Stream management
The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP) is a joint effort between Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, the Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. The three agencies work collaboratively with municipalities and landowners to maintain the health of streams in the Ashokan Reservoir Watershed.
The program aims to improve stream stability and reduce erosion threats to water quality and infrastructure, mitigate potential damage from flooding, and enhance aquatic and riparian habitat. AWSMP works to educate and inform the community about stream stewardship best management practices and coordinates stream management activities in the watershed. Stream management plans — comprehensive evaluations of stream characteristics with recommendations and strategies for improvement — provide the basis for the program’s activities.
From the heights of Slide Mountain to the Esopus Creek valley, the Ashokan Watershed contains a diverse array of geographic features. An abundance of streams provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, many opportunities for outdoor recreation, and drinking water for nearly 10 million New York City and Hudson Valley residents. The Ashokan Watershed’s social and natural history make this area an endearing and special place to residents and visitors alike.
To learn more about the Ashokan Watershed, visit the following pages:
- Social History
- Creation of the Reservoir
- Natural History & Geology
- Physical Characteristics
- Climate & Hydrology
- Land Use & Land Cover
Streamside Landowners
Streamside residents and landowners are stream managers. The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP) offers help to streamside landowners with assessing stream issues and installing best management practices for streams and streambanks.
AWSMP offers residential landowners assistance with riparian buffer plantings through the Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative (CSBI). Through CSBI, landowners can receive a field visit to review problems, riparian corridor management plans, and assistance with stream buffer installation. Landowners with stream-related technical assistance needs should contact the AWSMP office at (845) 688-3047.
Get Involved with AWSMP
AWSMP has several different committees and working groups. The members who are involved in these groups volunteer their time and expertise to help AWSMP accomplish its mission and program objectives. Please visit Working Groups and Committees to learn more and contact the program staff if you would like to be involved.
These groups also help to develop volunteer activities. AWSMP educational and volunteer events are publicized on our Facebook page and the News & Events listings.
Catskill Watershed Corporation
The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) was born out of the landmark January 17, 1997, New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between City, State, Federal and environmental entities, the Coalition of Watershed Towns, and every Watershed municipality. The CWC is a not-for-profit Local Development Corporation which executes numerous New York City-funded environmental protection, economic development and education programs throughout the New York City Watershed West of the Hudson River.
The CWC’s programs are intended to protect the quality of the water which sustains 9 million residents of New York City and its suburbs, while at the same time preserving and strengthening the rural communities within the five counties of the Catskill and Delaware Watershed.
The CWC’s primary purpose is to administer protection and partnership programs necessary to maintain and enhance the water quality throughout the Watershed and to preserve and support Watershed communities by strengthening the region’s economy.
To learn more about each program offering, click the links below:
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