Monday, February 07, 2005

NYRU Seeks Protection for Adirondack Stream

TO: REGION 6 OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE

FROM: Bruce Carpenter, NYRU

DATE: February 7, 2005

RE: BLACK CREEK WATERSHED


Several years ago, working under the aegis of NYRU’s Dam Removal Program, we reviewed and then supported the removal of Grey Dam on Black Creek. The dam was originally owned and operated by Mohawk Valley Water Authority for flow augmentation to Hinckley Reservoir. The dam was in bad shape, and it was determined that removal was a better alternative than repair.

With the dam removed, the creek has returned to its normal flow patterns winding through forested areas. It is a truly scenic canoe trip. The watershed itself is mostly forested and within the Adirondack Park. Black Creek is a beautiful and mostly undisturbed resource, a true Adirondack stream.

It is not often that we have the opportunity to correct damages that were done decades earlier. We believe now is the time to act to ensure that this truly great resource is protected for future generations.

NYRU proposes that this watershed be included for a top priority project in Region 6.

There are several alternatives for protection, and all or some of each might be appropriate. Status in the state’s “Wild and Scenic Rivers” program would be one. Watershed protection through land acquisition of fee and/or easement would be another. We realize that local government must be made aware of this project before it can move forward. The support of the committee is what we seek on this now.

Enclosed are some of the descriptions from the engineering report prepared on the basin for the dam removal project.

Thank you.

Bruce Carpenter, Ex. Dir.
NYRU