Cornell Cooperative Extension

Columbia and Greene Counties
stream/creek waters

Resilient watersheds are better able to respond/recover from extreme weather.

stream waters

Columbia & Greene County residents live near streams and rivers.

stream / creek waters

Extreme precipitation events increase the likelihood of flooding.

Watershed Resiliency

Resiliency is the ability to plan for, withstand and recover from severe events -- without suffering permanent loss of functions, devastating damage, diminished productivity or decreased quality of life. Resilient watersheds are better able to respond and recover from extreme weather. Did you know that losing 10% of forest cover to impervious surface can double runoff and increase flood frequency as much as 23%?

In Columbia and Greene Counties, we live in close proximity to streams and rivers. Much of our infrastructure is vulnerable to flood damage. Extreme precipitation events are increasing the likelihood of flooding. Conducting a vulnerability assessment will help to understand your risks so that you can begin the remediation process of priority issues.

Resilient watershed management involves:

  • maintaining and enhancing natural land cover (wetlands and forests)
  • minimizing flood plain development
  • minimizing impacts on stream buffers and beds
  • limiting impervious surfaces
  • utilizing green infrastructure techniques for stream water management
  • developing,maintaining and following flood response plans
Bulldozers involved in stream restoration, from 'DEC Guidelines for Post-Flood Stream Construction' online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/postfloodguid.pdf

Stream Reconstruction

Visit our list of links to find information on how to rebuild your stream following a flooding event, and on the advantages of creating riparian buffers.

Read more
cat tails in farm pond

Ponds

Find resources on building a new pond, controlling algae, and attracting wildlife to your pond, here on our site.

Read more

Last updated October 20, 2020

Watershed Resiliency

Streams 101 – Infrastructure Impacts

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, in cooperation with the New York State State Department of Environmental Conservation, recently trained local municipal and highway staff on stream basics, flood resilience measures and the potential impacts of storm water on municipal infrastructure.  The Hudson Estuary Watershed Resiliency Project is focused on building long-tern resilience to extreme weather and climate change in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed.  It provides information and resources on flooding and stream issues to all people with a stake in the future of local streams.

Video highlights communities becoming resilient to sea-level rise

The Climate Program at the Hudson River Estuary Program has produced a 5 1/2 minute video “Sea-level rise: planning coastal development” highlighting how the City of Kingston and residents of Piermont are adapting to sea-level rise and coastal flooding. The second offering in the “Adaptation Inspiration” series, this video reviews the causes of sea level rise and showcases the positive approaches with which these communities are adapting to this consequence of climate change.

Adapt: The Key to Climate Resilience

This 6 minute video highlights Climate Smart Communities (CSC) certification program’s action to “develop climate adaptation strategies.”  To learn more about the Cornell Climate-Adaptive Design studio, visit: tinyurl.com/CornellCAD 

To learn more about the Hudson River Estuary Program and how you can get involved, visit: tinyurl.com/HREstuaryProgram

Hudson River Estuary Program

The Hudson Estuary Watershed Resilience Project is a combination of research, demonstration, and educational outreach projects to address the challenges of flooding, stream and watershed management, and climate change. It is a partnership being led by the New York State Water Resources Institute at Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension, with support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program. One of their initiatives in Culvert Assessment and Aquatic Connectivity.   Learn more about this how you can get involved.

Events

See more

Village of Catskill Flood Guide

As a Climate Smart Community, the Village of Catskill developed a Flood Preparedness Guide for Residents and Businesses.  It focuses on the importance of making a plan before a flood, being ready to act during a flood, and returning home after a flood.