Small streams and wetlands constitute a huge percentage of our waterways and serve outsized roles in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but many do not appear on public maps. Although they are threatened by our land uses and by the changing climate, most are unprotected by federal and state laws. Some Hudson Valley communities have amended their local codes to extend protections to these important resources.
In this field workshop, we 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.
The program is especially designed for municipal officials, including members of planning boards and conservation advisory councils, and for members of watershed groups, land trust staff, and others who are regularly engaged in municipal or other land use planning and policy-making, reviewing land development proposals, advising landowners, or making land management or regulatory decisions.
The program will be led by Hudsonia Ltd. in collaboration with the Hudson River Estuary Program.
This workshop will be offered on two separate dates:
New Paltz, Ulster County: Tuesday, September 26, 2:00-4:30pm (Inclement weather date: September 29)
Coeymans, Albany County: Wednesday, October 4, 2:00-4:30pm (Inclement weather date: October 5)
The event is free-of-charge but registration is required.
Apply via Google Form at https://forms.gle/GGoRqr6dGWLTms8m6 (Please look for an email from Hudsonia staff confirming your registration) or contact Lea Stickle at lstickle@bard.edu or at 845-758-7053 by 22 September.
Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. Municipal training certificates for 2.5 hours of credit will be available.
The program will be held outdoors. Participants should be comfortable to stand for the duration of the workshop and to walk approximately a half mile on uneven ground. The workshop locations will be shared with participants prior to the program.
This program is held in partnership with Cornell University and the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program, and funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund.