USC Wetland Projects
ongoing projects
In 2011 we are aggressively developing a basin-wide in-lieu fee program in partnership with The Wetlands Trust. Once completed, this program and the background analysis involved with it will help to improve watershed targeting of these intensive wetland restoration projects. Contact us for more information and for a timeline for completion of this project.
In 2010 we were awarded a grant from the US EPA
to support planning
and watershed evaluations necessary to develop an in-lieu fee and Mitigation
Banking
Program. This project partners us with researchers at SUNY ESF and
Binghamton
University to evaluate past and ongoing mitigation projects, and to help in watershed analyses needed to develop a successful site prioritization methodology.
In 2010 we received a Green innovation Grant Program project through the Federal Stimulus program.
Through the span of this 3-year contract the we will construct 200 acres of wetland complexes on state forest land in NYS DEC regions 7 and 8.
In 2010 we initiated a partnership with SUNY College
of Environmental Sciences and Forestry
(ESF) in the construction of nearly 60 vernal pools in the Heiberg Research Forest. In preparation for this project
ESF students studied existing
conditions in the forest, as well as on previously constructed pools throughout the USC watershed. Data collection will continue through 2011 and will be used to formulate a guide to vernal pool construction and management.
We are currently monitoring and and performing maintenance on five (5) mitigation sites throughout the watershed and beyond.
We maintain a "Potential Sites" database for use during current projects and for planning purposes in soliciting future funding. Please visit the wetland construction page for information on submitting information on potential sites, and what potential sites should look like.
completed projects
In 2005 we were awarded a Congressional Appropriation in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Through this appropriation, co-sponsored by Congressman Hinchey (NY) and Senator Spector (PA), provided funding to implement construction and restoration of over 130 acres of wetlands through out the USC watershed in both New York and Pennsylvania.
In 2002 we acquired funding through a NYS DEC Bond Act Grant to restore 119.9 acres of wetland in three targeted sub-watersheds of the USC Watershed.
A 2002 EPA Wetland Program Development Grant funded efforts to add an ephemeral wetland component to our wetland program. Through this project we sought to educate watershed residents about Ephemeral Wetlands, also known as "Vernal Pools," increase protection on a municipality-level,. We are mapping, studying and creating them. We started a database of existing vernal pools in the watershed and monitoring amphibian presence at selected sites. Click this link to view a web page specifically on our Ephemeral Wetland Project
The USC received an EPA Wetlands Program Development Grant that will enable us to work with schools, and communities in efforts to educate the public about ephemeral wetlands/ vernal pools. Click this link to visit our Vernal Pool Page and visit our Resources Page to see
Amphibian Monitoring as part of an initiative by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Protocol found on the FrogWatchUSA website will be the basis for the establishment of the volunteer monitoring program.
