By Max Oppen
TANNERSVILLE — The Middle/High School in Tannersville will host the 2024 Schoharie Watershed Summit on Saturday, April 6th, from 9:00-3:00 pm, promising a day of collaboration, education, and networking for water resource stakeholders. This year’s summit aims to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse interests invested in the Schoharie Watershed's vitality.
The Schoharie Watershed Summit serves as a crucial forum where municipal officials, planners, watershed managers, regulators, and community members can convene to exchange knowledge and insights. With a commitment to inclusivity, the program is open to all interested parties free of charge, recognizing the importance of engaging various stakeholders in safeguarding our water resources. It’s important to note that registration for the Summit is required.
The presentations offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Schoharie Watershed, setting the stage for informed discussions and actions.
The Schoharie Watershed covers approximately 316 miles, and according to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, includes parts of 15 towns in three counties: Ashland, Cairo, Durham, Halcott, Hunter, Jewett, Lexington, Prattsville and Windham in Greene County; Broome, Conesville, Gilboa and Sullivan in Schoharie County; and Roxbury and Stamford in Delaware County.
Morning presentations will delve into critical topics such as the applications of the New York State Mesonet in water-related research, Local Flood Analysis in the Catskills, and strategies for managing invasive species like Japanese knotweed.
The NYS Mesonet was created by the University at Albany in 2014 in collaboration with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and is part of the state’s Early Warning Weather Detection System. It consists of a network of 126 weather stations across the state. According to the University at Albany’s www.nysmesonet.org, each station measures “temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, pressure, solar radiation, snow depth, and soil information.” The system is operated by UAlbany.
The Local Flood Analysis (LFA) presentation will be given by SLR Consulting, the firm hired by the Town of Hunter to complete the LFA in Lanesville. We reported on a robust public meeting that occurred earlier this year.
“Unraveling the Gordian Knotweed: Management of Japanese Knotweed in the Catskills” will be presented by the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP). Japanese Knotweed, an invasive species which resembles bamboo, is a serious problem on the mountaintop and throughout the Watershed.
In the afternoon, participants can choose from various workshops tailored to address specific areas of interest and expertise. Workshops include an Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program, guidance on navigating the Short Environmental Assessment Form (used when it is determined that a State Environmental Quality Review {SEQR} review is necessary for a project), an overview of the Greene County Web Map (laptop required), and insights into post-disaster floodplain administration and its implications for flood insurance.
The Greene County Web Map is a resource that explores a wide array of essential information, from land assessment values and ownership to FEMA flood zones and regulated wetlands. During the workshop, attendees can expect to learn the vital functions and explore more advanced tools to enhance their experience. The workshop will also give a brief overview of the data that powers the Map, offering insight into its comprehensive functionality.
Of particular note is the opportunity for planning and zoning board members to earn municipal credits through afternoon workshops, highlighting the summit’s practical relevance for professionals involved in land use planning and water management.
For those interested in attending, the registration deadline is Monday, April 1st. To register or inquire further about the Summit, individuals are encouraged to contact Amanda Cabanillas at (518) 622-3620 or via email at amanda@gcswcd.com. Registration can also be found online here: bit.ly/4aujyEu.
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