MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• Infrastructure Project in Jefferson County Will Mitigate Flood Hazard
• Arbor Day Foundation Funding Available for Large Scale Restoration Projects
• Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications 

Infrastructure Project in Jefferson County Will Mitigate Flood Hazard

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of construction on a $5.4 million project awarded to Jefferson County, through New York State's Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. This project addressed the flooding of a 1,800 linear foot section of County Road 57 and its shoulder, which falls between Chaumont Bay and Lake Ontario. During high water events, the use and safety of the residents and first responders traveling this route was negatively impacted, requiring the County Highway Department crews to routinely monitor and periodically close, clear, and repair the roadway, as it provides the only land access to the peninsula for area homes.

Arbor Day Foundation Funding Available for Large Scale Restoration Projects

The Arbor Day Foundation is seeking proposals for 2021/2022 large-scale plantings that will positively impact the environment, create habitat for wildlife, promote watershed restoration, and provide other benefits to the public.

Since 1990, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked with tree planting organizations to identify and support reforestation projects throughout the United States and its territories. Through partnerships and with support from Arbor Day Foundation members, advocates and corporate partners, funding for seedlings on large-scale restoration projects is available. Over the last 30 years, they have helped fund and plant nearly 150 million trees.

Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit an online proposal by September 24, 2021. Contact Brad Brandt and Jennifer Moon with any questions.

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Visit NYHABS, DEC’s harmful algal bloom notification map, to view locations of freshwater HABs in New York State that were reported in the past two weeks. Click on a dot for more information, including the date it was reported, the waterbody name, and pictures. Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to view a list of reported HABs.

Know it. Avoid it. Report it.

If you see a HAB, please use the reporting form to submit a report to NYHABS. Because waterbodies may have HABs that have not been reported to DEC, we recommend avoiding contact with floating mats, scums, and discolored water.

If you, your family, or your pet have been in contact with a HAB, please rinse with clean water and report any symptoms to your local health department.

Consider visiting a healthcare provider if you, your family, or your animals are experiencing symptoms related to blue-green harmful algal blooms. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; skin, eye, or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.