Speakers:

• Jared Popoli, Restoration Hydrologist, New York State Water Resources Institute
• Stacy Russell, Natural Resource Program Specialist, Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District

Description: Normally, we don’t think about culverts (or pipes that channel water at places like road-stream crossings) until they are flooded or damaged and affect our lives. However, culverts play an important role in keeping Skaneateles Lake clean and protecting human life and infrastructure. Flooded culverts can cause extensive, costly amounts of damage. Culverts that are too small to handle large amounts of water can also contribute to erosion, causing sediment to enter Skaneateles Lake. Also importantly, culverts can affect the ability of fish to move upstream, blocking key spawning habitat for brook trout and other fish species.

At this program, Jared Popoli with the NYS Water Resources Institute will discuss the current state of practice of road-stream crossings. Topics will include road stream crossing inventory, assessment, tools, resources and potential funding opportunities for culvert owners, practitioners, natural resource agencies and the public. Jared manages the Cornell Culvert Model which can estimate crossing capacity and identify the most undersized crossings for replacement. Stacy Russell with Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District will present information about culvert replacement projects (Designed by Jared) in the Cortland County portion of the Grout Brook watershed to protect Skaneateles Lake. Lastly, there will be time for questions and discussions – what concerns do you have around culverts in the Skaneateles Lake watershed? What are some barriers you might face as a private landowner(s)? Come to learn, share, and discuss this important topic.

Questions? Contact Camille Marcotte, Water and Ecology Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension Onondaga County, at ctm78@cornell.edu or (315) 424-9485 ext.232.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. This program is presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County. Support for this event comes from the City of Syracuse.