NEVERSINK – The Neversink Watershed Management Plan (NWMP) was discussed between local environmental conservationist organizations and contractors for a third time on March 1. 

The meeting, titled “Flooding, Changing Weather Trends, and the Economic/Recreational Benefits of Stream Protection and Restoration”, is the third in a recent series of webinar meetings hosted by Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR). 

The meeting on the first provided discussion on how changing weather patterns have increased flooding problems to flood prone areas of the county, how management practices can be implemented to mitigate the impacts of these severe weather patterns, and the economic value of the waterways.

Past meetings held by FUDR on January 18 and January 30 respectively went over basic and similar information regarding the project, such as what a watershed management plan is and why it is necessary, as well as the Basics of Stream Dynamics. 

The purpose of the recent public meetings are to provide residents who live within the watershed an opportunity to provide their input on the management plan, according to FUDR Executive Director Jeff Skelding.

Guest speaker Freda Eisenberg, who is the Commissioner of the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management, presented on the various economic benefits to stream protection and restoration.

Tourism and its benefits are a major economic driver in the Catskills, according to Eisenberg, who reported that visitor spending in 2021 grew to $1.9 billion, which supported 16,348 jobs.

Resilient Sullivan

Founding Principal of Metropolitan Urban Design (MUD) Workshop, Shachi Pandey, spoke on another project, Resilient Sullivan, which MUD is developing alongside Urbanomics, eDesign Dynamics, and BFJ Planning.

The plan’s goals and expected outcomes highlighted the various types of resiliency that the project seeks to develop within the county, including economic, social, and environmental resiliency.

Pandey presented the “ABC’s” of the project’s preliminary set of goals, which includes the implementation of strategies to protect biodiversity, natural infrastructure systems, and recreational sources. Other potential goals are to develop model codes and incentives to aid municipalities, and expand public transit to ensure equitable access to jobs, amenities, and social services.

Expected outcomes for the plan are to foster inter- and intra-municipal collaborations, uphold an agreed upon set of resiliency goals, priorities, and recommendations for the entire county, and outline steps for implementing the resiliency goals.

The Resiliency Plan Advisory Committee, which consists of municipal representatives, non-for-profits, regional economic development corporations, resiliency working groups, and other assisting entities extends out of MUD Workshop Urban Design and Planning. The committee is also anticipated to work alongside Sullivan County’s Division of Planning and the County’s Office of Sustainable Energy.

Pandey also presented a first-look for an upcoming website for the Sullivan County Resiliency Plan, www.resilientsullivan.com.

The NWMP

The goal of the Neversink Watershed Management Plan (NWMP) is to profile the Neversink Watershed, outline management goals and recommendations, and identify pilot sites for future project implementation.

This plan will act as a tool for municipalities, conservation organizations, community members, and other partners to develop and work towards a shared vision that benefits all watershed stakeholders.

For more information on the NWMP, the schedule for future meetings, or to contact FUDR with other inquiries, please visit their website at fudr.org.

The NWMP will soon be entering its second round of in-person informational meetings at which Natural Lands will solicit public input to determine the public’s land protection priorities in the watershed. The date, location, and presenters for this event are yet to be announced.