Small Streams & Wetlands
Additional Resources for the Identification and Protection of Small Streams and Wetlands
Small streams and wetlands have a greater influence on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems than their size would suggest. However, many do not appear on public maps. Although they are threatened by our land uses and by the changing climate, most are unprotected by federal and state laws. Some Hudson Valley communities protect these important resources through local policies, conservation design, and open space protection.
Additional Resources for the Identification and Protection of Small Streams and Wetlands
Small streams and wetlands have a greater influence on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems than their size would suggest. However, many do not appear on public maps. Although they are threatened by our land uses and by the changing climate, most are unprotected by federal and state laws. Some Hudson Valley communities protect these important resources through local policies, conservation design, and open space protection.
Below are some resources that we often reference during our field workshops on the values of small streams and wetlands.
NYSDEC Wetland and stream protections and conservation fact sheets:
Specific sections out of Hudsonia's Biodiversity Assessment Manual:
Additional topics of interest:
The benefits of woody material in streams: three-minute video from Vermont Fish and Wildlife about woody material in streams to improve habitat for fish, and other benefits.
Stream Processes: A Guide to Living in Harmony with Streams discusses stream management including topics of channel straightening, Stream Processes: A Guide to Living in Harmony with Streams.
You can view past webinars on similar topics here:
Headwater Streams: Identifying and Protecting an Essential Resource 3-Part Webinar Series
Wetlands 3-Part Webinar Series
You can also find other past webinars from the Hudson River Estuary Conservation and Land Use Team here and other municipal resources can be found on the Hudson River Estuary Biodiversity Program website.