JANUARY 2009 UPDATE

WORK ON THE CREEK
After securing $192,000 of government funds, a contract went out for bid. Jeff Bethin of JB’s Excavation Services was awarded the contract. Mr. Bethin has extensive experience working on creek/stream restoration. Work has actually started up again. If you go west on 23 and as you reach Mr. Dealton Brown’s please look over to your left. You will notice large rocks in one area (approx. 100ft long) that have been placed along the bank. Then you note two cross vanes (approx. 50ft apart). The creek was dug down deeper in this area. The rocks placed along the banks to help hold the soil/plants and and assist with stopping further erosion. The cross vanes create a waterfall effect which, over time, will make deep pools.

In addition to the work going on around Brown’s, extensive work is planned for other areas such as the property owned by M. Monroe. In area's such as Mr. Monroe's, plans are to push the creek back to where it use to flow. Pushing it back to its original path to simulate a more "natural" flow. In these areas the creek has jumped its original banks and has found a straighter path towards the Chenango River. With a more "natural" creek meanders towards its destination in an effort to slow velocity and decrease erosive actions.

In addition the Watershed Committe will be contacting the USDA Plant Materials Center in order to determine the types of plants required in areas where work has/well be completed. Plants are necessary as like the rocks, will help hold the soil and assist with stopping further eroison. Money raised through fund raisers, raffles, donations, etc., will be used for the plants. None of the government funds will be used as those dollars are targeted only for the heavy equipment, rocks, etc., that are required.

This is only a "drop in the bucket" but it is a start. We realize there is still lots of work to be done. If any one would like to help, please contact:

Peg Kreiner (607) 334-8764 or email skreiner@roadrunner.com

PICTURE BELOW: this is an example of work planned; the yellow shows where plans are to push the creek back. In addition the straight yellow lines represent rock and/or log weir placement