Identification and Protection of Small Streams and Wetlands: A Field Workshop

Thursday, May 30, Albany County, NY
2:00-4:30 p.m. Rain date: June 5

Small streams and wetlands have a greater influence on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems than their size would suggest. However, many do not appear on public maps. Although they are threatened by our land uses and the changing climate, most are unprotected by federal and state laws. Some Hudson Valley communities protect these important resources through local policies, conservation design, and open space protection.

To foster planning decisions that proactively consider the importance of small streams and wetlands, this outdoor workshop will discuss:

• the values of small wetlands and streams;
• how to find and identify them, even in their dry condition;
• threats to wetlands and streams; and
• effective regulatory and non-regulatory protections.

Participants should be comfortable standing for the duration of the workshop and walking approximately one mile on uneven ground.

The workshop is especially designed for people regularly engaged in municipal or other land-use planning and policy-making, reviewing land development or conservation proposals, advising landowners, or making land management or regulatory decisions. Municipal elected officials, members of planning boards and conservation advisory councils, members of watershed groups, and land trust staff are encouraged to attend. Municipal training certificates for 2.5 hours of credit will be available.

The event is free-of-charge but registration is required. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. Specific meeting locations for the workshops will be shared with participants prior to the program. For more information, contact Amanda Bevan Zientek at abevanzientek@bard.edu.

Click here to register. 

This workshop is offered by Hudsonia and the Hudson River Estuary Program in partnership with Cornell University.