This dam in Reber was too small to show up on the state’s dam inventory but big enough to disrupt important habitat for brook trout and salmon. Photo by Zachary Matson
Are you a scientist with an innovative research project to help identify dams not included in the state’s dam inventory — a critical step to improving aquatic connectivity?
If so, the Cornell-based New York State Water Resources Institute wants to hear from you. (Someone out there must have an idea for this.)
Yes, New York has a statewide dam inventory that lists over 5,000 dams — and it still has important holes. Many structures not included in the dam inventory are still harmful barriers to aquatic organism passage and potentially dangerous disruptions to streamflow.
That hyper-specific question is just one of dozens of research topics eligible for funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation and the water resources institute at Cornell.
Water quality, including a better understanding of the “occurrence, severity, toxicity and duration” of harmful algal blooms
Aquatic ecosystems, especially ways to better identify and prioritize barriers to aquatic movement
Climate resilience, including work to highlight disparities in climate impacts
Water infrastructure, such as ways to assess how government programs are performing
Water literacy and education, which includes programs targeted toward K-12 students
Bog River access reopens
The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced last week that maintenance work on Lows Lower Dam on the Bog River is complete, and the road and parking lot to it has been reopened after a nearly two-year closure.
That put-in for the Bog River, just upstream of the dam, is a popular destination in the western Adirondacks for day-trippers, campers, and people going on multi-day trips into the Five Ponds Wilderness and adjacent Whitney Wilderness.
The Bog River as seen from Lows Ridge. Explorer file photo
Lows Lake is about an 11-mile trip from Lows Lower dam. The wilderness lake is known for being remote and scenic and offers waterfront camping. From there, paddlers can continue on to do the Oswegatchie Traverse or head toward Lake Lila.
The dam had been overdue for maintenance.
When the structure was inspected in 2014, state dam experts noted concrete deterioration throughout the structure, including on spillway piers. They also observed water seepage from the dam’s downstream toe. The structure was previously considered an intermediate hazard but is currently classified as low hazard, according to the state dam inventory.
Important meteorological technology in Ausable Forks. Photo by Zachary Matson.
Photo at top: This dam in Reber was too small to show up on the state’s dam inventory but big enough to disrupt important habitat for brook trout and salmon. Photo by Zachary Matson.
State seeking water research projects
Are you a scientist with an innovative research project to help identify dams not included in the state’s dam inventory — a critical step to improving aquatic connectivity?
If so, the Cornell-based New York State Water Resources Institute wants to hear from you. (Someone out there must have an idea for this.)
Yes, New York has a statewide dam inventory that lists over 5,000 dams — and it still has important holes. Many structures not included in the dam inventory are still harmful barriers to aquatic organism passage and potentially dangerous disruptions to streamflow.
That hyper-specific question is just one of dozens of research topics eligible for funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation and the water resources institute at Cornell.
The institute is now accepting research proposals that improve understanding of the state’s most critical water issues, including pollution, connectivity, invasive species, harmful algal blooms, infrastructure, climate change and much more.
A “Statewide Water Research and Outreach Agenda” updated Oct. 1 outlines research and public education topics that could be eligible for funding. Topics fall into five categories:
Bog River access reopens
The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced last week that maintenance work on Lows Lower Dam on the Bog River is complete, and the road and parking lot to it has been reopened after a nearly two-year closure.
That put-in for the Bog River, just upstream of the dam, is a popular destination in the western Adirondacks for day-trippers, campers, and people going on multi-day trips into the Five Ponds Wilderness and adjacent Whitney Wilderness.
Lows Lake is about an 11-mile trip from Lows Lower dam. The wilderness lake is known for being remote and scenic and offers waterfront camping. From there, paddlers can continue on to do the Oswegatchie Traverse or head toward Lake Lila.
The dam had been overdue for maintenance.
When the structure was inspected in 2014, state dam experts noted concrete deterioration throughout the structure, including on spillway piers. They also observed water seepage from the dam’s downstream toe. The structure was previously considered an intermediate hazard but is currently classified as low hazard, according to the state dam inventory.
Read more about it here.
Photo at top: This dam in Reber was too small to show up on the state’s dam inventory but big enough to disrupt important habitat for brook trout and salmon. Photo by Zachary Matson.