Stream upgrade cited as model

Delgado visits Manor to promote watershed effort

By Manor Ink Staff

Livingston Manor, NY – Congressman Antonio Delgado met with a group of interested citizens, governmental officials and local environmental groups at KC’s Airport on Old Rte. 17 in this hamlet on Wednesday, Oct. 13, to discuss the newly-formed Congressional Delaware Watershed Caucus, which he co-chairs.

The site was chosen due to its recent success in stream bank stabilization, flood prevention and fishery enhancement of the Little Beaverkill, the storied Catskill creek that runs through the property. The work was done through a unique collaboration between federal, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations and Kevin Coyne, the owner of the former airfield. The hope is the improvements on the site will serve as a model for other partnerships seeking to balance water and land use with management and protection of the region’s natural resources.

Engineering experts from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Trout Unlimited explained the unique approach used to fortify the Little Beaverkill’s riparian corridor with native trees and root balls which prevent erosion, create new habitat and should significantly help reduce the threat of flooding that has plagued the downtown for decades.

As co-chair of the caucus, Rep. Delgado shared his views on the importance of an organized effort on Capitol Hill to advance watershed issues, which he said should help advance conservation objectives in our area. State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Sullivan County Commissioner Freda Eisenberg and representatives of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association, Friends of the Upper Delaware River, Catskill Mountainkeeper, local business owners and members of the public also attended and were able to discuss conservation and policy goals directly with Rep. Delgado. Similar events are expected to be held in the future.