Library
The following lists include resources that were linked or referenced in the previous pages, along with other websites, publications, and tools about conservation and land-use planning. They are organized by topic and when available, links to on-line resources are included in the first column. Note that information on biological data and online mappers can be found in the Maps & Data tab of the website, and is not included here.
Natural Areas, Biodiversity, and Conservation Priorities in the Estuary Watershed
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Framework: An Approach for Conserving Biodiversity in the Hudson River Estuary Corridor | publication | Penhollow, M. E., P. G. Jensen, and L.A. Zucker. 2006. Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Framework: An Approach for Conserving Biodiversity in the Hudson River Estuary Corridor. New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Cornell University and NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program, Ithaca, NY. |
| Biodiversity Assessment Manual for the Hudson River Estuary Corridor | publication | Kiviat, E. and G. Stevens. 2001. Biodiversity Assessment Manual for the Hudson River Estuary Corridor. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY. |
| Biodiversity Assessment Handbook for New York City | publication | Kiviat, E., and E. A. Johnson. 2013. Biodiversity Assessment Handbook for New York City. American Museum of Natural History, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation New York, NY, and Hudsonia Ltd. Annandale, NY. |
| Ecological Communities of New York State | publication | Edinger, G. J., D. J. Evans, S. Gebauer, T. G. Howard, D. M. Hunt, and A. M. Olivero (editors). 2014. Ecological Communities of New York State. Second Edition. A revised and expanded edition of Carol Reschke’s Ecological Communities of New York State. New York Natural Heritage Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY. |
| New York State Wildlife Action Plan | publication | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 2015 |
| New York State Open Space Conservation Plan | publication | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 2016 |
| Habitat Summaries (for different communities in the estuary watershed) | report | Hudson River Estuary Program |
| Habitat Maps and Reports (for different communities and study areas in the watershed) | reports/maps | Hudsonia Ltd. |
| Biodiversity Corridor Studies and Plans (for different communities and study areas in the watershed) | reports | Metropolitan Conservation Alliance |
| Wetland Conservation: What does the Hudson Valley have to lose? | fact sheet | Hudson River Estuary Program |
| An Analysis of the Size and Distribution of Geographically Isolated, Small Wetlands in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed | report | Zucker, L. and L Lau. 2009. An Analysis of the Size and Distribution of Geographically Isolated, Small Wetlands in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. |
| Woodland Pool Conservation | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation/Hudson River Estuary Program |
| Habitat Fact Sheet Series | fact sheet | Hudsonia Ltd. |
| Conservation Guides for Animals, Plants, and Natural Communities | website | NY Natural Heritage Program |
| Amphibian and Reptile Atlas of NY | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Breeding Bird Atlas of NY | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Fish and Wildlife Species of NY | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Endangered and Threatened Species Regulations of NY | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| New York State Listed Plants | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| New York Flora Atlas | website | New York Flora Association |
Ecosystem Services and Economic Benefits
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Benefits of Open Space Preservation | publication | DiNapoli, Thomas P. 2010. Economic benefits of open space preservation. New York State Office of the State Comptroller, Albany, NY. |
| 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: New York | publication | U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. |
| The Economic Impact of Tourism in New York | report | Tourism Economics |
| Cost of Community Services Studies: Making the Case for Conservation | publication | Freedgood, J. 2002. Cost of Community Services Studies: Making the Case for Conservation. American Farmland Trust, Washington, DC. |
| Study of the Economic Impact on the Local Economy of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Mohonk Preserve, and Sam's Point Preserve | report | Zweig, B. 2010. Study of the Economic Impact on the Local Economy of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Mohonk Preserve, and Sam's Point Preserve. Business Opportunities Management Consulting, Rensselaer, NY. |
| Economic Impact Study of Business Activities and Economic Value of Ecosystem Services on the Rensselaer Plateau | report | Zweig, B. 2012. Economic Impact Study of Business Activities and Economic Value of Ecosystem Services on the Rensselaer Plateau. Business Opportunities Management Consulting, Rensselaer, NY. |
| Economic Benefits of New York's Environmental Protection Fund | report | The Trust for Public Land. 2012. Economic Benefits of New York's Environmental Protection Fund. New York, NY. |
Threats to Biodiversity
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sprawl Without Growth: The Upstate Paradox | report | Pendall, R. 2003. Sprawl Without Growth: The Upstate Paradox. 2003. The Brookings Institution Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy, Washington, DC. |
| Nature in Fragments: The Legacy of Sprawl | book | Johnson, E.A. and M.W. Klemens (Eds.). 2005. Nature in Fragments: The Legacy of Sprawl. Columbia University Press, NY. |
| Aquatic Connectivity and Barrier Removal | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation/Hudson River Estuary Program |
| Clean Energy, Green Communities: A Guide to Siting Renewable Energy in the Hudson Valley | publication | Friedrichsen, A. Clean Energy, Green Communities: A Guide to Siting Renewable Energy in the Hudson Valley. Scenic Hudson, Inc., Poughkeepsie, NY. |
| Climate Change in the Hudson Valley | fact sheet | Hudson River Estuary Program |
| Responding to Climate Change in New York State | publication | Rosenzweig, C., W. Solecki, A. DeGaetano, M. O'Grady, S. Hassol, P. Grabhorn (Eds.). 2011. Responding to Climate Change in New York State: The ClimAID Integrated Assessment for Effective Climate Change Adaptation. Technical Report. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Albany, New York. |
| Vulnerability of At-risk Species to Climate Change in New York | publication | Schlesinger, M.D., J.D. Corser, K.A. Perkins, and E.L. White. 2011. Vulnerability of at-risk species to climate change in New York. New York Natural Heritage Program, Albany, NY. |
| How Climate Change will Affect New York’s Birds | website | Audubon |
| Protecting the Pathways: A Climate Change Adaptation Framework for Hudson River Estuary Tidal Wetlands | publication | Tabak, N. and S. Spector. 2016. Protecting the Pathways: A Climate Change Adaptation Framework for Hudson River Estuary Tidal Wetlands. Scenic Hudson, Inc., Poughkeepsie, NY. |
| Forest Regeneration in New York State | publication | Shirer, S. and C. Zimmerman. 2010. Forest Regeneration in New York State. The Nature Conservancy, Albany, NY. |
| Deer Overabundance | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Nuisance and Invasive Species | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
NRIs, Open Space Planning, and Conservation Finance
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Framework: An Approach for Conserving Biodiversity in the Hudson River Estuary Corridor | publication | Penhollow, M. E., P. G. Jensen, and L.A. Zucker. 2006. Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Framework: An Approach for Conserving Biodiversity in the Hudson River Estuary Corridor. New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Cornell University and NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program, Ithaca, NY. |
| Creating a Natural Resources Inventory | publication | Haeckel, I. and L. Heady. 2014. Creating a Natural Resources Inventory: A Guide for Communities in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, and NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program. Ithaca, NY. |
| Creating a Natural Resources Inventory Fact Sheet | fact sheet | Hudson River Estuary Program |
| Webinar on Natural Resources Inventories | webinar recording | NYSDEC 2016 |
| Web Map Options for Local Government Use of Natural Resources Inventory Data | report | Meltz, D. 2017. Web Map Options for Local Government Use of Natural Resources Inventory Data. Don Meltz Planning and GIS, Columbiaville, NY. |
| Conserving Natural Areas and Wildlife in Your Community: Smart Growth Strategies for Protecting the Biological Diversity of New York's Hudson River Valley | publication | Strong, K. 2008. Conserving Natural Areas and Wildlife in Your Community: Smart Growth Strategies for Protecting the Biological Diversity of New York’s Hudson River Valley. New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Cornell University, and NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program. Ithaca, NY. |
| Webinar on Open Space Inventories and Plans | webinar recording | NYSDEC 2021 |
| Local Open Space Planning Guide | publication | New York State Department of State. 2004. Local Open Space Planning Guide. New York State Department of State and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Albany, NY. |
| Open Lands Acquisition: Local Financing Techniques Under New York State Law | publication | LeJava, J., M. Rielly and J. R. Nolon, 2000. Open Lands Acquisition: Local Financing Techniques Under New York State Law. MCA Technical Paper No. 2, Metropolitan Conservation Alliance, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY. |
| Best Practices for Adopting Conservation Inventories and Plans: A Guide for Communities in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed | publication | Hudson River Estuary Program. 2023. Best Practices for Adopting Conservation Inventories and Plans: A Guide for Communities in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program, Cornell University, and Pace Land Use Law Center. New Paltz, NY |
| Natural Resources Protection in the Hudson Valley: Municipal Conservation Stories | publication | Ponstingel, D., S.B. Allred, S.B., and L. Heady. 2024. Natural Resources Protection in the Hudson Valley: Municipal Conservation Stories. Center for Conservation Social Sciences (CCSS) Outreach Publ. 24-1. Dept. of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY |
| LandVote Database | website | Trust for Public Land |
Connectivity Planning and Conservation
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| Guidelines for Conserving Connectivity through Ecological Networks and Corridors | publication | Hilty, J., Worboys, G.L., Keeley, A., Woodley, S., Lausche, B., Locke, H., Carr, M., Pulsford I., Pittock, J., White, J.W., Theobald, D.M., Levine, J., Reuling, M., Watson, J.E.M., Ament, R., and Tabor, G.M. 2020. Guidelines for conserving connectivity through ecological networks and corridors. Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines Series No. 30. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. |
| PATHWAYS: Wildlife Habitat Connectivity in the Changing Climate of the Hudson Valley | publication | Howard, T.G. and M.D. Schlesinger. 2012. PATHWAYS: Wildlife habitat connectivity in the changing climate of the Hudson Valley. New York Natural Heritage Program, Albany, New York. |
| Conservation Buffers: Design Guidelines for Buffers, Corridors, and Greenways | publication | Bentrup, G. 2008. Conservation buffers: design guidelines for buffers, corridors, and greenways. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-109. Asheville, NC: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. |
| Evaluating and Conserving Green Infrastructure Across the Landscape: A Practitioner's Guide - Ulster County Case Study | publication | Firehock, K. 2013. Evaluating and Conserving Green Infrastructure Across the Landscape: A Practitioner’s Guide for New York [Chapter 5]. Green Infrastructure Center, Charlottesville, VA. |
| The Role of Landscape Connectivity in Planning and Implementing Conservation and Restoration Priorities | publication | Rudnick, Deborah A.; Ryan, Sadie J.; Beier, Paul; Cushman, Samuel A.; Dieffenbach, Fred; Epps, Clinton W.; Gerber, Leah R.; Hartter, Joel; Jenness, Jeff S.; Kintsch, Julia; Merenlender, Adina M.; Perkl, Ryan M.; Preziosi, Damian V.; Trombulak, Stephen C. 2012. The Role of Landscape Connectivity in Planning and Implementing Conservation and Restoration Priorities. Issues in Ecology. 16(Fall): 1-20. |
| The Regional Conservation Partnership Handbook: 10 Steps to Effective and Enduring Collaborative Conservation at Scale | publication | Labich, W. 2015. The Regional Conservation Partnership Handbook. Highstead Foundation. Redding, CT. |
| Nature Across Boundaries: Keeping Lands and Waters Connected - Conference Presentations | presentations | Mohonk Consultations and the Hudson River Estuary Program 2017 |
| The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Landscapes | reports/data | The Nature Conservancy 2016 |
| Aquatic Connectivity and Barrier Removal | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation/Hudson River Estuary Program |
| Dam Removal | website | NYS Water Resources Institute, Cornell University |
| Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to Downstream Waters: A Review and Synthesis of the Scientific Evidence | publication | USEPA. 2015. Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands To Downstream Waters: A Review and Synthesis of the Scientific Evidence (Final Report). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-14/475F. |
Scenery Mapping and Planning
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| Creating and Maintaining Hudson River Views: A Handbook for Landowners | publication | Saratoga Associates. 2020. Creating and Maintaining Hudson River Views: A Handbook for Landowners. Prepared for NEIWPCC and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Hudson River Estuary Program. Saratoga Springs, NY. |
| Creating and Maintaining Hudson River Views: A Companion Training Series | video | Saratoga Associates and Hudson River Estuary Program 2020 |
| Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance | publication | NYS Department of State. 1993. Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance. Albany, NY. |
| Scenic Resources Protection Guide for the Hudson River Valley | publication | Frantz, George. 2021. Scenic Resource Protection Guide for the Hudson River Valley. Department of City & Regional Planning, Cornell University, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Hudson River Estuary Program. Ithaca, NY. |
Zoning and Policy
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning and the Comprehensive Plan | publication | NYS Department of State. 2015. Zoning and the Comprehensive Plan. James A. Coon Local Government Technical Series. New York State Department of State. Albany, NY. |
| Model Local Laws to Increase Resilience | publication | NYS Department of State. 2019. Model Local Laws to Increase Resilience. New York State Department of State, Albany, NY. |
| Planner's Guide to Wetland Buffers for Local Governments | publication | Environmental Law Institute. 2008. Planner's Guide to Wetland Buffers for Local Governments. Environmental Law Institute, Washington, DC. |
| Conservation Thresholds for Land Use Planners | publication | Environmental Law Institute. 2003. Conservation Thresholds for Land Use Planners. Environmental Law Institute, Washington, DC. |
| Critical Environmental Areas | fact sheet | Hudson River Estuary Program |
| Conserving Nature in Your Community: Critical Environmental Areas | video | Hudson River Estuary Program 2020 |
| Creating Conservation Overlay Zones: A Guide for Communities in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed | publication | Fink, T. and E. Svenson. Creating Conservation Overlay Zones: A Guide for Communities in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. 2022. |
| Conservation Area Overlay District: A Model Local Law | publication | Metropolitan Conservation Alliance. 2002. Conservation Area Overlay District: A Model Local Law. Technical Paper Series, No. 3. Bronx, NY. |
| Best Practices for Adopting Conservation Inventories and Plans: A Guide for Communities in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed | publication | Hudson River Estuary Program. 2023. Best Practices for Adopting Conservation Inventories and Plans: A Guide for Communities in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program, Cornell University, and Pace Land Use Law Center. New Paltz, NY |
| Nature-Friendly Ordinances | book | McElfish, J. 2004. Nature-friendly Ordinances. Environmental Law Institute, Washington, DC. |
| Gaining Ground: Land Use Database | database | Pace University Land Use Law Center |
Site Planning and Environmental Review
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| State Environmental Quality Review | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| SEQR Handbook | publication | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. 2020. The SEQR Handbook, Fourth Edition. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Albany, NY. |
| Webinar on Best Practices for Environmental Review | webinar recording | Hudson River Estuary Program 2020 |
| Pre-Application Meeting Fact Sheet | fact sheet | Hudsonia Ltd. |
| Biodiversity Conservation & Review of Development Proposals Fact Sheet | fact sheet | Hudsonia Ltd. |
| Habitat Assessment Guidelines Template | template | Hudsonia Ltd. 2013 |
| New York Natural Heritage Program - Data Request | website | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
Conservation Advisory Councils and Boards
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Advisory Councils and Conservation Boards (enabling legislation) | legislation | General Municipal Law Article 12-F, Sections 239-X and 239-Y |
| Conservation Advisory Councils and Boards | fact sheet | Hudson River Estuary Program |
| New York State Association of Conservation Commissions | website | NYSACC |
| Webinar on Conservation Advisory Councils and Boards | webinar recording | Hudson River Estuary Program 2019 |
| Conservation Advisory Councils and Boards: A Guide to the Organization and Operation of Local Environmental Advisory Councils | publication | Westchester County Environmental Management Council 1991 (revised 1997) |
| Natural Resources Protection in the Hudson Valley: Municipal Conservation Stories | publication | Ponstingel, D., S.B. Allred, S.B., and L. Heady. 2024. Natural Resources Protection in the Hudson Valley: Municipal Conservation Stories. Center for Conservation Social Sciences (CCSS) Outreach Publ. 24-1. Dept. of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY |
About the Conservation and Land Use Team and the Estuary Program
| Title | Format | Citation or Source |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporating Biodiversity in Municipal Land-Use Planning: An Assessment of Technical Assistance, Policy Capacity, and Conservation Outcomes in New York's Hudson Valley | publication | Allred, S., R. Stedman, L. Heady, K. Strong. 2021. Incorporating biodiversity in municipal land-use planning: An assessment of technical assistance, policy capacity, and conservation outcomes in New York’s Hudson Valley. Land Use Policy, 104. |
| Building Local Capacity for Conservation and Land-Use Planning in the Hudson Valley: Evaluation of the Hudson River Estuary Program’s Biodiversity Outreach Program | report | Allred, S., Stedman, R., Tse, C. and M. Mullen. 2015. Building Local Capacity for Conservation and Land-Use Planning in the Hudson Valley: Evaluation of the Hudson River Estuary Program’s Biodiversity Outreach Program. Human Dimensions Research Unit Publ. Series 15-8. Dept. of Nat. Resources, Coll. Agric. and Life Sci., Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. |
| Conservation and Land Use: Engaging Municipal Officials in Improving Natural Resource-Based Planning | publication | Strong, K., L. Heady, S. Allred, R. Stedman, and C. Tse. 2015. Conservation and land use: engaging municipal officials in improving natural resource-based planning. CaRDI Research and Policy Brief. Issue 69. |
| Conservation and Land Use: Linking Municipal Capacity and Biodiversity Outcomes | publication | Allred., S., R. Stedman, L. Heady, K. Strong, and C. Tse. 2015. Conservation and Land Use: Linking Municipal Capacity and Biodiversity Outcomes. CaRDI Research & Policy Brief. Issue 70. |
| Building Local Capacity for Natural Resource-Based Planning | article | Heady, L., S. Allred, K. Strong, and R. Stedman. 2016. Building Local Capacity for Natural Resource-Based Planning. NYS Association of Counties News. |
| Natural Resources Protection in the Hudson Valley: Municipal Conservation Stories | publication | Ponstingel, D., S.B. Allred, S.B., and L. Heady. 2024. Natural Resources Protection in the Hudson Valley: Municipal Conservation Stories. Center for Conservation Social Sciences (CCSS) Outreach Publ. 24-1. Dept. of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY |
| 2021-2025 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda | publication | NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program |
| 2023 Hudson River Estuary Program Coordinator's Report | report | NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program |
| Connected: The Hudson River Estuary Program | video | NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program |