The Wallkill River Floodplain Bench project was first permitted in 2016. Approximately ¾ of a mile of benching was included in the permit, divided into three phases to minimize the impact of vegetation removal associated with the construction. The upstream terminus of these three phases is the County Route 1 bridge over Wallkill. All three phases of the initially permitted work were completed as of the end of 2022. Vegetation reports were submitted annually as a condition of the initial permit. Submission of annual vegetation reports is a condition of the current permit, which covers work beginning at County Route 1.
Phase 4 Construction Summary
Phase 4 construction was undertaken in two sub-phases – Phase 4 South and Phase 4 North. Work on the south side of the Wallkill was completed in 2023. A vegetative analysis submitted in December of 2023 described Phase 4 South work. Phase 4 North construction took place mostly in 2024, with some minor additional work early in 2025. A vegetative analysis prepared and submitted in December, 2024 provided a preliminary summary of north side plantings. A vegetative analysis was submitted in December of 2025, elaborating on the north side plantings and describing overall Project vegetation monitoring activities including the work of a summer intern who undertook a comprehensive inventory of tree survival and species composition for all phases of the Bench Project. Results of the inventory along with ongoing monitoring by OCSWCD staff are incorporated into the 2025 vegetative analysis.
Phase 2 North Update
In November of 2025, OCSWCD staff with assistance from a private sector contractor undertook a replanting effort on Phase 2 North of the Bench project, in effort to increase the density of the existing tree stand. This phase of the project was selected based on monitoring results and other factors. 100 trees of six different species, mostly #7 pots, were added to this 2-acre constructed floodplain bench area. We plan to undertake a survival inventory of these added trees as well as an overall survival/density assessment of Phase 2 North in 2027.
Click here for a written report prepared in May '26 by the District's Conservation District Manager, Kevin Sumner, regarding the survival rate of the trees & vegetation of the Phases 2 North & Phase 4 South floodplain benches.
Phase 4 Construction Summary
Phase 4 construction was undertaken in two sub-phases – Phase 4 South and Phase 4 North. Work on the south side of the Wallkill was completed in 2023. A vegetative analysis submitted in December of 2023 described Phase 4 South work. Phase 4 North construction took place mostly in 2024, with some minor additional work early in 2025. A vegetative analysis prepared and submitted in December, 2024 provided a preliminary summary of north side plantings. A vegetative analysis was submitted in December of 2025, elaborating on the north side plantings and describing overall Project vegetation monitoring activities including the work of a summer intern who undertook a comprehensive inventory of tree survival and species composition for all phases of the Bench Project. Results of the inventory along with ongoing monitoring by OCSWCD staff are incorporated into the 2025 vegetative analysis.
Phase 2 North Update
In November of 2025, OCSWCD staff with assistance from a private sector contractor undertook a replanting effort on Phase 2 North of the Bench project, in effort to increase the density of the existing tree stand. This phase of the project was selected based on monitoring results and other factors. 100 trees of six different species, mostly #7 pots, were added to this 2-acre constructed floodplain bench area. We plan to undertake a survival inventory of these added trees as well as an overall survival/density assessment of Phase 2 North in 2027.
Click here for a written report prepared in May '26 by the District's Conservation District Manager, Kevin Sumner, regarding the survival rate of the trees & vegetation of the Phases 2 North & Phase 4 South floodplain benches.
