Genesee RiverWatch2018 Basin Summit
The 5th annual Genesee River Basin Summit was held at the Port of Rochester on March 24th, 2018. The topic was “Stewardship Through Environmental Education”. Genesee RiverWatch’s Aquatic Educators Network organized the event. Approximately 100 educators, river stakeholders and exhibitors attended.
The Summit topic was a natural outgrowth of The Genesee River Institute – conceived in 2016 with an objective to enhance public knowledge of the Genesee River and increase commitment to its future health and use through formal and informal environmental education and promotion of local research. A Collaborative consisting of Genesee RiverWatch, the City of Rochester, regional colleges and others with expertise in education and the river is working to achieve that vision.
In addition, Genesee RiverWatch hosted a Water Quality Student Workshop on May 29th, in Genesee Valley Park. The workshop brought together students from Rochester City School District’s World of Inquiry School and Allendale Columbia School. About 40 environmental science students evaluated factors that affected water quality and left with a better understanding of the local watershed and what they can do to improve the health of this natural resource. This Student Workshop was the pilot session for an on-going aquatic education program designed for Rochester’s primary and secondary level students.
Funding for educational outreach has been supported by a $20K grant from the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute. Going forward, we are seeking funding that will allow the Genesee River Institute to being a full schedule of classes.
2017 Fall Newsletter
Welcome! As the year comes to a close, we’d like to share the progress made by the staff and volunteers of Genesee RiverWatch to achieve our vision of a healthy and sustainable Genesee River ecosystem that is an environmental, recreational and economic asset for all generations. We invite you to read this newsletter, visit our website, attend an event and contribute in any way you choose. To those providing financial support for projects and events in 2017 – Thank You!
Sincerely,
Mike Haugh, President, Board of Directors
George Thomas, Executive Director
Report of 4th Annual Summit: River Access and Recreational Opportunities
This report was produced out of the 4th Annual Genesee River Basin Summit on June 15, 2017. The topic was “River Access and Recreational Opportunities.” The purpose of this Summit was to review the current state of river access and recreational use, understand the benefits associated with increasing these opportunities and plan for how we can move forward to benefit our citizens and the local economy. Nearly 90 people attended with presentations from government entities, non-profits and small businesses.
2017 Basin Summit
Genesee RiverWatch held its 4th Annual Genesee River Basin Summit on June 15, 2017. The topic was “River Access and Recreational Opportunities.” The purpose of this year’s Summit was to review the current state of river access and recreational use, understand the benefits associated with increasing these opportunities and plan for how we can move forward to benefit our citizens and the local economy. Nearly 90 people attended with presentations from government entities, non-profits and small businesses.
Read more about the Summit in the Chronicle Express, Penn Yan, NY
Summit Report
Presentations
2017 Summer Newsletter
Welcome to Genesee RiverWatch’s 2017 Summer newsletter. At Genesee RiverWatch, the staff and volunteers are working hard to achieve our vision of a healthy and sustainable Genesee River ecosystem that is an environmental, recreational and economic asset for all generations. We are making substantial progress with the help of our members, sponsors and contributors. We hope you will take some time to read this newsletter, visit our website, attend an event or contribute in any way that you can.
Sincerely,
Mike Haugh, President, Board of Directors
George Thomas, Executive Director
2017 Winter Newsletter
Welcome to Genesee RiverWatch’s 2017 Winter newsletter. The year 2016 was busy for staff and volunteers at Genesee RiverWatch as we strive to achieve our vision of a healthy and sustainable Genesee River ecosystem that is an environmental, recreational and economic asset for all generations. We are grateful for all of our supporters.
2016 Basin Summit
In May, 2016, we convened our 3rd Annual Genesee River Basin Summit where a variety of stakeholders discussed Streambank Erosion, Soil Loss & Sediment throughout the Genesee River Basin. Many tributaries and the main stem of the Genesee River suffer from severe streambank erosion which significantly contributes to excess sediment and nutrients in the river. Based on presentations from experts and subsequent discussions, the Summit participants agreed upon the following project goals:
- Conduct an analysis of the extent and severity of streambank erosion in the entire Genesee River Basin.
- Based on this analysis, develop a Basin-wide program to stabilize the highest priority streambanks, including project costs and timing; and
- Evaluate the efficacy of such a program, considering the impact on water quality improvement, habitat, increased boating/fishing access, arable soil loss, land protection, improved Port of Rochester harbor reliability, and private and public dredging costs.
Efforts have been made and are on-going by Genesee RiverWatch and its partners to seek funding to support these projects goals.
Agenda
2016 January Newsletter
Welcome to Genesee RiverWatch’s first newsletter of 2016. Our aim with these regular updates is to keep you informed about our progress in achieving our vision of a
Genesee River Basin whose water quality is fully restored, whose rivers and streams are accessible and celebrated, whose beaches are open for swimming and in which economic development both benefits from and contributes to the water quality of our region. In 2013, CEI launched the Genesee RiverWatch to provide a way for the citizens of the region to get involved, to increase use of and commitment to the river and to grow the sources and levels of funding available to address water quality issues. Our work is just getting started but we have made significant progress.
Sincerely,
Mike Haugh, President, Board of Directors
George Thomas, Executive Director
Upper Genesee River Streambank Restoration Plan 2015
A meander analysis was developed to characterize the degree of streambank erosion on specific segments of the Genesee River in the Town of Caneadea, Allegany County, New York. This technique enabled the identification of river bank segments that should be considered for restoration. A project design and cost for each of the 17 segments evaluated was developed.
2015 Basin Summit
Genesee RiverWatch hosted its 2nd annual Genesee River Basin Summit on June 17th, 2015 at SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY. Regional experts discussed basin-wide and sub-watershed activities and efforts to improve water quality. We also gained input from a wide variety of stakeholders toward developing a Genesee River Basin Report Card whose purpose is to:
- Raise public awareness of the overall state of the Genesee River Basin
- Provide a basis for conversation about priorities for improving water quality in the Genesee River
- Establish visible targets to improve the water quality in, and access to, the Genesee River.
- Ensure that we, as a community are making progress toward those targets.
Agenda
Presentations
Update on the creation and future use of the 9-Element plan DEC created for the Genesee River Basin in 2014. Describe results of 2014 RIBS Monitoring (Rotating Intensive Basin Survey- 1st year Screening Samples) for the Genesee River Basin. Other topics include Trees-For-Tribs, WAVE program, Basin priority with DEC and EPA.
Overview of the process and content associated with the recently-completed Oatka Creek Watershed Management Plan and Black Creek Watershed Management Plan.
Update on the status of the effort by the Rochester Embayment Remedial Action Plan Advisory Committee to de-list the Area of Concern (AOC) by 2016. Topics include the Braddock Bay restoration project and the Kodak/Genesee River study.
Overview of what CEI has been able to accomplish since the 2014 Genesee River Basin Summit. Topics will include streambank stabilization, new website, projects in the Upper Basin, nutrient recovery, and City of Rochester.
Overview of recently-secured funding for implementation of agricultural BMPs in three priority watersheds within the Genesee River Basin: Black Creek, Canaseraga Creek, and Upper Genesee River.