Rochester, NY, April 29, 2019

Genesee RiverWatch has released the first-ever “Report Card” grading the water quality and usability of the Genesee River and its major tributaries. The Report Card was developed to raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing the Genesee River Basin so that actions can be taken to improve the state of the watershed and preserve its beauty for generations to come.

“We have been developing this Report Card for a long time and are pleased to release it today. We hope the public will take the time to read the full report. We are happy to answer questions about its grades and their implications. We are even happier to answer questions about how individuals and organizations can help us continue to improve the river’s water quality and its recreational opportunities,” said George Thomas, Executive Director of Genesee RiverWatch.

The overall grade for the Genesee River Basin is a “C”, based on the quality of the river’s water at Rochester. This, in turn, reflects the cumulative effects on water quality of all the activities that take place along the Main Stem of the River and all its sub-watersheds stretching to northern Pennsylvania. Canaseraga Creek received the lowest grade – “D” – of all the sub-watersheds, indicating poor water quality and limits to human usage. Oatka Creek and Black Creek received grades of “B” - the highest grades of all the Genesee River subwatersheds, indicating good water quality and better opportunities for human usage. The Upper Basin of the river (south of Letchworth Park), Honeoye Creek and Conesus Creek sub-watersheds received grades of “C.” In summary, there are portions of the Genesee River Basin that are environmentally in good health. However, major portions of the watershed are degraded to varying degrees.

Download the full Press Release

Download the Report Card

Call for Volunteers

Planting Trees and Shrubs along Genesee River

Town of Hume, Allegany County

WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

WHERE: Town of Hume, Allegany Co.; Near intersection of West River Road and NY State Route 19A, approx. 1 ¼  miles north on State Route 19A from the intersection of State Routes 19 and 19A and County Rd. 4 in the Village of Fillmore. See Location maps and Parking Location photos in this downloadable guide.

WHAT: In 2018, Edelweiss Farms and the Genesee RiverWatch undertook a project to stabilize a rapidly eroding vertical riverbank along the Genesee River. Currently, 1900 linear feet of the riverbank has been graded to a more gradual slope and rock has been placed to protect the lower portion of the riverbank. To complete the project, nearly 1600 trees and shrubs will need to be planted along the upper riverbank and on a buffer area between the riverbank and the nearby agricultural field. We will need the assistance of least 60 volunteers to help with this planting event. The shrubs we will plant have been selected because they are fruit-bearing and will provide food for wildlife.

WHO TO CONTACT: Pete Lent (Genesee RiverWatch). If you would like to help, please send an e-mail to Peter Lent. We will need to know: (1) your e-mail and phone number; (2) whether you will be able to help, most of day, or only in morning, or only in afternoon; (3) how many folks might be coming with you; and (4) if you have any questions. We will develop an e-mail/phone list for the project. The list will allow us to send out updates on the project to volunteers both before and after the planting event.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Volunteers will need no prior experience. We will provide instruction on planting techniques, and placement of protective tree tubes and the stakes to secure them. Volunteers can bring shovels, spades, pick axes or mattock (pick on one side & blade on other) to break up the ground; hammers to pound in stakes; and 5-gallon pails with handles to water plants. Please label your tools for easy identification.  Conditions may be muddy so volunteers should wear boots, bring work gloves, and water. Also bring insect repellent (for black flies) and sunscreen. Although you can bring your own lunch, we plan on providing hotdogs for a lunch. We look forward to your assistance with this worthy project. With your help we will be able to accomplish this task, while enjoying the nearby views of the Genesee River.

6th Annual Genesee River Basin Summit:

A Report to the Community

May 7th, 2019 - 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM - RIT Campus

Louise Slaughter Hall, Building 78, Rooms 2240-2210

Presentation Powerpoints will be posted shortly!

Registration required: Click here to Register

Fee: Free

Includes: Continental breakfast and afternoon break.
Please bring your lunch or use the food service facilities available on campus.

Note: Parking location change from previous years:
Download Parking & Event Map

Download Agenda

Genesee RiverWatch will host its 6th Annual Genesee River Basin Summit on May 7, 2019 on the Rochester Institute of Technology Campus. Please consider joining us!

Purpose: Provide a comprehensive update on the multitude of activities associated with initiatives that result in solutions to improve water quality in the Genesee and connect people to the river. This event will include presentations from regional experts and subsequent discussion with participants. The Summit will be broken down into four parts.

1. Reporting & Planning – Experts will review their work to develop and implement plans to improve the quality of the water in the river and create opportunities to enjoy its beauty.
2. Access & Recreation – This series of presentations will provide an overview of projects in the basin to improve recreational access to and opportunities on the river.
3. Restoration – Presentations by various basin stakeholders will review their efforts to restore the river and its surroundings.
4. Outreach & Education – This series of presentations will look at initiatives undertaken to inform citizens and stakeholders about the issues facing the Basin.

Download agenda

Download the final report from our Genesee River Basin Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Plan in pdf format. A synopsis of our methodology may also be viewed in the storymap below.

Click the icon in the lower, left corner of the window below to view the synopsis full screen: Click icon like this below:

Best viewed full screen. Click [ ] in the lower, right-hand corner. Please also see the new final report, above, that explains what is being shown in this short video.

The Genesee River Bash was a success! The evening was filled with great entertainment from Danielle Ponder
and the Tomorrow People and Wild Wings, good food, informative exhibitors and fun for all ages. We want to
thank all who attended, our generous supporters and Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadship Award Winners.
Here is a glimpse into the evening. Enjoy!

Click on thumbnails below to view Bash images:

Click to learn how to become a Sponsor and help our cause!

Download new   pdf Genesee RiverWatch brochure (344 KB) !