The Wallkill River Black Dirt Flood Mitigation Benching project is moving forward. Last year, despite a global pandemic and funding uncertainties, the District was still able to keep the project moving forward and complete a scaled down portion. Phase 3 was split into two areas. This phase is located on the south side of the river, just upstream from the confluence of the Pochuk Creek and the Cheechunk canal. Area 1 excavation was completed last summer. The tree planting portion was completed in May, 2021.
Phase 2 south was planted in the Fall of 2019. Survival throughout 2020 was good. All of the large 2” caliper trees survived their first year. Smaller containerized tree stock survival wasn’t as high, but still overall favorable.
The District is also excited to announce that we are the recipients of a New York State Climate Resilient Farming Round 5 Grant. This grant will allow the District to begin Phase 4. The grant will fund permitting, design and implementation of our flood mitigation work another ¾ of a mile upstream beginning at County Route 1. The District is currently working with our consultants on design and permitting.
Phase 2 south was planted in the Fall of 2019. Survival throughout 2020 was good. All of the large 2” caliper trees survived their first year. Smaller containerized tree stock survival wasn’t as high, but still overall favorable.
The District is also excited to announce that we are the recipients of a New York State Climate Resilient Farming Round 5 Grant. This grant will allow the District to begin Phase 4. The grant will fund permitting, design and implementation of our flood mitigation work another ¾ of a mile upstream beginning at County Route 1. The District is currently working with our consultants on design and permitting.
Tree survival on Phase 2 South of the Wallkill Floodplain bench was excellent. This phase exhibited sandy soil conditions throughout at the final bench elevation, in contrast to other phases of the project. This photo is looking south (upstream) - the County Route 1 bridge over the Wallkill is in the background.
