Genesee RiverWatch has organized the Genesee River Basin Summits since 2014 as part of our efforts to Inform and Educate both river stakeholders and the public. Our 8th “Summit” was a series of four online workshops held in May.
Workshop #1 What does the public think about the Genesee River Basin?
May 12th, 2022, 8:30 to 10:00 am
Topic: Presentation on the results of a public opinion survey conducted by Causewave Community Partners on water quality issues in the Genesee River.
Replay of the On-line Workshop: REPLAY (YouTube)
2021 Community H2O Survey Results Presentation:
Topic | Time | Presenter | Description |
Opinion Survey Results | 75 minutes | Tiffany Paine-Cirrincione, Causewave Community Partners, on behalf of the H2O Hero Program | Review of the results of a public opinion survey on water quality issues in the Genesee River basin. |
Panel Discussion | 15 minutes | All | Questions & Answers |
Workshop # 2: Got Fish?
May 17th, 2022, 8:30 – 10:00 am
Topic: A walk through of the interactive map developed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) that provides easy-to-find information on how and where to access fishing along the many rivers and streams in New York State.
Note: This fish is a sheepshead/freshwater drum caught in the Lower River below the Veteran’s Bridge.

Replay of the On-line Workshop: REPLAY (YouTube)
DEC Info Locator Presentation:
Topic | Time | Presenter | Description |
General Access | 70 minutes | Scott Donnelly, DEC | How to use the DEC Info Locator which is an interactive map that lets you access DEC documents and public data about the environmental quality of specific sites in New York State, as well as outdoor recreation information. |
Panel Discussion | 20 minutes | All | Question and Answers |
Workshop #3: What’s the NYS plan for the Genesee River Watershed?
May 19th, 2022, 8:30 to 10:00 am
Topic: Presentation and discussion of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC’s) Genesee River watershed management plan including what DEC has planned to reduce sediment and phosphorus loads in the river.

Replay of the On-line Workshop: REPLAY (YouTube)
Note: First 15-20 minutes of this workshop were not recorded
Watershed Management Plan Presentation:
Topic | Time | Presenter | Description |
Genesee River Watershed Plan | 35 minutes | Ryan Elliott, NYSDEC | Why it is important? What is it intended to accomplish? Status of wastewater treatment plant activities. |
Plan Implementation | 35 minutes | Kelly Emerick, Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District | Implementation of agricultural aspects of plan. |
Panel Discussion | 15 minutes | All | Question & Answers |
Workshop # 4: Where Can I Paddle?
May 26th, 2022, 8:30 to 10:00 am
Topic: A review of the latest developments affecting canoe/kayak access to the Genesee River.

Replay of the On-line Workshop: REPLAY (YouTube)
Haugh: Middle River Access and Paddles Presentation:
Mroczek: Overview of Roc the Riverway Presentation:
Topic | Time | Presenter | Description |
Access Plans and Paddling Events | 15 minutes | Mike Haugh, Genesee RiverWatch | An update on new and upgraded sites from Mt. Morris to Rochester and paddling events for 2022. |
Allegany County Access | 15 minutes | William Hart, Genesee River Wilds | Update on access improvement plans in Allegany County |
ROC the Riverway | 25 minutes | Jeff Mroczek, City of Rochester | Description of the status of the ROC the Riverway program and how it relates to river access. |
Panel Discussion | 10 minutes | All | Questions & Answers |
Will workshop #4 on May 26 be recorded for viewing later?
Yes, each of the workshops will be recorded and be viewable later.