Batavia Kill Stream Management Plan

As a component of the Batavia Kill Stream Management Pilot

Project the Batavia Kill Stream Management Plan (SMP) was developed after 4 years of watershed and stream corridor assessment in the Batavia Kill watershed. Since 1997, the GCSWCD and NYCDEP have been assessing watershed conditions, monitoring stream stability and undertaking demonstration restoration projects. Based on the data collected and input from various watershed stakeholders, the GCSWCD and NYCDEP completed the Batavia Kill SMP in 2003.

Cover and Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction

Introduction to Stream Management (3.5 MBs)

Watershed Description

This section provides watershed background information and characteristics which influence the Batavia Kill. A chapter on living streamside and stream related activities may be of particular interest to landowners, answering commonly asked questions, including necessary permits and agency contacts, relating to activities which may impact stream health or stability.

Regional Setting

Watershed History

Physiography

Geology & Topography

Water Resources

Wetlands & Floodplains

Aquatic & Terrestrial Wildlife

Riparian Vegetation

Land Use & Land Cover

Population and Demographics

Infrastructure

Flood Control District

Institutional Resources

Watershed Programs

Assessment of the Batavia Kill

This section includes a summary of water quality assessments that have been undertaken over the years in the Batavia Kill, an introduction to the science of stream processes, and a description of the watershed assessment protocol used to develop this stream management plan.

Assessment Introduction

Water Quality Assessment

Watershed Inventory and Assessment

Stream Corridor Level Assessment

Stream Reach Description & Recommendations
This section contains very detailed descriptions and specific recommendations for the Batavia Kill, from the headwaters at the top of the watershed, downstream to its confluence with the Schoharie Creek, located in the Town of Prattsville. The Batavia Kill mainstem has been organized into 5 Management Units (MUs), defined using physical stream characteristics, historical channel alignments, location of bridges and road infrastructure, and valley characteristics. These MU descriptions outline stream conditions (its bed and banks), general streamside (riparian) vegetation condition, and proximity and arrangement of roads, bridges and culverts.

Reach Summary Introduction

Management Segment Map

Management Segment 1 Intro

Management Unit 1a

Management Unit 1b

Management Unit 1c

Management Unit 1d

Management Segment 2 Intro

Management Unit 2a

Management Unit 2b

Management Unit 2c

Management Segment 3 Intro

Management Unit 3a

Management Unit 3b

Management Unit 3c

Management Segment 4 Intro

Management Unit 4a

Management Unit 4b

Management Unit 4c

Management Unit 4d

Management Unit 4e

Management Unit 4f

Management Unit 4g

Management Segment 5 Intro

Management Unit 5a

Management Unit 5b

Management Unit 5c

Management Unit 5d

Batavia Kill Demonstration Projects

General Recommendations for Stream Protection/Enhancement

This section sets forth an extensive list of recommendations related to education and outreach, flood protection, water quality, public enjoyment, fisheries, riparian zone management, stream management, and programmatic issues, providing a frame work for watershed stakeholders to develop a long term management strategy to protect and improve the Batavia Kill.