NFWF I-4 Grant Wrap-up

Project Objectives:

1. Community decision makers and project funders can identify and implement cost effective floodplain and stream channel improvements that would have a positive impact on flooding and flooding impact reductions
2. Community and Emergency Responders are knowledgeable of and utilize a stream clearance protocol for restoring stream transport of water and sediment after major storm events
3. Create Watershed Communities that are knowledgeable of the functions of floodplains and makes land use and development decisions based on available information, science and socio-economic impacts

Deliverables:

Work with 7 watersheds and their communities to:

• reduce stream channel nutrient and sediment contributions through the survey, identification, design and implementation of practices and projects on 7,000+ feet of stream corridor;
• build local capacity through direct education and technical assistance to local governments; improve stream health and habitat on 2,500 feet of stream channel; and
• establish and strengthen local, regional, state and federal partnerships in the ongoing management of stream corridors.

Project Overview:

The I-4 project funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation was completed in 2018. A total of 7 watersheds were assessed through four counties including Cortland, Otsego, Tioga, and Tompkins County. Districts, working with their communities and watershed organization partners, developed a background report that included an exhaustive literature search of physical and social aspect of the watershed, conducted a physical assessment of the blue line streams in the watershed, identified potential projects and coordinated with watershed communities on restoration, management, and educational projects. Through this project, over a quarter of a million dollars were leveraged to begin addressing identified needs.