Watershed Implementation Plans

These combined Watershed Implementation Plans were developed by Princeton Hydro, published in December of 2017, and describe critical areas of concern for each of the four kettle lakes. Highlighted are targeted areas that need to be addressed for the betterment of each lake and watershed and include areas like erosion, run-off, and the need for buffers to prevent further concern. Read the comprehensive report below.


 
 

  • The Kettle Lakes Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) listed multiple sites for best management practice implementation

    for each lake. Syracuse Environmental Finance Center (SU-EFC) has developed seven “bundles” based on these

    recommendations, which consist of groupings of projects that may be attractive to certain funders identified by EFC (see

    funding matrix). Several factors may be useful for defining project scope, which was an important part of this process: (1) the

    municipality in which the site occurs; (2) the type of property (public or private); and (3) the type of best management practice

    (BMP), if relevant to a specific funder.

    Additionally, bundles were developed with locally relevant applicants in mind. In order to show the range of options available,

    bundles at times overlap. We hope this document can be used to jumpstart discussions about funding at the right scale and

    scope, and expect that adjustments will be necessary once new information surfaces.

    The bundles below take into account the priority level assigned by Princeton Hydro. BMPs were given a priority of ‘high’,

    ‘medium’, or ‘low’ based on overall cost, ease of installation, permitting requirements, the need for cooperation from various

    government entities, and pollutant removal. Princeton Hydro states that the projects with minimal permitting and cost were

    rated as ‘high’, and especially emphasized sites which occurred on public property.

Buffering the rains…

Shorescaping encourages homeowners to plant trees and shrubs on their property to intercept run-off. Each tree planted can intercept thousands of gallons of rainwater, snow melt and storm run-off each year.

 

PROTECTIVE TREES

Trees also make a great choice for helping to manage the flow of excess stormwater runoff on your property. It’s a well-known fact that tree roots are adept at filtering and absorbing stormwater runoff. For this reason, it makes sense to plant a few protective trees around your property. 

Combined with other stormwater management systems, this method can work wonders. Permeable pavers that allow water infiltration to the soil and tree roots are great to maintain healthy trees, as opposed to hardscape like asphalt and concrete which choke off water supplies to the trees. The canopies of protective trees also help to slow the amount of rainfall hitting the ground as well as spreading it over a larger area.

NATIVE PLANTS

Rather than artificial turf, you may want to swap out the fake grass on your property for more native, natural plants. Native plants are much better at dealing with the extremes of nature and will grow much more easily. They also absorb more rainwater and are naturally good at helping prevent flooding.

ELIMINATE BARE SOIL

Bare soil can be your worst enemy in terms of managing excess stormwater runoff. It can be similar to concrete when it comes to blocking water from entering the ground. If you have bare soil anywhere on your property, you’d do well to cover it up with a layer of something like mulch or another type of ground cover.