Culverts and bridges allow streams to flow under roads, but when poorly designed or undersized they become barriers to aquatic organisms and hazards to communities. In the estuary watershed, partners have assessed more than 10,000 road-stream crossings and found the majority of these structures do not allow for movement of aquatic organisms. Many are also too small to pass the more intense and frequent storm events that our region experiences as a result of climate change.

During this webinar, Megan Lung, Environmental Analyst with DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program and NEIWPCC will provide an introduction to aquatic habitat connectivity and the culvert prioritization project. This project helps municipalities address crossings that are both barriers to fish and wildlife and potential flood hazards using a four step process:

• assessing road-stream crossings using a regional approach;
• sharing assessment data and assisting municipalities in developing management plans for their crossings;
• creating designs for the top priorities that are sized for climate change and “Stream Smart;” and
• replacing these structures.

Webinar attendees will receive an email confirming attendance, which may be submitted locally for one hour of municipal planning or zoning board training credit.

Note: Webinars are held using the WebEx platform. You can join a WebEx event from your computer, mobile device, or phone. Download the WebEx app.