecting and enhancing aquatic and riparian ecosystems 13 Stream-based recreation and public access 15 Educating the public about angling and the importance of aquatic insects 15

Funding 16 Stream Management Implementation Program grants 16 Partner agreements 16

AWSMP staff and stakeholders 17

Photographer and fly fishing guide Mark Loete describes the photo shown on page 15:

The photograph is of the adult insect, typically referred to as a “dun”. The Ephemera guttulata (referred to by East Coast aficionados simply as the “gutts” - long “U”) is the largest and most intricately marked of all the Eastern mayfly species. It’s true that the gutt hatches can reach mythic density on rivers like the Beaverkill and the Delaware system, and these hatch events are a major milestone in the fly fishing season, but they can be sporadic and unpredictable, and so can the fishing. I encountered this situation last year on the West Branch Delaware, the third week in May. A Green Drake hatch commenced early afternoon, and by mid- afternoon, the river surface was literally carpeted with big fat Green Drakes wiggling around on the water (that’s when I took the photo). I began to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for a once-in-a-lifetime fly fishing experience, but the trout were having none of it. They totally ignored the Drakes, and instead were imperceptibly sipping tiny Sulpher Duns. Green Drakes can be found on the Esopus some years, but never in great numbers that would constitute a hatch event. Annual Report AWSMP 2013 3 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z yzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyz yzyz

2013 in review

March 7 April 19 April 27 June 8 Earth Day Volunteer Riparian 4th Annual Ashokan Family Fun & Fish Day Operations Workshop Buffer Planting Watershed Conference

July 13 July 24 August 28 September 28 Town of Shandaken Adopts National Flood Insurance Stream BMP Filming Begins Kanape Brook Stream Walk Flood Mitigation Plan Program Education Session

September October November November 27 Construction Ends Warner Construction Ends Stony Construction Begins Stony 2013 SMIP Grant Creek Restoration Project Clove Restoration Project Clove/Warner Restoration Applications Received Project 4 Annual Report AWSMP 2013 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z

Dear Stakeholders,

2013 was a year of major achievements for the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program with completion of proj- ects to improve water quality and flood control, and protect public infrastructure and private property. The stream projects completed this year are major steps forward in reducing turbidity in the and stabilizing streams in our water- shed communities. 2014 promises to be another big year of stream restoration projects, riparian buffer plantings, streambank bioengineering, flood hazard mitigation, and education and outreach.

Stream restoration efforts were substantially boosted in 2013 by the availability of federal funding to match local funds. Federal funding through the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection program allowed AWSMP to stretch City funds further and provide more local match for Town-sponsored projects. Three stream stabilization and restoration projects were completed or started in 2013, and three more are planned for 2014.

In 2013, the AWSMP helped communities understand a major development in federal policy on floodplain development. The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 changed the rate structure for federal flood insurance. Homebuyers obtaining mortgages for homes located within the Special Flood Hazard Area will now pay actuarial rates for flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Others in the NFIP will see their annual premiums rise 25% per year until actuarial rates are reached. The changes will not only have an impact on individual families, but also businesses and potentially the town tax base. AWSMP developed an educational session to inform municipal officials about the changes and options for lowering flood insurance costs.

Responding to frequent and larger flood events over recent years, AWSMP along with the entire NYC Watershed Program is making flood mitigation a higher priority in stream management planning. Looking ahead to 2014, AWSMP will begin a new Local Flood Analysis program to help communities identify the most effective flood mitigation measures for protecting pop- ulation centers. We’ll also be launching initiatives to treat eroding streambanks using bioengineering through the AWSMP’s Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative, and funding Towns to meet priority stream management needs through a fresh round of implementation grants.

In April, the AWSMP will hold its 5th Annual Ashokan Watershed Conference celebrating our rivers that flow through time, from the cold beginning of glaciers through Native and European settlement toward a future of adaptation to a changing environment. As always, the Ashokan watershed’s strongest asset is the people who live here and their willingness to under- stand and appreciate the rivers around them.

Thank you for another year of partnership and support.

AWSMP Project Managers

Adam Doan Leslie Zucker Danyelle Davis Ulster County SWCD CCE Ulster County NYC DEP yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z

2013 Stream Restoration at Chichester - Before, During and After (from top to bottom) 6 Annual Report AWSMP 2013 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z

Goals of the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP)

Partnerships founded on stream stewardship principles

The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program is a partnership between Cornell Cooperative Exten- sion of Ulster County, Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Our success is based on partnerships with watershed communities and relationships with individual watershed residents. We invite community participation in the program through our Stakeholder Council and working groups, watershed events, and through stream management implementation grants.

Our program’s mission is to protect and restore stream stability and water quality in the watershed. We are guided by stream stewardship principles and commitment to a science-based management approach to streams. We utilize the Esopus Creek Stream Management Plan and tributary plans as primary guidance documents.

The AWSMP’s objectives are to improve stream stability and reduce erosion threats to water quality and infrastructure, mitigate potential damage from flooding, and enhance aquatic and riparian habitat. We work to educate and inform the community about stream stewardship best management practices and coordinate stream management activities in the watershed.

2013 performance and outcome metrics

Reached 736 community members through stream education programs Completed 10 partnership projects to improve stream integrity or flood resilience Assisted 11 landowners with riparian buffer enhancements Provided technical assistance to 8 municipalities Distributed 8,000 newsletters and launched a new website Circulated articles to over 1,000,000 media subscribers Annual Report AWSMP 2013 7 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z yzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyz yzyz

Protecting and enhancing stream stability and water quality

Stream restoration projects, stream corridor assessments, monitoring, outreach and education to encourage stream stewardship

Stream restoration projects are valuable for their ability to reduce the sources of cobble and gravel that accumulate in streams near our hamlets and at bridge crossings. When stream channels begin to erode, they send stream- bed materials and sediment downstream, along with trees from eroding banks that are

Stream assessment crew member Christina Appleby records bank pulled down by the eroding bed. When the erosion on Bushnellsville Creek during an assessment walkover streambed and bank materials are composed in July 2013. AWSMP uses the gathered information to determine of silt and clay, the erosion leads to muddy (or where future stream restoration will be most beneficial. turbid) water flowing through the watershed. Stream restoration projects are designed to stabilize channels, reduce erosion, and restore the stream’s ability to transport water and sediment. The result is improved water quality and downstream conditions.

Two major stream restoration projects completed In 2013, AWSMP in partnership with the Town of Shandaken completed two major stream restoration projects and started a third in the Stony Clove Creek watershed. These projects were designed to meet multiple stream management goals, including improved water quality, infrastructure and residential protection, and public use and enjoyment of streams. The projects took three years to plan and complete and were sponsored by the Town of Shandaken with funding from the AWSMP and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Stony Clove Creek will be monitored over the coming years to determine if the completed stream resto- ration projects have met project goals, including improved stream stability and reduced suspended sediment loading.

Stream assessments to guide future projects Tributary watershed assessments were completed for the Bushnellsville Creek and Stony Clove Creek in 2013. AWSMP staff assessed the Bushnellsville Creek from Deep Notch to the Esopus Creek confluence, and the Stony Clove Creek from Notch Inn Road to the Esopus Creek confluence. The Stony Clove Creek was first assessed in 2001. The AWSMP gathered and analyzed information about the physical condition of the streams, including stream stability and areas of potential flooding, stream erosion, threatened infrastructure or property, and impaired stream health and threats to water quality. 8 Annual Report AWSMP 2013 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z

Stream stewardship education In 2013, AWSMP began producing videos about stream best management practices and stream restoration projects in the Ashokan watershed. The videos will be completed and made available online in 2014. The AWSMP education program also led two popular streamside walks to educate watershed residents about stream and floodplain management; featured new trends in sustain- able stream management at the 2013 Ashokan Watershed Conference attended by 85 watershed residents; organized public events that reached 350 people with stream and floodplain model AWSMP staff interview NRCS Engineer Deron Davis about demonstrations; held volunteer riparian buffer stream management practices installed at the Warner Creek plantings; and offered “Family Fun and Fish Day” stream restoration project. The interview was filmed by Vecc with fishing demonstrations. Videography and will be used in educational videos.

Over the coming years, AWSMP will place more emphasis on flood mitigation as part of stream management. Education and outreach staff will support this effort with a new flood hazard mitigation education program. New outreach will help communities navigate the suite of available flood mitigation funding programs, and offer education and training to municipal flood com- missions and board members. The program will assist municipalities with using new FEMA data and flood maps to evaluate community risk and identify effective mitigation strategies.

Watershed Educator Brent Gotsch explains how floodplains protect homes and businesses to children and their parents at the Ulster County Fair. Annual Report AWSMP 2013 9 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z yzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyz yzyz

New approaches to stream management

Restoring stability and habitat in an historically altered channel

The Chichester reach of the Stony Clove Creek has a history of major erosion issues documented in the Stony Clove Creek Stream Management Plan. Local residents have modified the stream channel multiple times over the past 150 years for construction and operation of factories, roads, bridges and rail lines.

The types of stream modifications used in the past caused the channel to migrate and cut downward, contrib- uting to severe erosion, falling trees, and clay exposures on several hillslopes along the Stony Clove Creek. The potential for a mass failure (slumping) of one large hillslope in Chichester posed a threat to the downstream hamlet of Phoenicia in the form of excess sediment delivered. Channel migration also threatened to destabilize State Route 214 and several properties.

In 2013, the stream channel was realigned, and as much as possible reconnected with its floodplain. Rocks inter-planted with native willows were used to secure the channel margins. Surface and subsurface drainage was installed on the regraded hillslope to help manage water flows through the streambank. Next year, native trees and shrubs will be planted to secure streambanks and shade the stream.

The Stony Clove Creek in 1898 flowing between the Chichester furniture factory and a high terrace with rail line. This portion of the stream channel was straightened and deepened around 1970. The channel adjusted and eroded into the hillslope leading to the Chichester stream restoration project in 2013. 10 Annual Report AWSMP 2013 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z

Educating future generations of stream managers

Youth education at Onteora’s Bennett Elementary School

Local children are the future of stream management in the Ashokan watershed! Children in the 3rd and 4th grades at the Bennett Elementary School in Boiceville were curious enough about the world around them to form an after-school science club called the “Watershed Detectives.” Local educator Matt Savatgy developed hands-on activities for the students to explore and study the streams and riparian areas located behind the school. In 2013, the club assessed and monitored the health of the streams, modeled erosion patterns, mapped the local drainage system, learned how to determine elevation by reading contour lines, and calculated stream slope from field measurements, among other topics.

The club’s activities became popular enough for 3rd and 4th grade teachers to invite Mr. Savatgy to teach stream and watershed science in their classrooms. The students created presentations from what they learned that were displayed in the school. According to teachers, students couldn’t wait for their next session! The AWSMP is happy to continue supporting the Watershed Detectives Club and classroom water science educa- tion in school year 2014-15.

Sharing information with the online public

In 2013, the AWSMP published a newly revised and updated website at www.ashokanstreams.org.

Our new website features a section called “Exploring the Watershed” that describes the upper Esopus Creek and each of its tributary streams. Other sections pro- vide information on projects related to water quality, streamside infrastructure, floodplain management, as- sistance to streamside landowners, improving aquatic habitats, and recreational access to streams. “News and Events” items on the website are updated periodically and watershed residents can use the website to enroll in volunteer opportunities. The Bush Kill in the Town of Olive is one of the streams featured in the ‘Exploring the Watershed’ section of AWSMP’s new website. The website was designed by local business owner Stephanie Blackman Design using photos by Mark Loete Photography. Website content was developed by AWSMP staff over several years. Enhancements planned for 2014 include expanded webpages for the AWSMP’s Catskill Stream Buffer Initiative (CSBI) and Flood Hazard Mitigation Program. Annual Report AWSMP 2013 11 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z yzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyz yzyz

Floodplain management and planning

Floodplain assessment, coordination and planning for flood hazard mitigation, and education and technical assistance

After the hamlet of Phoenicia flooded three times from 2010-2011, the Town of Shandaken requested assis- tance from the AWSMP and partnering agencies to reduce flood hazards and improve resilience to flooding.

Through a Stream Management Implementation Program (SMIP) grant, the AWSMP provided Shandaken with funding to complete a flood mitigation plan. The plan was published in 2013 and identifies over 90 mitiga- tion strategies for reducing Shandaken’s hazard exposure and vulnerability. In 2014, the AWSMP will support Shandaken with an in-depth comparison of specific mitigation actions to reduce flood levels in Phoenicia. Many flood mitigation actions are costly and require multiple funding sources to complete. Work in early 2014 will allow Shandaken to prioritize the most feasible and beneficial steps to reduce flood levels in Phoenicia and prepare the municipality to aggressively seek funding. Starting mid-year, additional SMIP funds will be avail- able to assist multiple communities with similar projects in the Towns of Olive, Woodstock, and Shandaken.

Education and training for flood hazard mitigation and policy The Ashokan Watershed Conference held in April continued a focus on strengthening community resilience to flooding. About 100 watershed residents and municipal officials attended. Municipal training credits were offered for training sessions on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and local flood ordinances. In July, AWSMP organized an additional training on NFIP changes for municipal officials. At both events, municipal leaders learned more about changing flood insurance rates that affect their constituents, and how new data products can aide communities in reducing flood losses.

Flooding on Main Street, Phoenicia during Tropical Storm Irene, 2011. 12 Annual Report AWSMP 2013 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z yzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyz yzyz

Assistance to streamside landowners

Assessment of streamside properties, streambank stabilization and stream buffer plantings

Bank erosion is a major concern for landowners where it threatens property and buildings. AWSMP provides land- owners with guidance on how to manage streambanks and reduce flood damage through property management.

Planting or maintaining native shrubs and trees along streams can help to stabilize streambanks and improve habitat under the right circumstances. Residential landowners may request assistance with their buffers through the Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative (CSBI). They receive property specific, riparian corridor management plans that identify issues and recommendations. Once these plans are created, landowners may enroll in the CSBI grant pro- gram for financial and technical assistance with implementing the management plan recommendations.

In 2013, the AWSMP completed 10 riparian buffer projects that installed plantings, willow staking, and invasive species control. Over 1,700 trees and shrubs were planted and 2,100 willow stakes installed, improving 3,700 linear feet of riparian buffer.

Focus on a riparian buffer planting

McKenley Hollow (draining into the upper Esopus Creek) experienced some of the most devastating damage during Tropical Storm Irene in the Ashokan watershed. Many properties in that valley were radically altered as the stream adjusted its banks and floodplains in response to high water and associated debris. One family in particular witnessed the power of mountain streams firsthand while they were upstate riding out the storm. They watched the creek swell and rip up large chunks of grass-covered lawn at the edge of their home before the floodwaters receded. Immediately after the storm, they noticed that forested sections of streambank on their property remained un- changed, while the grass areas sustained the most damage.

With technical guidance from the Ulster County Soil and Water Con- servation District, the family rebuilt the streambank and abandoned the idea of a grass lawn streamside in the Catskills. They applied to the CSBI program for assistance with planting the new streambank they Landowners and AWSMP interns installed a riparian had built. The project was designed in summer 2013. During two days buffer to stabilize a McKenley Hollow streambank. in the fall, AWSMP staff and the family installed over 300 willow stakes at the base of a rock wall designed to create channel roughness. They planted over 150 trees and shrubs to provide additional soil stability and shade the creek. A custom seed-mix of Catskill native plants was spread to help further stabilize the soil and create natural beauty in their former lawn area. The project will be monitored for a period of five years to make sure the plants are growing and the project is meeting the landowner’s objectives. Annual Report AWSMP 2013 13 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z yzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyz yzyz

Protecting and enhancing aquatic and riparian ecosystems

Research, assessment and monitoring of aquatic ecosystems

In 2013, the AWSMP held a meeting with researchers to review progress on grant-funded studies and offer par- ticipating scientists a forum for networking and coordination. Some of the preliminary findings reviewed were:

David Richardson, SUNY New Paltz • A significant, negative relationship was found between the density of an invasive diatom Didymo (Didy- mosphenia geminata) and stream macroinvertebrates. • Didymo was found in the Esopus Creek from the Ashokan reservoir to McKenley Hollow. • A link between Didymo blooms and instream nutrient levels is suspected. Barry Baldigo and Scott George, USGS • A significant difference in fish habitat quality was found above and below the Shandaken Tunnel portal, but no negative effects on the fish community were observed. • Overall, fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Esopus Creek were in good condition, except for a substantial decline in rainbow trout densities relative to brown trout since 2010.

Mike McHale and Jason Siemion, USGS • In 2010 and 2011, the Stony Clove Creek contributed the most suspended sediment to the Esopus Creek of all tributary streams, followed by Woodland Creek and the Beaver Kill. The Stony Clove Creek contribut- ed 30-40% of the total load at the Cold Brook Station near the Reservoir. • Suspended sediment loads during water year 2011 (including Tropical Storm Irene) were 2 to 11 fold greater than 2010.

Danyelle Davis, NYCDEP, and REU Faculty, SUNY New Paltz • Assessments in the Warner Creek watershed from 2010-2011 found that large woody debris served to counter head-cut migration over the timeframes observed.

Shafiul Chowdhury and John Rayburn, SUNY New Paltz • Modeling of surficial geology suggests that if the Stony Clove Creek is allowed to incise, it will access unconsolidated materials that will generate additional turbidity.

The USGS conducted fish surveys from 2009-13 at nine sites in the upper Esopus Creek watershed to assess the short- term impacts of floods on fish populations. Fish survey will continue in 2014. 14 Annual Report AWSMP 2013 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z

The high density of USGS stream gages in the upper Esopus Creek makes it an import- ant watershed for research that informs the rest of the Catskills-Delaware system. The scientists attending the forum identified the need to establish a network of monitoring sites to monitor trends in water quality, flows, biological communities, habitat condition, geomorphology, interactions with geology and groundwater movement, and erosion and deposition rates. Both fascinating and unusual, this mud boil in Broadstreet Hollow Creek was particularly active in 2013. Mud boils in streams are a rare hydro- geologic phenomena. Turbidity caused by the entrainment of clay deposits Program managers identified the need for is the primary water quality impairment of the Esopus Creek. additional sediment budget data with a break down of annual percentage loading by flow recurrence intervals to inform stream projects and program planning.

In 2014, final reports on study results will become available. The AWSMP plans to re-convene the Stream Ecosystem Working Group to review findings and update the 2007 Aquatic Ecosystem Research & Assessment Strategy for the Upper Esopus Creek.

The Phoenicia Library is developing an interactive hatch chart and website that features photos of aquatic insects targeted by Esopus Creek trout and the imitation flies that fisherman create to fool trout. The project explores the natural history of aquatic insects and the history of fly fishing in the watershed. Annual Report AWSMP 2013 15 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z yzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyz yzyz

Stream-based recreation and public access

Coordination and education to improve the quantity and quality of public stream access and recreation opportunities

2013 was the year we all learned what the term “seiche” means, after turbidity levels in Shandaken Tunnel water releases to the Esopus Creek fluctuated daily and remained relatively high during the summer. After officials ruled out problems within the Tunnel itself, or the as the source of spiking turbidity, focus turned to conditions within the . Eventually, scientists determined that the most likely explanation was a standing wave within the reservoir (caused by surface wind stress) and temperature differences that lifted sediment-laden waters above the tunnel intake. These internal waves within closed water bodies are called “seiches” and have been observed within the water supply reservoirs before. It is hoped that dynamics occurring in 2013 were a rare event.

Numerous stakeholders in our area, including those in the angling/fishing community and the white water recreation community (e.g. tubers, kayak and canoe enthusiasts, etc.), have questions about how the Shanda- ken Tunnel is operated, such as why recreational releases are sometimes canceled and how the tunnel affects water quality and habitat downstream. In 2013, AWSMP organized a workshop with officials from the NYSDEC and NYCDEP and local stakeholders in attendance to discuss topics related to Tunnel releases and potential mechanisms for reform.

The workshop was requested by the AWSMP’s Stream Access & Recreation Working Group that met regularly in 2013. Over the next year, the working group plans to develop projects throughout the watershed that improve stream access.

Educating the public about angling and the importance of aquatic insects

The Phoenicia Library, a cornerstone of the greater Shandaken community, was badly damaged in a fire in 2010. Among the damaged items in the library was the Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection, which con- tained priceless artifacts and resources related to the Catskill region’s long history of dry fly fishing. The AWSMP provided the Phoenicia Library with a grant to rehabilitate the collection. The project includes associated workshops, presentations and events, a website and “Match-the-Hatch” digital exhibit. The project makes the link between a healthy ecosystem, clean water, robust fish, and abundant aquatic insect populations.

A website for the collection is expected in 2014 with information about the collection, the history of Esopus Creek fly fishing, Catskill trout, a Catskill hatch chart, famous Catskill fly tyers, and additional resources. The website’s hatch chart is particularly exciting and will feature photographs of may- flies, caddis and stoneflies with hatch dates and detailed photographs of

corresponding artificial flies, nymphs, attractors, terrestrials, and streamers. The Green Drake (Ephemera guttulata) For more information, visit the Phoenicia Library’s Jerry Bartlett Memorial mayfly. These are large insects easy for trout Angling Collection online. to spot on the water’s surface. Photo courtesy of Mark Loete Photography. 16 Annual Report AWSMP 2013 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z

Funding

Stream Management Implementation Program (SMIP) grants

Since 2009, the AWSMP has allocated $1,755,757 in grants for 42 projects benefitting local communities. In 2013, AWSMP requested grant applications to distribute approximately $244,000 of remaining stream manage- ment implementation funds, bringing the total grant distribution for the five-year period to $2,000,000. Eligible applicants include local, county, state, or federal government agencies, 501(c)(3) organizations, sec- ondary school districts, colleges or universities.

Partner agreements

In 2013, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (one of three participating agencies in the AWSMP) completed development of a five-year contract renewal with the NYC Department of Environmental Protec- tion (NYC DEP). The new agreement continues CCEUC’s contributions to stream management planning and implementation in the watershed. CCEUC will administer a $3 million SMIP grant program from 2014-2019 and deliver outreach, education and training in support of stream stewardship and stream projects. The work plan features a new Flood Hazard Mitigation Program and closer coordination with Ulster County agencies to de- liver flood programs within the watershed. Coordination, administration and implementation of the program (excluding grants) is funded at $3,266,952 over five years.

In 2014, the Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District will finalize renewal of its agreement with the NYC DEP. The new agreement will include an additional $3 million for stream restoration projects, $1 million for flood hazard mitigation projects, and $300,000 for riparian buffer and bioengineering projects.

NYC DEP will invest a total of $13,720,770 in the AWSMP from 2014-2019, an increase of $5,613,200 over the previous five-year period. Annual Report AWSMP 2013 17 yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzy z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z y z yzyzyzyzy z yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyzy yzyzyzyzyzyzyzyz yzyz

AWSMP Staff and Stakeholder Council

Staff

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (CCE) Lydia Reidy, Executive Director Leslie Zucker, Extension Issues Leader Brent Gotsch, Watershed Educator Heather Eckardt, Sr. Administrative Assistant Matt Savatgy, Youth Educator

Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Gary Capella, Executive Director Adam Doan, Project Manager Bobby Taylor, Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative Coordinator Allison Lent, Watershed Technician - Stream Assessment Deron Davis, USDA-NRCS, Project Engineer Jake Wedemeyer, Technical Specialist

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Elizabeth Reichheld, Section Chief, Bureau of Water Supply Danyelle Davis, Project Manager/Geologist

Stakeholder Council

Aaron Bennett Ulster County Dept. of Environment Marc Hollander Kayak and Canoe Club of New York Eric Hofmeister Town of Shandaken Mike Reynolds Town of Woodstock Robert Stanley Town of Shandaken Amanda LaValle Ulster County Dept. of Environment Chester Karwatowski Ashokan Pepacton Trout Unlimited Burt Samuelson Ulster County Dept. of Planning, Transportation, and Business Services Kerissa Fucillo Ashokan Center Candace Balmer RCAP Solutions Andrew Emrich Ulster County Dept. of Public Works Art Snyder Ulster County Emergency Management Barry Baldigo United States Geological Survey Bruce Barry Landowner Jeremy Wilber Town of Woodstock John Horn Town of Shandaken Kathy Nolan Catskill Mountainkeeper Mark Loete Ashokan/Pepacton Chapter Trout Unlimited Mary McNamara Lower Esopus Watershed Partnership Timothy Cox Catskill Watershed Corporation Slyvia Rozelle Town of Olive Mike Flaherty New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation Doris Nieves Landowner Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program 6375 State Route 28 Phoenicia, New York 12464 United States Telephone: (845) 688-3047 Fax: (845) 688-3130 [email protected]

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County Leslie Zucker Telephone: (845) 688-3047, Ext. 2 [email protected]

Ulster County Soil & Water Conservation District Adam Doan Telephone: (845) 688-3047, Ext. 7 [email protected]

New York City Department of Environmental Protection Danyelle Davis Telephone: (845) 340-7839 [email protected]

This report can be downloaded online as a PDF at www.ashokanstreams.org.