Buffalo River Revitalization: Shoreline Access and Habitat Restoration

By Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper and Great Lakes Commission

Lt. Gov. Hochul, Congressman Higgins join Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, 

Great Lakes Commission and NOAA to celebrate start of construction

Buffalo, N.Y. - As the 10-year effort to remove toxic sediment from the Buffalo River nears completion this summer, the focus now shifts to shoreline access and habitat restoration along this once-dead river. After nearly five years of planning and design work, construction is beginning at RiverBend and seven other locations along the Buffalo River that are essential for removing the river from the federal list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern by 2016.

To celebrate this next phase in the river's restoration, New York's Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Congressman Brian Hig gins (D-NY, 26th District), together with other state officials and local leaders, met today across from the RiverBend site. Restoration work there will transform the shoreline into a healthy and viable ecosystem and enhance recent economic development activity at this former brownfield site.

"This revitalization effort is a product of a thoughtful and historic public-private partnership that is restoring habitats and strengthening our local economy," said Lt. Gov. Hochul. "It was almost unheard of decades ago to imagine this site attracting new outdoor recreational opportunities - like fishing and boating - to our beloved shorelines. Today, it is clear that this investment has finally brought this dream into a reality."

"Federal investments combined with community-based action are bringing the Buffalo River back to life and breathing new life into our city," said Congressman Brian Higgins. "This progress was made possible thanks to the great collaboration of federal partners committed to the Great Lakes, private partners committed to investing in western New York's future and community partners, including outstanding leadership by Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper whose commitment is truly transforming Buffalo for generations to come."

When fully implemented, the projects will restore nearly two miles of shoreline and 20 acres of habitat at eight sites on the lower Buffalo River: RiverBend (east and west shorelines), River Fest Park, Blue Tower Turning Basin, Old Bailey Woods, Ohio Street Boat Launch, Toe of Katherine Street Peninsula and Buffalo Color Peninsula.

Riverkeeper Invites You to Explore Our Watershed

Explore Our Watershed with Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper!

Get ready to hike, bike and kayak through our watershed! Riverkeeper's Summer Tour Schedule offers many opportunities to experience our waterways and learn about efforts to protect local ecosystems and water quality.

Upcoming events include:

• June 18, 5:45-8PM: Biking Tour beginning at the Silo Restaurant (Lewiston) - Register here
• June 23, 5:45-8PM: Paddle Tour of Cayuga Creek and the Little River at Griffon Park (Niagara Falls) - Register here
• July 1, 5:45-8PM: Biking Tour of Canalside (Buffalo) - Register here
• July 8, 5:45-8PM: Biking Tour of LaSalle Waterfront Park (Niagara Falls) - Register here
• July 11, 9:15-11:30AM: Hiking Tour of Sprague Brook County Park (Glenwood) - Register here
• July 15, 5:45PM-8PM: Birdwatching Paddle at Hyde Park Lake (Niagara Falls) - Register here
• August 12, 5:45PM-8PM: Hiking Tour of Hunters Creek County Park (East Aurora) - Register here

Please note that space is limited and advance registration is required for all events. All programs are free to attend. 


Upcoming Community Events:

July 25: The 10th Annual Paddles Up, hosted by the Niagara River Greenway Commission and the Town of Grand Island are once again offering this non-competitive 4.8 mile paddle event around Beaver Island State Park. The event will be held on Saturday July 25. Registration is free and the first 100 to sign up will receive a commemorative t-shirt. For more event information and event registration please visit the Paddles Up website or call (716) 773-9680.

July 26: Buffalo Paddle-Bike-Run: we are excited to partner with Buffalo Paddle-Bike-Run, a brand new outdoor adventure event at Silo City!  Proceeds generated by the race will support Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, so sign up today and bring a friend, too! More details are available on Buffalo Paddle-Bike-Run's website.

Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER is a community-based organization dedicated to protecting the quality and quantity of water, while connecting people to water. We do this by revitalizing our waterways, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, and enhancing public access through greenways that expand parks and open space. Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER is a member of the global WATERKEEPER ALLIANCE.

RIVERKEEPER FORUM: Unexpected Voices of the Great Lakes

 Join  Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper this Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm for a very special event at the Albright-Knox Gallery: Unexpected Voices of the Great Lakes, a panel discussion featuring internally acclaimed photographer Edward Burtynsky, whose artwork is pictured below. Burtynsky will discuss how his connection to the Great Lakes shaped his craft and the predominant theme in his images, "nature transformed through industry." The panel discussion following Burtynsky's talk will include:
    •    Allan Jamieson, a member of the Wolf Clan of the Cayuga People. He has worked with numerous native communities on issues related to water access. He is a founder of Neto, a Native American nonprofit based in Buffalo that started the Buffalo Creek Treaty Canoe Paddle held annually on the Buffalo River.
    •    Sandy Smith Cunningham, an educator from Nichols School in Buffalo whose innovative seventh-grade science curriculum teaches the principles of chemistry through the lens of the Great Lakes and environmental resources. She has been deeply involved in Great Lakes education and outreach.
    •     Jill Jedlicka, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. Jedlicka is a recognizable local expert on water quality issues and Great Lakes policy. She will provide a rare insight and reflection of her own personal journey to lead one of the world's largest Waterkeeper organizations.

The panel also will include a student from South Park High School in Buffalo who is active in his school's efforts to educate and inform a new generation about the importance of the Great Lakes and its tributaries.

This event is a collaboration between Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper and the International Joint Commission's Great Lakes Water Quality Board.  


Please RSVP here. This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (1285 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York) on Wednesday, May 13 from 6:30-8:30pm!

The Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper Team

[Click image to enlarge]

Volunteer for RIVERKEEPER Spring 'Shoreline Sweep'

WHEN: Saturday, April 25 from 10AM to 12PM

Riverkeeper organizes the largest shoreline cleanup in Buffalo Niagara with over 1,500 volunteers at 40 waterfront sites throughout Western New York. This event re-connects people to their greatest natural asset, fresh water.

This is your opportunity to join the effort to protect and revitalize our waterways by cleaning up shoreline trash that can harm fish and wildlife!

Volunteer Registration: CLICK HERE to register online for one of 40 Sites for the Spring Shoreline Sweep. On the morning of the cleanup, volunteers will meet the Site Captain at the designated meeting place at their site.

A Volunteer Appreciation Party will be held at the Marcy Casino in Delaware Park after the cleanup from 12pm to 2:30pm. Sign up for a ticket when you Register for the cleanup.

Questions? Contact Jarrett Steffen by email at jsteffen@bnriverkeeper.org or by phone at 716-852-7483 ext. 19.

Volunteer for RIVERKEEPER Spring Shoreline Cleanup

WHEN: Saturday, April 26 from 9AM to 12PM

Riverkeeper organizes the largest Shoreline Cleanup in Buffalo Niagara with over 1,500 volunteers at 40 waterfront sites throughout Western New York. This event re-connects people to their greatest natural asset, fresh water.

This is your opportunity to join the effort to protect and revitalize our waterfront by cleaning up trash that is harmful for fish and wildlife!

Volunteer Registration: CLICK HERE to register online for one of 40 Sites for our Spring Shoreline Cleanup. On the morning of the cleanup, volunteers will meet the Site Captain at the designated meeting place at their site.

Site Captain Registration is closed.  

Questions? Contact Jarrett Steffen by email at jsteffen@bnriverkeeper.org or by phone at 716-852-7483 ext. 19.

Fracking Waste: Dangerous Spills and Road Spreading

Exxon to Face Criminal Charges for 50,000+ Gallon Fracking Wastewater Spill

Exxon Mobil Corp. subsidiary XTO Energy will have to face criminal charges for allegedly dumping tens of thousands of gallons of fracking waste at a Marcellus Shale drilling site in 2010, according to a Pennsylvania judge’s ruling on Thursday.

Following a preliminary hearing, Magisterial District Judge James G. Carn decided that all eight charges against Exxon — including violations of both the state Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Act — will be “held for court,” meaning there is enough evidence to take the fossil fuel giant to trial over felony offenses.

Pennsylvania’s Attorney General filed criminal charges back in September, claiming Exxon had removed a plug from a wastewater tank, leading to 57,000 gallons of contaminated water spilling into the soil. 

Thanks to laws pushed by corporate front groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), sponsored by ExxonMobil, states have allowed minimum disclosure of the chemicals used in the fluid. Though Pennsylvania does now require disclosure to regulators, it has a “gag rule” banning doctors from talking about the health risks.

The most recent study of health risks related to fracking was released in mid-December by the journal Endocrinology, which found the presence of hormone-disrupting chemicals in surface water and groundwater samples in Garfield County, Colorado — one county at the center of the U.S. fracking boom. The chemicals have been linked to infertility, birth defects, and cancer.
Read more at ThinkProgress.

New York’s Fracking Waste Problem | UPDATE

Even though the de facto moratorium on high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing in New York State continues, the disposal of waste from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations is occurring in New York now and deserves our attention. The extraction of natural gas using fracking produces large amounts of liquid and solid waste that can contain a number of harmful pollutants, including salts (sometimes expressed as total dissolved solids or TDS); chemical additives, which may include ethylene glycol, naphthalene, and sulfuric acid; metals; organic compounds; and other contaminants. Fracking waste from extraction activities in the Marcellus Shale can also contain naturally-occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) such as radium-226 and radium-228.

In July 2013, [Hudson] Riverkeeper wrote to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and requested information about one method of handling fracking waste that New York is currently allowing: the use of production brine from conventional, low-volume fracking on New York roads for de-icing, dust control, and road stabilization. Specifically, we asked the agency to provide information regarding its approvals – known as Beneficial Use Determinations or BUDs – of the use of natural gas production brine for road spreading from June 2011 to July 2013.

UPDATE: Further review shows that road spreading of natural gas production brine has been approved for use in portions of at least 23 municipalities in 7 western New York counties: Wyoming, Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genessee, Niagara, and Seneca. Road spreading of natural gas brine from natural gas storage has been approved in at least 10 municipalities in 2 western New York Counties: Allegany and Steuben. In addition, the New York State Department of Transportation Region 6 received approval to spread what appears to be brine from natural gas storage on state roads in portions of Steuben, Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, and Yates Counties.

Read more at Hudson Riverkeeper.

For additional details, see The Facts about New York and Fracking Waste at Hudson Riverkeeper.

Public Statement on Fracking Waste -- By Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

High standards of excellence are needed to protect Buffalo Niagara's local waterways. Careful consideration must be employed in how we use and apply various chemicals in our community.

In January 2012, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper prepared a 9 page technical document regarding High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing (HVHF), which concluded that "HVHF activities cannot be conducted in a manner that is protective of both human health and the environment until issues related to water quality and water quantity impacts are resolved."

In response to our recent technical review of the Beneficial Use Determination (BUD) by NYSDEC, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper supports a ban on the road application of shallow well or storage brine as a de-icing agent.  (The permit does not allow application in wet weather, or when rain is imminent, or within 50 feet of any stream, creek, lake or other body of water. The BUD permit as written does not allow use of "flow back" brine, nor the use of byproduct from Marcellus Shale HVHF.)

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper has additional concern about lack of control and monitoring associated with current use of shallow-well brine for road application as dust suppression. The testing conducted to submit a BUD application is a snapshot in time that does not adequately monitor the inherent fluctuation of levels of chemical constituents that vary over the production life of each well or brine source.  More robust testing, monitoring and regulation is needed.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper supports a ban on any WNY wastewater facility to accept HVHF wastewater.  Riverkeeper's technical comments in 2012 stated, "In New York State, there are no municipal or industrial wastewater facilities in existence that currently have the ability to accept, adequately process or treat high volume hydrofracking wastewater."

To view Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper's technical documents regarding high volume hydrofracking, Click Here.

~ Fracking Wastewater Pit ~

Erie County, Partners Advance Preparations on Watershed Management Plan

ERIE COUNTY, NY- The Erie County Department of Environment & Planning (DEP), in partnership with the Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance (LEWPA) and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, has announced plans to begin Phase II of the Regional Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed Management Plan following their successful application for New York State Consolidated Funding, which resulted in an award of $507,830 from the NYS Department of State to pursue the Plan. This project builds on three years of effort by Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper for Phase I of a Niagara River Watershed Management Plan and is a continuation of a community-based watershed planning effort to improve and protect all of Western New York's water resources.

“As I stated in my ‘Initiatives for a Smart Economy’ address [link below], the protection and restoration of the health and integrity of Western New York’s fresh water systems is not only sound environmental policy but also represents a smart investment in our economic future,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.

“Clean, healthy and accessible waterways are essential to the environmental health and continuing economic recovery of Western New York. I commend the DEP and their partners for the good work they are doing and for the positive legacy that will remain when they have completed the Plan.”

Phase II efforts will integrate the remaining sub-watersheds within the Lake Erie Watershed to develop a comprehensive, regionally-based Watershed Management Plan for Western New York. This phase will also address numerous ongoing and emerging water quality issues in order to help attract and support a multitude of recreation, tourism, and commercial businesses.

“We are a Great Lakes region, with two major coastal cities and a numerous waterfront communities that share access to 95% of North America’s fresh water”, said Jill Jedlicka, Executive Director of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper.  “It is evident that our regional economic revitalization directly correlates to how we embrace, protect and enhance the quality of our water, and this planning effort helps us maximize these resources without sacrificing our quality of life and environment”.

Lake Erie and the Niagara River are both valued as natural resources, economic engines, sources of power, and for aesthetic and recreational purposes. However, the impairments of the Lake Erie-Niagara River Basin create real costs for WNY, severely undermining both their quality-of-life and their full economic development potential. When complete, the Watershed Management Plan will provide a blueprint for municipalities to maximize the economic benefits of the watershed while minimizing environmental impacts on it.

The mission of the Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance is to foster collaboration and partnerships within the watershed to address regional water quality and quantity concerns and in doing so, protect and enhance our Lake Erie resource.

For more information:

• On the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, visit www.erie.gov/environment 

• On the Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance, visit www.erie.gov/LEWPA

• On Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, visit www.bnriverkeeper.org 

• Erie County ‘Initiatives for a Smart Economy’ [PDF - 5,207 KB]

RIVERKEEPER Educates Anglers about Polluted Fish

Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER^® and GROW 716 are piloting a mobile messaging campaign called “Catch Of the Day.” Anglers are encouraged to text COD to 877-877, which then directs them to online information about local fish consumption advisories and healthier ways to eat local fish. The campaign encourages picture sharing of their “catch” on the GROW 716 webpage to show the incredible success of Western New York anglers! "Catch Of the Day" photos are posted to our facebook page: facebook/BNRiverkeeper

We have received some great press coverage from local and national media!  

Article in the Buffalo News: "Buffalo [Niagara] Riverkeeper educates immigrant anglers about dangers of WNY fish"

Associated Press article "Campaign teaches NY immigrants about polluted fish"

Read the article in the Wall Street Journal

Informational materials and booklets can be obtained by contacting Ba Zan Lin at 852-7483 ext 26 or blin@bnriverkeeper.org. Online information is available at EatFishWNY.org.

Share your fish photos and tell your friends to text COD to 877-877!!

Job Opening at Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is seeking a full time Habitat Restoration Program Manager to implement the new “Living Shorelines” Program and support other Riverkeeper riparian restoration efforts. The “Living Shorelines” Program will utilize bioengineering and “natural shoreline” techniques through 5-8 demonstration projects in the Niagara River Greenway. Download the full job announcement  - Habitat Restoration Project Manager.

Application deadline is Monday, July 8, 2013.

The ideal candidate for the position will be a self-motivated, high-energy person with excellent interpersonal communication skills and direct experience in shoreline restoration projects, including engineering and construction methods using bioengineering techniques. The candidate will be expected to coordinate multiple stakeholders to accomplish project goals.  The position will be located at the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper Office in Buffalo, NY.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary range is $50,000-$53,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include a health insurance option, three weeks paid time off, 10 paid holidays and flexibility in the work schedule.

BUFFALO NIAGARA RIVERKEEPER SUMMARY:
Since 1989, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper leads the Buffalo Niagara’s efforts to safeguard our water for present and future generations.  Our mission is to protect the quality and quantity of our water while connecting people to Great Lakes water.  

JOB SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Register for RIVERKEEPER Spring Shoreline Cleanup

Each year, over 2,000 volunteers remove 20 tons of harmful trash and debris for our waterways. Sign up to volunteer using the links below and join with your fellow community members to help protect our fresh water resources. Please register for the Saturday, April 20th Cleanup (9am-noon). Registration is now open at the Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER website (link below).

Regular Volunteer Registration Click Here
Regular volunteers can register to clean up one of over 40 sites. On the morning of the cleanup, volunteers will meet the Site Captain at the designated meeting place at their site.

Site Captain Registration Click Here
Site Captains are the volunteer leaders for each site. The Site Captain is responsible for attending one Site Captain training where they will learn how to lead a cleanup site and pick up all materials and supplies for the cleanup. These trainings will be held on Thursday April 11, from 6-7PM and Saturday April 13, from 10-11AM at the RIVERKEEPER office. In addition, they must visit their site prior to the cleanup to investigate what spots need the most help. On the morning of the event, Site Captains will meet their volunteers, and lead the cleanup at their site.

Volunteer Appreciation Party
All Volunteers and Site Captains that participate in the cleanup are invited to the Volunteer Appreciation Party that will be held directly following the cleanup from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Saturday April 20, at the Marcy Casino in Delaware Park, 199 Lincoln Parkway Buffalo NY, 14222. RIVERKEEPER will provide all guests with a healthy lunch and there will be raffle prize drawings. Hawk Creek Wildlife Center will be on site with live animals that will enable guests to learn about the native wildlife that relies on our waterways. Please RSVP for the party when you fill out your online registration form. We hope to see you there!

Questions? Contact Chris Murawski by email at cmurawski@bnriverkeeper.org

Riverkeeper 'Spring Shoreline Cleanup' on April 21

BUFFALO NIAGARA RIVERKEEPER

seeks   
VOLUNTEERS FOR “SPRING CLEANING” ALONG WNY WATERWAYS

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is recruiting volunteers to join the Spring Shoreline Cleanup on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 9am to noon.

With the early spring weather we are experiencing in Western New York, many people are starting spring cleaning in their homes and yards.  Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is seeking volunteers to help with “spring cleaning” of 35 parks and green spaces along our Buffalo Niagara shorelines.

Individuals as well as families, community groups, employee groups, service clubs, student groups, school clubs, scouts, churches, and volunteer groups can help remove the unsightly trash and debris that has accumulated over the winter.  This trash and debris is harmful to wildlife and degrades water quality.  Volunteers that participate in the movement to beautify Buffalo and Niagara’s waterways, will receive a thank you gift, and are invited to attend Riverkeeper’s volunteer appreciation picnic following the cleanup.

With 35 locations to choose from, there will be groups participating in most communities within the Buffalo Niagara area.  New this year is a team of volunteers along the Robert Moses Bike Path in Niagara Falls.  If you’re feeling adventurous, join the rugged volunteers on the banks of Scajaquada Creek in Buffalo, or enjoy the view while you help out at Isle View Park in Tonawanda.

For a complete list of Cleanup sites, to register online, and for more information, please visit www.bnriverkeeper.org or call Elizabeth Lamont at 716.852.RIVER x 19.  Please register by Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is grateful for the sponsorship of the M & T Charitable Foundation.
Media Contacts:
Kerri Bentkowski Li , Director of Citizen Action Programs
(716) 852-7483 (work)
(410) 446-8973 (cell)

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper seeks Executive Director

Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER, a non-profit in WNY that promotes, preserves and protects the environments of the Buffalo Niagara Rivers, seeks an Executive Director. Oversees all aspects of the organization to support the mission and approved goals and policies of BOD.  Works closely with Development Director to cultivate new and existing relationships with stakeholders and networks as well as large donor, corporate and foundation fundraising, and the representation of the organization to the public. Position reports to BOD and controls operating and financial objectives, team development, oversees marketing, public relations, and fundraising development.  Effectively manages and develops the human resources of the organization, as well as programs for outreach and supporters. Ensures strict recordkeeping for financial records, grants, and all company assets.  Bachelor’s degree, seven to ten years experience with executive management. Advanced degree preferred. Candidates should have proven leadership, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, exceptional verbal and written communication, self-motivation, strong problem-solving ability, experience with business finances and HR, experience implementing strategic plans.

Email cover letter and resume to kmayer@bnriverkeeper.org; Please no phone calls.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, sex, ethnicity, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or disability status.

Deadline:  April 30, 2012

For the full job description and more information about Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, please visit our website at www.bnriverkeeper.org.

Public Workshop: Buffalo River Watershed Study

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hosting a stakeholder workshop.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

9:30am to 12pm

West Seneca Senior Center

4620 Seneca Street

West Seneca, NY 14224 [Map]

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District, is assessing the opportunity for a Buffalo River Watershed Study and has partnered with Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper on this effort. This workshop is the first opportunity to collaborate ideas that will lead to the completion of a reconnaissance-level study by the USACE. Significant remediation and restoration projects are slated to be implemented in the watershed over the next three years and your input will help to identify problems and opportunities to build upon this success and improve the health of the watershed.

The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the project and identify Buffalo River watershed concerns, opportunities and priorities. Your participation and input is requested as we work to identify problems and opportunities for protection and restoration of the water resources in your community.

The Buffalo River watershed encompasses nearly 280,000 acres (446 square miles) throughout Erie, Wyoming, and Genesee counties. The Buffalo River, and its three major tributaries (Buffalo Creek, Cayuga Creek, and Cazenovia Creek), flows through 21 municipalities prior to emptying into Lake Erie. [Click map to enlarge]

Please visit the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper website for additional information and to complete the Buffalo River Watershed Survey. We request that you complete the survey and bring it with you on the day of the meeting. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please return the survey via mail or email prior to April 30 , 2011 (submittal details included on survey form).

For questions, additional information, or to RSVP please contact Richard Tindell, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper at 716.852.7483 ext 14 or rtindell@bnriverkeeper.org

Broderick Park: Spring Shoreline Sweep - April 16th

Every year around Earth Day, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper sponsors a "Spring Shoreline Sweep" to clean up the shorelines in Western New York.

This year, I am organizing the cleanup at Broderick Park, and I invite you to join me and my wife Janet on Saturday, April 16, 9:00am to noon.

Broderick Park is located at the end of West Ferry St. on the Niagara River (see MAP). Turn Left after you cross the bridge over Back Rock Canal.

The Shoreline Sweep does not involve hard work, just collecting debris by hand (gloves provided) or by rake (a few provided; bring one if possible). It is gratifying to help beautify the shoreline and prevent debris from entering our waterways.

Invite others to come too. Please email me (David Kowalski, dfk2008@gmail.com) to register and let me know how many people will be coming.

At Broderick Park you'll see beautiful, views of the mighty Niagara River as well as Lake Erie. After the ice boom is removed from Lake Erie, massive ice floes can be seen moving rapidly down the Niagara River. On the east side of Squaw Island is the Black Rock Canal, where you'll often see crew teams rowing in synchrony. And when the cleanup is done, a walk out on to Bird Island Pier (see photo, below) is great fun.

Also, I invite you to come visit Broderick Park even if you are unable to do the cleanup. It is great to see friends in this outdoor setting, and the trip is worth the views.

Parking is available at the South end of Squaw Island, between Broderick Park and Bird Island Pier, and additional parking will be available in the Rich Products lot.


To learn about Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper events at other sites and Register, click here.

Volunteer for the Spring Shoreline Sweep

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper asking citizens to join the Spring Shoreline Sweep to clean up the shorelines in Western New York on Saturday, April 16, 9am to noon. We encourage all volunteers to participate in the movement to beautify Buffalo and Niagara’s waterways.

Families, community groups, employee groups, service clubs, school clubs, scouts, churches, and individuals can help at over 40 sites across Erie and Niagara Counties. Sites in great need of volunteers include: Scajaquada Creek, Broderick Park, Amherst State Park, Ellicott Creek Park, South Park, Gratwick Park and more. For a complete list of sites, to register, and for more information, please visit bnriverkeeper.org/clean, or call Joy Knowlton at 716.852.RIVER ext. 19. Register by Thursday, April 7.

Site Captain registration is also open. Sites that still need captains include Beaver Meadows Audubon Center in Java, Cazenovia Creek Park, Dann Lake Park in East Amherst, Dingens Park and Street, Ellicott Creek at Ellicott Creek Park in Tonawanda, Erie Basin Beach and Marina, Houghton Park, LaSalle Park of Buffalo, North Creek South Creek Park, Ontario Street Boat Launch, Seneca Bluffs, Smokes Creek, South Park and Times Beach.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is grateful for the sponsorship of the M & T Charitable Foundation, the Buffalo Sabres Green Team, and our many sponsors of materials and services.

Public-Private Partnership to Clean Up the Buffalo River

A unique public-private partnership is seeking to restore the Buffalo River channel to its pre-industrial quality by dredging over a million cubic yards of contaminated sediment and also clean up the river side slopes over the next three years.

The partners include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, NY state Department of Environmental Conservation, Honeywell and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper.

“It has economic and ecological benefits ..." said Jill Jedlicka, director of ecological programs for Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. “A restored river will not only benefit the Great Lakes, it will benefit local communities that use [that] resource, as well as future planned and proposed economic redevelopment within the region.”

$6 million has already been invested in the planning and research and evaluation of the studies. The cleanup cost is estimated at more than $40 million.

The Army Corps of Engineers will conduct the first phase, removing contaminated sediment in the federal navigation channel. The project is scheduled to begin June 15 is expected to be completed by Nov. 15.

In the spring of 2012, the second phase, to be implemented with the oversight of the U.S. EPA, will get under way to clean up the side slopes of the river along a 6.2-mile stretch of the lower river and a 1.4-mile stretch of the City Ship Canal, which is designated as a federal Area of Concern.

A public meeting was held on January 25. The partners are still seeking public comment on a preferred action plan, which is available at the DEC website.

Below is a map of the Buffalo River showing the location of the proposed dredging and restoration areas.

[click image to enlarge]

Job Opening at Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER

Watershed Restoration Coordinator
Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER is seeking a full-time Watershed Restoration Coordinator to implement and direct the Niagara River Riparian Restoration Program, a waterfront landowner stewardship and habitat restoration program.

To download a complete description with instructions for applying, click here.

To view the job description online, click here.

Restore the Greatness of our Great Lakes

Fouling our own waters
Government, individual effort needed to keep sewage, pollutants out of lakes
EDITORIAL - The Buffalo News

When it goes down the drain -- or down the toilet -- it is because we don't want it in our houses or in our streets.

Nor should we want it on our beaches. But, according to a new report from the National Resources Defense Council, that is where a lot of our runoff and sewage goes, all too often without the benefit of being run through a proper treatment process first.

The fact that recreational beaches along the Great Lakes and elsewhere are being closed to swimmers more often than in the past is an indication that something is wrong. But, says the council, those alerts are only the tip of a very dirty iceberg.

A study released early this week reported that five cities, including Buffalo, dumped 41 billion gallons of storm water runoff and untreated sewage into the Great Lakes last year, through what are known as combined sewer overflows. That may get diluted in the more than 6 quadrillion gallons in the lakes, but it's still as much water as goes over Niagara Falls in 15 hours -- and it's a health risk. Read more here.

Great Lakes Restoration Conference in Buffalo
Wednesday, September 22 – Friday, September 24
Adams Mark Hotel, Buffalo, NY


NY bans phosphorus in detergent, lawn fertilizer
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A new law to improve water quality makes it illegal for stores in New York to stock fresh supplies of household dishwasher detergents that contain phosphorus.

Stores have 60 days to sell old inventories. Sales for commercial use are to end July 1, 2013. Starting in 2012, a similar ban will apply to lawn fertilizers.

Environmental officials say phosphorus drains into New York lakes and rivers, which turn green with algae, degrading drinking water and reducing oxygen that fish need. More than 100 bodies of water in the state are considered impaired, including Cayuga Lake and Lake Champlain. Read more at BuffaloNews.com.
Senator Antoine Thompson sponsored this bill.

Invasive Water Plants Removed from Tonawanda Creek
Tonawanda Creek flows into the Niagara River upstream from Lake Ontario. Invasive water chestnut plants that covered a 6 acre region of Tonawanda Creek including parts of the Erie Canal have been removed recently to curtail their spread. Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER mobilized volunteers who worked in conjunction with U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Great Lakes Fish and Conservation Office which operated a mechanical harvester and with Erie County Parks personnel who loaded the plants into dump trucks and hauled them away.

See the WIVB TV News report below:



Woodlawn hides some varied and valuable wetlands
By Gerry Rising
It is sad to see Woodlawn Beach, one of this area’s prime bathing areas, closed to swimming this summer. That one of the Great Lakes has areas so polluted [is a] testament to our abuse of the resources with which we have been blessed. Read more at BuffaloNews.com.

Scajaquada Summit on Water Quality

NY State Senator Antoine M. Thompson is gathering all stakeholders to discuss Scajaquada Creek water quality.

Thursday, August 19th from 10:00 to 11:30
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society [MAP]

The meeting will last 90 minutes. Short opening presentations will be given by:

• Julie O'Neill - Executive Director, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

• Bogdan Fundalinski - Fundalinskistudio.com - History of the Creek and a proposal to increase flow

• Jerry Palumbo - NYSDEC - Regional Water Engineer - Sewer overflows into the Creek
  

• Jordan Dalton - Curator - Beyond the Multitudes - Scajaquada-centered Art Show in September

• Joseph Dispenza - President - Forest Lawn Cemetery - Proposal for the Creek which flows through the Cemetery
  

Come find out about plans and possibilities for cleaning up the creek and add your voice to the discussion. The purpose of this session will be to assemble stakeholders and those who have expressed concerns and ideas about improving the water quality in Scajaquada Creek. With help from participants we will update everyone on current plans and proposals and explore the best next steps for both short and long range improvements to Creek water quality.

The Senator would like to see this meeting result in an ongoing concentrated effort to improve Creek water quality. Some of the steps he would like to see explored and addressed are:

• Develop a way to regularly clean the trash racks and areas in the Creek where trash pools;

• Safely dredge pollution hot spots in the Creek, including the the “sediment” island that has formed in the Creek as it surfaces between the 198 and the Buffalo Historical Society);

• Create a wetland before the Creek goes underground to filter toxins from the Creek before it comes into Buffalo;

• Eliminate the sewer overflows that empty into the Creek;

• Define the process and develop an estimate of the cost to uncover the Creek as it flows from Pine Ridge Road to Forest Lawn Cemetery;

• Develop the institutional capacity to advocate for Scajaquada water quality and see projects through to their completion;

• Create a Scajaquada Creek Protection Zone where new projects would need to have either no impact or a net positive impact on Creek water quality

If you are interested in helping with follow-up from the Summit or want more details please email bnsenate@verizon.net or call Bill Nowak at 854-8705.

Please note - the August 19th session of Business Gets Green at the Merriweather Library has been postponed. The next session is set for Thursday, October 21st. However, we hope you will be able to attend the Scajaquada Summit!

Water Plants gone Wild! Volunteers Needed

Water Chestnut plants have covered the surface of Tonawanda Creek near Ellicott Island Park and parts of the Erie Canal (see photo). This invasive plant eliminates native plants by forming a dense layer on the surface that blocks sun from reaching the native plants underwater. Water chestnut invasions also limit boating and fishing.

[Buffalo News photo - Click to enlarge]

Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER's new habitat restoration program, RestoreCorps, is to aiming to remove the water chestnut by mobilizing VOLUNTEERS in conjunction with U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Great Lakes Fish and Conservation Office which will use a mechanical harvester to remove plants for six days starting August 2nd. About 200 metric TONS of plants will be removed from a 6 acre area.

VOLUNTEERS are needed in two ways:

1. From Monday, August 2 through Friday, August 6, between 8am to 6pm daily, volunteers are needed to off-load plants from the harvester onto a conveyor system escalating up the bankside to the parking lot, where plants will be loaded into dump trucks and transported to a compost facility.

2. On Saturday, August 7 from 8:30 am-12:30 pm, volunteers are needed to hand pull any remaining plants from the shoreline and from the water by canoe, kayak, and boat. Volunteers will be trained in proper removal techniques.

To VOLUNTEER, please contact Bryan LoVullo by calling 852-7483, extension 23, or by E-mail at blovullo@bnriverkeeper.org.

For more information, see an article in The Buffalo News and additional photos at Invasive.org

A video from WIVB News is below: