Our Group

Mission

Protect, preserve and restore the natural resources of the Fishkill Creek watershed through collaborative efforts with local agencies, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, and citizens. We aim to promote sustainable land use practices, protect water quality, and enhance recreational opportunities while preserving the unique character of the watershed.

Vision

Clean, healthy, undammed waters full of fish, turtles, crustaceans and other aquatic life flowing through Fishkill Creek and tributaries; riparian buffers full of native trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses teaming with wildlife; parks, trails, kayak launches throughout the watershed providing opportunities for safe and respectful recreation; waterfront property owners embracing responsible land management; commitment by municipalities, counties, local and regional partners to work collectively to protect, preserve and restore the natural resources of the Fishkill Creek watershed.

History

Fishkill Creek Watershed Alliance grew out of a collaboration between chairs of East Fishkill and Beacon Conservation Advisory Committees. With the last concerted effort for comprehensive watershed wide management ending in early 2000s, Sergei Krasikov and Brent Feldweg started engaging with various stakeholders regarding launching a new Fishkill Creek watershed group with an aim to close the gap in understanding the watershed conditions, engaging residents and developing a long term watershed management plan. With guidance from Hudson River Watershed Alliance we partnered with Clarkson University Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries and Pace University Land Use Law Center for a successful application for DEC Hudson River Estuary Grant program. The grant paid for a 4 day LULA training in the spring of 2023 in land use law, watershed protection, zoning etc for over 30 representatives from most of the municipalities in the watershed. Several attendees of the LULA training became core members of the Fishkill Creek Watershed Alliance.

Since formal launch in July 2023 and registering as a non-profit in early 2024 Fishkill Creek Watershed Alliance has launched several initiatives and invested in partnerships building: 

  • Partnered with Beacon Institute, HRWA and Siena College to secure funding and launch a 2 year watershed characterization project.

  • Successfully applied for DEC MUSS (Monitoring Unassessed Stream Segments) program for Middle and Upper sections of the creek. The program will be the most comprehensive water quality monitoring effort in creek’s history.

  • Launched a drive to achieve Inland Waterway designation for the creek which will make communities along the creek eligible for grants through Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Environmental Protection Fund.

  • Partnered with Riverkeeper on identifying possible dams for removal and facilitating engagement with the owners. 

  • Tabled at several community events and engaged with the residents on watershed issues

  • Spearheaded live stake planting at a City of Beacon owned property along Fishkill Creek.

  • In 2024 work of the group was recognized by A Wavemaker Award given to Sergei Krasikov by Hudson River Watershed Alliance.

To learn more about our ongoing initiatives please go to Projects page.

Board Members

Sergei Krasikov, president

Brent Feldweg, vice-president

Peter Berasi, secretary

Jim Fredrickson, at large