Our Projects
Watershed Characterization
We have partnered with Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, Hudson River Watershed Alliance and Sienna College to create a watershed characterization report. It will compile existing information in one place, describe and illustrate the physical characteristics of the land and water, human use of the resources, analize stressors and threats to the watershed. will help our communities understand the current conditions of the land and water resources. It will provide a foundation for watershed planning and will serve as a resource to build local interest in the watershed and support for future watershed management. As part of the projects a set of GIS maps have been produced by Sienna College student in 2024. Maps can be viewed here.
Water Quality Monitoring
Is the water safe? Number one question we hear. As part of the characterization project we are pulling all existing water quality data and exploring grants and opportunities to conduct water quality testing in the watershed. Last year we have successfully applied to be included into MUSS (Monitoring Unassessed Stream Segments), a DEC water quality testing program. Eight locations in upper and middle sections of the Fishkill Creek are sampled for over 30 parameters several times a year for two years. This will provide accurate water quality data that can assist with local land use planning, watershed management, and community outreach. We are developing a private well testing program. 2024 Beacon Institute Estuary Program grant application includes stream gauges installations to collect data for future flood and polution spread modelling.
Inland Waterway Designation
As a first effort in intermunicipal cooperation we’ve started pursuing Inland Waterway Designation for the Fishkill Creek. This New York State Department of State program helps communities protect the designated waterbody and revitalize the community. This designation will provide member communities with a number benefits: access to federal Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) funding, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) grants including for planning, design, feasibility studies and construction projects, development and implementation of watershed management plans to protect and restore water quality and related resources.
Legacy Dams Removals
Over a dozen defunct dams dot the main stem of the creek. They prevent aquatic life migration and make water too warm for many of the species, create life threatening hazards during extreme rain events among other negative impacts. Riverkeeper and DEC have active defunct dam removal programs in our area. We have been working with them towards identifying good candidates for removal, engaging with owners and communities. To learn more about dam removals please watch excellent film made by Riverkeeper, One Dam at a Time