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

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 by the changing climate, most are unprotected by federal and state laws. Some Hudson Valley communities protect these important resources through local policies.

This field 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.

The program will be held outdoors. Participants should be comfortable to stand for the duration of the workshop and to walk approximately one mile on uneven ground. Specific meeting locations for the workshops will be shared with participants prior to the program.

The program is especially designed for municipal officials, including elected officials, 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.

This workshop will be offered on two separate dates:

• Thursday, May 30th Joralemon Park, Albany County, NY, 2:30-4:00pm (please save June 5th as a rain date)

• Thursday, June 13th, Highland Lakes State Park, Orange County, NY, 2:30 - 4:00pm (please save June 25th as a rain date)

The event is free-of-charge but registration is required. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. Municipal training certificates for 2.5 hours of credit will be available.