3^RD ANNUAL GENESEE RIVER BASIN SUMMIT

Streambank Erosion, Soil Loss & Sediment

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 - 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM - RIT Campus

Erosion of streambanks in the Genesee Basin is a major ecological and economic problem for our region. In an average year, over 450,000 tons of soil flow down the river to Rochester, causing:

• Loss of valuable farmland
• Costly dredging to keep Mt. Morris Dam operational and Rochester Harbor open
• Sediment levels that reduce fish populations and make our rivers unappealing for recreation and tourism
• High nutrient levels that lead to harmful algal blooms and beach closings

For its 3^rd Annual Genesee River Basin Summit, Genesee Riverwatch presents an in-depth discussion of the issues associated with the severe erosion of streambanks in the Genesee Basin. Join us on Wednesday, May 25^th, for a series of presentations by state, regional and local experts. Participate in the subsequent discussions as we work to develop a strategy for dealing with these problems.

Who should attend?

The Summit will cover four major areas:

1. The Problem - A review of the geology of the basin, the SUNY study that demonstrated the extent of the problem, and the prioritization of this issue with state agencies.
2. The Impact - Impacts of erosion on farmland and other properties, economic development, the costs of erosion and soil loss, habitat, and dredging costs throughout the basin.
3. What's Being Done? - An overview of what has been done to date, including studies of erosion, watershed groups, water quality monitoring, riparian buffers, and specific soil loss reduction projects.
4. What Can and Should Be Done? - Analyze the technical and economic feasibility of significantly reducing streambank erosion in the entire basin. Attendees will be asked to contribute their ideas and experience to this discussion, helping to develop a strategic plan that can guide current and future efforts.

When and Where: Wednesday, May 25th;  8:00am-4:30pm; Rochester Institute of Technology, Louise Slaughter Hall, Building 78, Rooms 2240-2210 

Fee: Free; but donations much appreciated!

Registration required:   Click here to Register 

Includes: Continental breakfast and afternoon break. Please bring your lunch or use the food service facilities available on campus.

Map and Parking Permit. 

Participating & Invited Organizations:

• Genesee RiverWatch - Convener
• Dr. Joseph Makarewicz, SUNY Brockport, Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus
• Dr. Richard Young, SUNY Geneseo, Distinguished Service Professor
• Genesee River Basin Coalition of S&WC Districts (Invited)
• New York Department of Agriculture & Markets
• New York Department of Environmental Conservation (Invited)
• New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
• Oatka Creek Watershed Committee
• River Street Marina
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• U.S. Geological Survey

Want to know more?  Visit our website and be sure to watch our film:  "Restoring Our River - Work Worth Doing!".  This 12 minute film tells the story of the Genesee River - it's history, significance to our region and how we can - as its caretakers - restore the water quality of the river.  

Working to restore the waters of the Genesee, improve access, increase use and encourage economic development that benefits from and contributes to the water quality of our region.