Habitat
Portions of the watershed have been given special designations to safeguard the ecological and recreational value of its diverse habitat. The watershed, including Smithtown Bay, has been designated by the Audubon society as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is notable for its colonial nesting birds, including Piping Plovers, Common Terns, and Least Terns. New York State's Wild Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act protects those rivers of the state that possess outstanding scenic, ecological, recreational, historic, and scientific values. The Nissequogue River and portions of the watershed have been designated Scenic and Recreational under this program and are regulated by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. This designation affects management, protection, enhancement, and control, of land use and development in the river corridor.
There are also a number of sites throughout the watershed designated as New York State Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats. The fish and wildlife habitat consists of two distinct areas totaling approximately 82 acres. The first area comprises approximately two-thirds of the habitat area, and consists of vegetated dredged material placement areas along with the adjoining beach and dunes to the east of the mouth in Short Beach Town Park. The second area to the west of the mouth in and adjacent to Sunken Meadow State Park comprises approximately one-third of the habitat area, and is similar in composition to the first. This important habitat serves as home to a variety of species including osprey and other birds mentioned above, as well as a number of important fish species including, alewife, menhaden, brook trout and striped bass.
Wetlands - both freshwater and saltwater - are critical habitat found throughout the watershed. They serve as an important resource in terms of hydrology, ecology, aesthetics, recreation and education. Large tidal wetlands are located in the estuarine sections of the Nissequogue River (north of Main Street) and at Sunken Meadow Creek. Freshwater water wetlands are found throughout the watershed at many of the ponds and in the freshwater stretches of the river. While wetlands are protected by State regulation, they are still threatened by adjacent land uses including development, road construction and groundwater and runoff pollution.
Goals for Habitat in the Action Plan:
Protect and restore diadromous fish populations
Protect and restore marine and estuarine habitat
Protect and restore wetland habitat
Protect and restore terrestrial habitat
Protect and restore native habitat
Protect and restore coldwater fisheries and habitats
Habitat Goal: Protect and restore diadromous fish populations
Objective: Assess historical and present status of diadromous fish runs, and the potential for restoration
Diadromous fishes represented a diverse component of the Nissequogue River's historical fish assemblage. Native species once present in the watershed have included American eel, alewife, rainbow smelt, sea lamprey, Atlantic tomcod, sea-run brook trout, as well as the non-native sea-run rainbow and brown trout. These species served a variety of social and ecological roles, including transporting carbon and energy upstream against river flow, providing forage for larger predators, and supporting local fisheries and recreation. Today, rainbow smelt and sea lamprey are likely absent, and many of the other species have been greatly diminished due to barriers to migration, habitat degradation, poor water quality, non-native flora and fauna, and overharvest. However, many if not all of these populations can be restored through a combination of mitigation of these impacts and possibly active enhancement through re-stocking. Rainbow smelt are particularly worthy of restoration efforts given their significant declines not only across Long Island, but throughout their range. In order to determine restoration potential and rebuilding targets, more information is needed on the past, present and potential future status of these species.
Action 1: Compile anecdotal information, review historical literature and analyze past New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) monitoring data and other data to determine former status of runs. The point in time at which this baseline is established will be contingent upon the available information.
Action 2: Initiate a monitoring program to determine the present timing and size of runs of different species. Methods to be employed may include, but are not limited to, visual surveys, weirs and traps.
Action 3: Use habitat quality information obtained through the streamwalk recommended in this Plan to help determine existing and potential spawning and nursery
habitat.
Action 4: Compile information on populations of different species in coastal streams of similar size and condition in the region (NJ, CT, RI, MA) to estimate the sizes of runs likely to be supported within the Nissequogue watershed, recognizing that coastal streams are a unique type of ecosystem and that each stream is itself unique, and therefore that no other system will provide a perfect comparison.
Action 5: Collaborate with regional efforts focused diadromous fishes (e.g., coalitions of northeastern agencies and other organizations focused on brook trout, river herring and rainbow smelt) to obtain advice on restoration, information on other runs in the region, and to identify sources of adults in spawning condition for potential future transplanting efforts.
Implementing Group: This assessment could be led by NYSDEC, a local university, environmental or fishing organizations, or other entities. The monitoring program must include NYSDEC involvement given agency mandate, permitting authority and expertise.
Timeline: The assessment can begin immediately.
Outputs: Report on past, present and potential future status of diadromous species.
Objective: Promote fish passage at major barriers along the river.
Barriers to migration such as dams, culverts and other obstructions are one of the most severe threats to diadromous species because they often completely cut fish off from miles of historical spawning and nursery habitat. Furthermore, the upstream habitats lost are often of the best quality, so the ecological impacts suffered are disproportionately greater than the miles of habitat lost. Fortunately, mitigating barriers through reconfiguration, installation of fishways, or outright removal can be one of the most straightforward actions taken to revive diadromous fish runs. A key step in doing this is to locate, characterize and prioritize barrier for mitigation work.
Conduct a barrier survey and work to implement the mitigation options generated through the following key steps:
Action 1: Locate and characterize all potential barriers to fish passage (dams, culverts, and other obstructions) along the Nissequogue and its major tributaries. Ownership of each barrier and assessment of the ability of each species to pass each barrier should be included in the survey.
Action 2: Produce a range of options to allow fish passage where needed. Options should include re-engineering (e.g., modification of spillways), installation of passage structures (fish ladders, rock ramps, by-pass channels, etc.), and outright removal of the barrier.
Action 3: Partners in the barrier assessment should reach out to and coordinate with owners of barriers (e.g., New York State Parks, Suffolk County Parks, Suffolk County Department of Public Works, private land-owners) to communicate the importance of diadromous fish and their management needs, and to review the results of the barrier assessment.
Action 4: Barrier owners, regulatory agencies (NYSDEC, Army Corps of Engineers) and relevant stakeholders (environmental, fishing, civic and other organizations) should work together to select the option that best meets a range of social and environmental needs for each obstruction. Partners should then work together to secure permits and funding, implement the selected option, and devise a monitoring strategy to evaluate effectiveness of each project.
Implementing Group: The survey could be conducted by a qualified consulting firm, but should be coordinated by NYSDEC, New York State Department of State (NYSDOS), or another municipal or non-governmental entity in collaboration with other partners.
Timeline: The barrier survey can begin immediately. Outreach to barrier owners on the importance of diadromous fish and their management needs should begin while the survey is ongoing. Public discourse shall help guide the selection of the best fish passage option by the barrier owner in conjunction with regulatory agencies. Implementation of that option should begin soon after the survey report is finalized.
Outputs: Barrier survey report and eventual fish passage projects.
Objective: Develop a fishery management plan for alewives in coastal streams across Long Island, including the Nissequogue River.
Of the diadromous species that have been reported in the Nissequogue, American eel, alewife, brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout support fisheries in New York. American eel fishing is managed by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and State regulations, and trout fishing is managed by the State. In contrast, there are presently no regulations on alewife harvest on Long Island from the State or ASMFC. The species plays a key ecological role as prey for larger predators in rivers, estuaries, and at sea. Alewife fishing in the Nissequogue likely occurred historically by Native Americans and early colonists, and there are reports of limited recreational harvest today, especially at the dyke in Sunken Meadow Creek. However, the fish might attract increased angler interest in the future as the population is restored through habitat restoration and fish passage projects. Therefore, a fishery management plan (FMP) is needed in advance of increased fishing effort to protect the investment in restoration, enable effective recovery, and allow public use of the resource.
ASMFC is moving toward increased management of alewives. However, the status and management needs of alewives vary considerably, not only among states and regions along the coast, but also within New York. Specifically, the ecology and harvest (current or potential) of alewives in the Hudson River and its tributaries is likely to have a very different character than the many coastal streams across Long Island. Therefore, strategies that are tailored to Long Island's unique setting are needed beyond ASMFC measures.
Action: NYSDEC is the regulatory agency charged with managing fisheries in New York, and also represents the state on the ASMFC. NYSDEC should support development of more effective management strategies by ASMFC, and should implement any measures passed. Additionally, NYSDEC should develop an alewife FMP specific to Long Island. Elements of this FMP might include, but are not necessarily limited to:
• Transplanting alewives to rejuvenate runs where natural response to fish passage projects and other habitat improvements does not occur. Transplanting strategies should address criteria for selecting sources of fish, and ways to work within regulations designed to minimize risks of transmitting fish diseases.
• Phased increases in total allowable harvest as restoration targets are met.
• Gear restrictions.
• Catch limits.
• Day of week closures.
• Fish passage and other habitat projects beyond any completed or in progress.
Implementing Group: NYSDEC in collaboration with stakeholders.
Timeline: Planning can begin at any time. However, the plan will build on ASMFC regulations, and dedicated development should wait until those are passed.
Outputs: New York State fishery management plan for alewives on Long Island.
Habitat Goal: Protect and restore marine and estuarine habitat.
Objective: Determine the present status of shellfish populations in Smithtown Bay and the lower Nissequogue River, and how these relate to historic population levels
Oysters, clams, scallops and mussels were once a prominent feature of many Atlantic estuaries. These species serve many key ecological functions, including filtering water, providing nursery and essential habitat for fish and crustaceans, and buffering coastal marshes from wave erosion, as well as supporting fisheries. Unfortunately, many have been severely depleted due to overfishing, disease outbreaks, poor water quality, degradation and loss of habitat, harmful algal blooms and other environmental changes. Shellfish restoration efforts are therefore increasingly common, including those nearby in the Peconic Bay, Great South Bay, Hudson River Estuary, and Stony Brook Harbor. However, at present it is unclear whether similar restoration is needed in the tidal Nissequogue and Smithtown Bay, but the ubiquity of the problem along the coast suggests that an examination is warranted.
The tidal waters of the Nissequogue River and the mouth of Smithtown Bay are designated as "uncertified" and closed to shellfish harvest. An evaluation and assessment of the shellfish populations in this area would provide important information on the current suitability of the habitat and environmental conditions in supporting sustainable shellfish populations that are not subject to harvest.
Action: Conduct an assessment of both the historical and current status of shellfish in Smithtown Bay and the tidal Nissequogue. This assessment should use historical maps, information on shellfish leases and landings data, acoustic and/or core surveys to locate former beds, and seafloor surveys for extant beds, among other approaches.
Implementing Group: This project could be led by a federal, state, county or town agency, local university, or science-based non-governmental organization (NGO). Regardless of which entity leads this effort, essential partners will be NYSDEC as the agency responsible for overall management of aquatic resources in the State, and the Town of Smithtown as the best source of local historical records.
Timeline: This study can commence as soon as an agency, organization or institution assumes leadership. The review of historical information could be completed within twelve months. Collecting new data on extant and former shellfish beds would likely take at least two years to obtain funding and permits, conduct the field work and analyze the results. A composite report of the historical and new data could be completed within three years of the start of the project.
Outputs: Report on shellfish populations in the lower Nissequogue and Smithtown Bay.
Objective: Determine whether environmental conditions in Smithtown Bay and the lower Nissequogue River are suitable to support shellfish populations.
If the shellfish population assessment conducted per the previous recommendation determines that present day shellfish populations have been significantly depleted from former levels, an assessment will be needed to determine whether current environmental conditions could support sustainable shellfish populations that adequately provide ecological services. This assessment should seek to determine, to the extent possible, the factors that caused declines in shellfish populations, as well as the potential for mitigation. If conditions are suitable, a restoration plan could be developed that identifies suitable locations for each shellfish species. Otherwise, corrective measures will be needed first to provide the water quality and habitat conditions needed to support different species.
Action: Compile information on the environmental needs of shellfish species that are found or were once found in Smithtown Bay and the tidal Nissequogue, and conduct an assessment of current conditions to determine whether shellfish restoration can proceed (if needed) or whether other management actions are needed first to provide suitable conditions
Implementing Group: This project could be led by a federal, state, county or town agency, local university, or science-based NGO. Regardless of which entity leads this effort, essential partners will be NYSDEC as the agency responsible for overall management of aquatic resources in the State, Suffolk County Department of Health Office of Ecology and the Town of Smithtown as sources of existing water quality monitoring and habitat data.
Timeline: This study can commence as soon as an agency, organization or institution assumes leadership. Compilation and analysis of existing information could be completed within twelve months. If that analysis shows that additional information is needed to determine habitat suitability, an additional two years would be needed to obtain funding, conduct field work, and analyze results. This project does not need to wait until completion of the shellfish population assessment to proceed, because a habitat suitability analysis will be useful for managing shellfish even if their populations are currently healthy.
Outputs: Shellfish habitat suitability report to accompany population assessment, including recommendations for remediation of unsuitable condition
Objective: Plant test plots of eelgrass, Zostera marina, to determine survivability and chances of establishing new eelgrass beds.
Eelgrass beds provide critical habitat and ecosystem services for fish and wildlife. Eelgrass beds are among the most productive of marine and estuarine plant habitats, serving as not only a food source but as shelter for many commercially important species such as scallops and clams. Eelgrass beds also provide important ecosystem services such as erosion control and water quality improvement. Eelgrass beds were more numerous in Long Island Sound before the 1930 die-off - which was attributed to wasting disease - and many beds have not recovered. Records of historic eelgrass beds in the Sound are hard to come by, but historical sources have shown the presence of eelgrass beds in many harbors and embayments along Long Island's North Shore.
Action: Plant test plots of eelgrass in suitable areas based on previous restoration efforts in the Sound and continue to assess suitability of additional locations.
Implementing Group: This project could be initiated by a federal, state, county or town agency, or a science-based NGO. An essential partner in an eelgrass restoration project will be Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.
Timeline: Test plots could be planted as soon as participating parties are ready and funding is acquired.
Outputs: A self sustaining eelgrass bed if plantings are successful.
Objective: Restore natural sedimentation rates and flushing time.
Over time, sedimentation has increased at the mouth of the Nissequogue River as well as south to and beyond the Paul G. Fitzpatrick Country Club. Observations suggest that sedimentation has caused excessive shoaling, reducing natural channels and restricting water movement. Sediment transport patterns have been affected by a variety of factors. Development within the watershed has increased the amount of impermeable surface and increased sediment run-off in storm water. Loss of riparian vegetation has reduced root systems that act as sediment traps and increased riverbank erosion, while increased bulkheading now channels sediment more quickly and directly downstream. Altered sedimentation patterns have numerous effects on the river ecosystem. Loss or reduction of natural river channels reduces flushing time, thereby raising water temperature, and trapping nutrients and toxins in the lower river and estuary. These changes result in changes in the relative abundance of both animal and plant species in the estuary, potentially disrupting ecosystem functions.
Action: Conduct a study of historical and current sedimentation rates and flushing time in the lower Nissequogue River to determine the magnitude of the problem, sources of unnatural sediment supply and transport, and the best strategies to mitigate the problem. Data, from as many sources as possible, is needed to gain insight into historical patterns and to assess the current state. Sources should include, but should not be limited to, interviews with long-term residents and regular users of the river, aerial and ground level photography showing sedimentation and channel configurations, and data collected by NYSDEC, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP), Suffolk County, the Town of Smithtown, and local universities. Furthermore, new data should be collected to model sedimentation and water flow, identify key sources, and develop mitigation strategies.
(Note: Other recommendations related to seagrass and saltmarsh restoration, natural shorelines, and stormwater control will improve sedimentation problems in the short-term while the study proceeds.)
Implementing Group: The most appropriate group to lead this study would be either NYSDEC, Suffolk County Division of Environmental Quality within the Department of Health Services, Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways, or a university research team.
Timeline: This study can commence as soon as an agency or institution assumes leadership. Review of historical information could take place within 12 months. Data collection and modeling would likely require and additional 2-3 years.
Outputs: Report on historical and current sedimentation rates and flushing time, with recommended strategies for mitigating sources and managing existing sediment load.
Objective: Reduce adverse impacts to Smithtown Bay and the lower Nissequogue River ecosystem through better enforcement of boating and fishing regulations.
The Nissequogue River provides important benefits to the local community through boating, fishing and other recreational opportunities. Ensuring that these uses are sustainable requires not only effective regulations, but also sufficient enforcement. Boating regulations that establish maximum speeds and restrict access to certain areas are designed to reduce erosion of shoreline features such as beaches, bluffs, dunes and marshes by limiting wave action. These regulations also reduce direct damage to submerged aquatic vegetation (currently absent in the tidal Nissequogue restoration is possible as recommended in this Plan). There is also need for more regular monitoring of illegal and unpermitted construction of bulkheads and other shoreline hardening structures, which have numerous adverse environmental impacts (see shoreline hardening alternatives recommendation).
Enforcement is not only important for environmental protection, but also for safeguarding human health. Boating regulations reduce accidents by ensuring that users operate vessels in a safe, controlled manner. Shellfishing restrictions in the lower Nissequogue and the area of Smithtown Bay immediately outside of the river mouth have been established to prevent harvest from uncertified waters and sale to consumers unaware of the origin of their seafood and risks of consumption. Because shellfish are not only important as a fishery resource but also provide key ecological services, shellfish harvest restrictions provide environmental benefits as well. Meeting all of these environmental and public safety goals requires sufficient enforcement capacity that keeps pace with changing and increasing use of the river and bay. The forthcoming opening of a State public boat ramp will meet an important public access need, but will also further increase both use of the river and the need for greater enforcement.
Action 1: Maintain adequate enforcement capacity by providing the Smithtown Bay Constables and Harbormaster with at least one but ideally three additional vessels and staff to operate them. Vessels in the 20 to 25 foot size range are needed. These are large enough to safely carry needed personnel and to travel with sufficient speed, but are small enough to access shallow areas where additional enforcement is needed.
Action 2: Enforcement capacity should continue to evolve and increase as human use of the river and bay changes and increases. Therefore, regular review of boating and fishing levels, violation rates and enforcement needs should continue to maintain effectiveness.
Action 3: The State should either supplement Smithtown's Bay Constables and Harbormaster budget and/or provide enforcement personnel, vessels and equipment to help meet the additional enforcement needs to be introduced by the public boat ramp.
Implementing Group: The Town of Smithtown will need to approve and fund the new staff and equipment acquisitions. Grants from the State or federal government can help meet these costs. The Director of Public Safety and Harbormaster should regularly meet with the Town Council to determine and prioritize future needs.
Timeline: Immediate increases in enforcement capacity should take place as soon as possible. Review of river and bay use and consequent enforcement needs should take place at least on a biennial basis.
Outputs: More effective enforcement of environmental and public safety regulations.
Objective: Adopt alternatives to traditional shoreline hardening along riverbanks and coastal areas in the estuary and bay
Several issues key to the restoration of riparian habitat in the Nissequogue River system can be addressed by alternatives to shoreline hardening. These bioengineered structures provide habitat for aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna, help control erosion, promote more natural patterns of sediment accumulation and transport, and absorb and redistribute wave energy. Hardening alternatives typically come in the form of salt marshes, vegetated marshes accompanied by stone sills, bluff restoration projects, and beach dewatering systems. The use of indigenous materials like gravel, sand, logs, and root masses gives a structure a degree of flexibility that mimics natural processes. The use of native vegetation also helps to stabilize shoreline ecosystems. The best approach will be site-specific and vary in design based on local topography and hydrology.
Natural alternatives are gaining recognition across the country, especially in the Chesapeake Bay and the Pacific Northwest. Locally, both the Village of Nissequogue's and the Town of Smithtown's Local Waterfront Revitalization Plans (LWRP) discourage shoreline hardening. Recently, the NYSDEC Department of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources (DFWMR) released its Staff Interpretative Guidance for Shoreline Protection, which addresses the implementation of alternatives to bulkheading in New York State. These are recommended guidelines and not regulations or official policy, but the recommendations are sound and deserving of greater consideration by all levels of government with jurisdiction over areas that might be sites for shoreline stabilization or restoration. Beyond the river mouth, the Nissequogue River is a relatively low energy environment making it an ideal location for the implementation of shoreline hardening alternatives. Costs of these projects can be high, but vary significantly from site to site. However, numerous environmental restoration funding sources exist that can help meet these costs. Furthermore, the long-term benefits gained will likely outweigh the short-term costs incurred.
There are a series of steps needed to move away from traditional bulkheading approaches toward more environmentally beneficial shoreline hardening alternatives:
Action 1: All entities with jurisdiction over shoreline stabilization projects should adopt the NYSDEC DFWMR Staff Interpretative Guidance for Shoreline Protection. This includes NYSDEC itself and the Town of Smithtown, as well as State Parks and Suffolk County Parks on their properties.
Action 2: Promote better communication between the State and Town on permitting, and encourage each to ensure that applicants are also addressing permitting requirements of the other.
Action 3: Produce a watershed-wide inventory of bulkheads to be identified on a streamwalk (see streamwalk recommendation). This inventory should include an assessment of sites most in need of repair or stabilization, sites that might be voluntarily converted to more natural approaches, sites that were likely illegally constructed, and sites where alternative approaches would be of greatest benefit due to high wave energy, excessive sediment loading, proximity to marsh areas (bulkheads inhibit marsh migration), proximity to other key habitats (e.g., trout spawning habitat) and other considerations.
Action 4: Focus on the sources of erosion problems and work to mitigate those sources rather than rely solely on structural "quick fixes".
Action 5: Urge permitting and/or regulatory authorities to require the best possible solution for a given site even if unpermitted construction has already taken place. The added cost of implementing that approach should fall to the violator and act as the fine for illegally constructing a hard structure.
Action 6: Seek funding sources that can assist new or replacement projects.
Implementing Group: The Town of Smithtown should take the lead in producing the inventory, possibly in collaboration with one or more NGOs and/or contractors. Reforming the approach to shoreline stabilization using the NYSDEC DFWMR Staff Interpretative Guidance for Shoreline Protection should be done by the Town and NYSDEC as the permitting entities, as well as County Parks and State Parks as key public land managers in the watershed.
Timeline: The NYSDEC guidelines should be adopted immediately and the field survey that will guide the inventory can begin as soon as funding is secured, or sooner if volunteer labor is used. The survey should examine sites at different times of day to document effects of tidal stage, and throughout the year to document seasonal changes in wave energy, and especially snow and ice conditions during winter since these might have effects on alternative structures
Outputs: More effective and environmentally beneficial management of riverbanks and shorelines within the Nissequogue River watershed.
Habitat Goal: Protect and restore wetland habitat
Objective: Conduct a tidal wetlands restoration pilot project at Sunken Meadow State Park.
The ecological and economic value of tidal wetlands cannot be overstated. These ecosystems provide nursery habitat for key bird, fish and invertebrate species, trap and secure sediments, process nutrients and help mitigate nutrient loading, and buffer coastal areas from storm surge. Despite these benefits, many tidal marshes have been lost or are decreasing due to coastal development, rising sea levels, boat wake, and other impacts. Many marshes have had a shift in species from native salt marsh plants to the non-native Phragmites australis. While Phragmites marsh can provide some of the function of native marsh, its value as a habitat for birds, fishes and invertebrates is much less. Therefore, efforts should be made to eradicate Phragmites and restore native marsh habitat.
A prime location to conduct an initial demonstration project is Sunken Meadow Creek within Sunken Meadow State Park. This tidal coastal stream is one of the largest tributaries of the Nissequogue River, and was once a rich, healthy and productive system. Today, combined effects of watershed changes, Phragmites invasion, and a culvert system built in the 1940's that restricts tidal flow in the lower reaches have severely compromised the ecological and scenic value of the tributary. Tidal wetland plant species persisted in the system into the 1970's, including Spartina alterniflora, S. patens and Distichlis spicata. The culverts not only restrict natural flow and flushing, causing excessive nutrient levels and temperatures in the creek, but it also creates a bottleneck for the alewife run in the creek where birds and fishermen can impose high mortality rates. Furthermore, there are anecdotal reports that native brook trout once lived in the upper reaches of the creek. If suitable ecological conditions can be restored, it might be possible to return brook trout to the system. Overall, given its size, ecological value and location within a State Park, the creek provides an ideal location for a first restoration project in the watershed. Restoration of tidal flow would re-connect 73 acres of vegetated wetland and 38 acres of underwater lands to tidal flushing, helping to improve water quality in the receiving waters; during the summer months, Smithtown Bay exhibits the easternmost hypoxic area in the Sound.
Action: Implement a marsh restoration project within Sunken Meadow State Park. Key elements of this project should include:
1. Engineering and pre-monitoring studies as needed
2. Develop an Environmental Impact Statement as necessary
3. Restoration of tidal flow to the formerly connected wetland
4. Public outreach
5. Enhance fish passage
Implementing Group: State Parks should be the lead agency on the Sunken Meadow Creek restoration project, in cooperation with DEC as the permitting agency. A Town of Smithtown Marine Law permit might be required, so the Town should also be involved. Other stakeholders such as environmental groups should support the state agencies and the Town with endorsements, expertise, volunteer labor, and funding where possible. Other tidal wetland restoration projects have been conducted on Long Island and elsewhere in the region, and the participants in those projects should be engaged for guidance. Several funding sources exist to support such a project, and representatives of those sources should also be engaged early.
Timeline: Discussions with participants in other projects and development of a restoration strategy can begin immediately, with a goal of producing fundable proposals one year after the watershed action plan is finalized. Depending upon funding and permitting success, the restoration project could be completed within three to five years after passage of the plan.
Outputs: Restored tributary and wetlands at Sunken Meadow State Park.
Objective: Develop a strategy for additional wetland restoration projects within the watershed.
Beyond the tidal wetlands restoration demonstration project at Sunken Meadow Creek recommended in this Plan, there are numerous sites that could be converted back to native marsh. These include impaired or degraded tidal, saltwater or freshwater wetlands. This would multiply the ecological and economic benefits of these habitats across the watershed. The sites need to be identified and prioritized in terms of feasibility and potential gains to be had through restoration.
Action: Catalog and prioritize sites for wetland restoration within the Nissequogue River watershed to develop a restoration strategy. This need not include detailed plans for each site. Those details should be addressed as each project begins. However, unique challenges and ecological features should be noted, along with guidance on key stakeholders, comparable sites and project, information resources and funding sources.
Implementing Group: State Parks, Suffolk County Parks and the Town of Smithtown will be key participants as the major landowners within the watershed, as well as NYSDEC as the permitting agency. The effort should link with Suffolk County wetlands management. Other stakeholders such as environmental groups should also help with identification and prioritization of sites. The Nature Conservancy or another group with experience in conservation planning and managing working groups should lead the effort. Consultation with participants in wetland restoration projects beyond the watershed would be beneficial.
Timeline: Development of the strategy can begin immediately.
Outputs: Nissequogue River watershed wetlands restoration strategy.
Habitat Goal: Protect and restore terrestrial habitat
Objective: Protect and enhance bird habitat
The Nissequogue River Watershed and Smithtown Bay is listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society (Audubon). This IBA met the criteria for "Species at Risk" (piping plover, common tern and least tern), "Congregations of Waterbirds" (terns) and "Congregations of Wading Birds" (great egret, snowy egret and black-crowned night-heron). State Parks has significant populations of nesting shorebirds classified as threatened including the federally threatened and state-endangered piping plover and state threatened least and common terns. Additionally, the Nissequogue River watershed is part of the Greenbelt area through central Long Island that connects with the Connetquot River watershed on the south shore to provide a significant migratory corridor for songbirds each spring and fall. At Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 37 species of songbirds have been documented during these migrations. The Nissequogue River also sees significant number of wintering waterfowl, many of them in the tidal areas and pond within state parks.
The Bird Conservation Area program was developed to integrate bird conservation measures into agency planning and management. Interpretive kiosks highlighting the areas significance to birds and management guidance summaries are developed to help park managers enhance bird species. A Bird Conservation Area was established at Nissequogue River State Park for the park's concentration of wading birds, species at risk, and high diversity of species of birds. A likely candidate for a Bird Conservation Area is the east end of Sunken Meadow State Park where several listed species including piping plovers, least terns and common terns nest. Other state park property should also be considered for this program.
Sunken Meadow State Park's golf course is certified in International Audubon's Cooperative Sanctuary program. This program encourages golf courses to enhance valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf operations. Birds would benefit from this program at other golf courses within the watershed.
There is much a homeowner can accomplish in their own yards to enhance bird habitat from establishing native plants to providing artificial nesting opportunities. Such conservation measures could be encouraged.
Action 1: Establish additional Bird Conservation Areas on state lands that meet the criteria for this program.
Implementing Group: OPRHP will be the lead agency with the assistance of local Audubon and interested birders.
Timeline: Evaluations for the criteria for this designation will be conducted at Sunken Meadow State Park and Caleb Smith State Park Preserve within a year after the adoption of the stewardship plan while funding is sought for establishment of interpretive kiosks. Designations will be established within three years for the adoption of the plan.
The process requires input and consensus from the park, regional and Albany OPRHP staff, as well as non-OPRHP partners. Final approval and designation would be at the discretion of the OPRHP Commissioner.
Outputs: Evaluation reports and final designations.
Action 2: Encourage golf courses to become certified in International Audubon's Cooperative Sanctuary Program.
Implementing Group: New York Audubon
Timeline: Within three years of adoption of the plan.
Outputs: Designated golf courses.
Action 3: Encourage public and private landowners to enhance and manage their property for bird conservation.
Implementing Group: New York Audubon
Timeline: Within three years of adoption of the plan.
Outputs: List of public and private properties supporting bird conservation.
Action 4: Encourage New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to include restoration of bird habitat for mitigation projects along the Nissequogue River.
Implementing Group: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Timeline: Within two years of adoption of the plan.
Outputs: Incorporation of bird habitat resotration into NYSDEC mitigation requirements.
Habitat Goal: Protect and restore native habitat
Objective: Monitor and encourage native plant habitats throughout watershed
The native vegetation that borders, buffers and is submerged in the Nissequogue River is paramount to the vitality of the river. Native vegetation is integral to the success of wildlife living along the river. In many areas invasive plants have displaced many native species, and threaten local biodiversity and ecosystem function. Non-native terrestrial invasive vegetation has become established within the natural areas of the Nissequogue River watershed through encroachment from developed lands and dispersal from other areas. The most widespread and visibly notable plant threats are Phragmites australis, Purple Loosestrife, Japanese knotweed and bamboo. Control methods will vary greatly based on numerous factors but there is general recognition that invasive species threats are increasing, widespread and deleterious to natural wetland functions.
Action 1: Conduct a watershed-wide survey for invasive plants that maps locations of degraded habitats and identifies potential restoration sites.
Implementing Group: OPRHP, NYSDEC, Suffolk County Parks, Town of Smithtown, local municipalities and the Suffolk County Soil & Water Conservation District. An essential partner in this effort is The Nature Conservancy that oversees a Weed Watchers' program, an effort where volunteers survey areas for invasive plants.
Timeline: Within on e year of watershed action plan being completed, begin watershed assessment, with a goal of completing assessment within two to three years
Outputs: 1. A detailed inventory and mapping of locations of current invasive species within the watershed.
2. Areas identified and prioritized for removal and restoration
Action 2: Develop a watershed-wide restoration strategy plan. This plan will prioritize sites to be restored, develop strategies for the control and eradication of invasive species and make recommendations for restoration of prioritized areas. Target sites should be large enough that restoration will provide meaningful environmental benefit for the watershed, but small enough to be manageable. Consider using local plant genotypes if possible, to avoid local hybridization of different strains. This list of target sites should be packaged with the outcomes and lessons learned from other restoration projects within the watershed.
Implementing Group: The Nature Conservancy in partnership with OPRHP, Suffolk County Parks and the Town of Smithtown.
Timeline: Within one year of watershed action plan being released.
Outputs: Strategy plan with listing of priority sites, strategies for the monitoring and prevention of new invasive species and for the implementation of watershed-wide projects.
Action 3: Develop and implement an invasive species management plan for Bird Conservation area of Nissequogue River State Park that includes the bluffs and woodlands around the reservoir. This plan should identify and map the locations of invasive species, develop prevention strategies, create a monitoring program, and design a habitat restoration program. A priority site for this plan should be the bluffs, an area dominated by Norway Maples and other ornamental plants have invaded native woodlands on the bluffs, around the reservoir and in other natural areas. The forest understory is dominated oriental bittersweet, Japanese honeysuckle, multiflora rose, garlic mustard and other weeds. A phased, incremental restoration of these natural areas would be necessary to minimize the disturbance impact on birds and other wildlife utilizing the habitat and minimize erosion of the hillsides and bluffs. This could serve as a model for other efforts in the watershed.
Implementing Group: NYS OPRHP should be the lead agency for invasive species management and habitat restoration in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and other organizations and agencies with invasive species management experience.
Timeline: Development of an invasive species management plan can begin in the spring of 2008 and will likely require approximately two years, with implementation to follow. The broader strategy combining the site survey and at least initial lessons from the Norway maple project should be completed within five years.
Outputs: Nissequogue River State Park Invasive Species Management Plan and a habitat restoration strategy for the bluffs and woodlands around the reservoir. This plan could serve as a model for other plans within the watershed.
Action 4: Support new Suffolk County law prohibiting the sale, introduction and propagation of invasive, non-native plant species (Local Law No. 22-2007).
Implementing Group: Suffolk County
Timeline: Immediately
Outputs: Decreased opportunities for new non-native plant introductions that are known to be invasive.
Habitat Goal: Protect and restore coldwater fisheries and habitats
Objective: Protect the headwaters of the Nissequogue River in the Hauppauge Springs area
The Hauppauge Springs is an undeveloped area at the headwaters of the Nissequogue River. This area is the southernmost (i.e. furthest upstream) source of freshwater for the Nissequogue River. This forty-acre area contains many natural springs and small cool water creeks that provide clean water to the Nissequogue River at its inception. This area of the Nissequogue, arguably the most important, has often been overlooked when considering protection and health measures for the river. Most likely, because it lies south of Veterans Memorial Highway and is often considered separate from the river. However, concrete culverts underneath the highway provide the means the freshwater conduit to the downstream reaches.
Hauppauge Springs is also a key conservation area for native brook trout. As an indicator species that requires clean, cold, well-oxygenated water, Hauppauge Springs provide prime spawning and nursery habitat. In fact, a 2005 NYSDEC electrofishing survey revealed an astonishing density of 1,200 fish per mile in the area. These fish have never been exposed to either stocked hatchery-reared brook trout or non-native brown or rainbow trout, and as such represent an intact heritage population.
While the wetland portions of the Hauppauge Springs are technically protected under New York State law, the riparian and upland portions are not. The undeveloped land surrounding the headwater springs needs to be protected as a buffer zone for the wetlands in this key part of the river system. This will help prevent contaminants from compromising the quality of the source waters. Should development occur on the land surrounding the springs, the waters from cesspools and the runoff from plant fertilizers will inevitably find their way through the soil, into the groundwater and into the freshwater ponds and streams of the Hauppauge Springs, with a detrimental impact on the river system as a whole.
Preservation efforts of the Hauppauge Springs began many years ago. In 1999, volunteers met with Suffolk County officials and helped draft a proposal for preservation. Subsequently the owners of the various parcels were contacted and they were agreeable to sell. In February of 2000, the Suffolk County legislature voted, unanimously, to approve funding for the purchase of the Hauppauge Springs. However, to date some key parcels still have not been secured. The Suffolk County Department of Real Estate had conducted appraisals on the remaining four privately owned parcels of the Hauppauge Springs. The landowners and County staff have discussed an offer, but the negotiations are presently at a standstill.
Action 1: There are currently seven parcels that comprise the remaining extent of the Hauppauge Springs terrestrial buffer zone. Four of the parcels are in private hands, and should be acquired and protected as public conservation zones. New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is planning to acquire two of these four parcels as part of its project to widen Veterans Memorial Highway. Ultimately, the two parcels that will potentially be acquired by NYSDOT and the other two privately owned parcels should be transferred to and managed by the Suffolk County Parks Department.
Action 2: There is a stormwater retention pond on one of the potential NYSDOT acquisitions. NYSDOT has proposed diverting water out of this pond through the adjacent wetland rather than directly into the stream itself. That diversion will allow the wetland to clean and cool the stormwater before it joins the river system, and that proposal should be implemented.
Action 3: The remaining three parcels are currently held by the Town of Smithtown (two parcels) and the Town of Islip (one parcel). The designation of these publicly owned parcels should be upgraded to the highest level of conservation status possible to guard against development or modification that could compromise the vital buffer function of the area. For example, the Smithtown parcels are currently designated as "Parkland" but should be upgraded to "Preserve".
Implementing Group: NYSDOT should acquire the two parcels in the Veterans Highway project area. These should be transferred to Suffolk County Parks Department, who should also work to acquire the other two privately owned parcels. NYSDOT should implement the pond outflow diversion project on one of the parcels within its project area. The Town of Smithtown and Town of Islip should upgrade the conservation status of the parcels in their hands.
Timeline: Efforts to acquire these parcels are ongoing, and should be completed as soon as possible. Likewise, upgrade of the status of the Smithtown and Islip parcels and diversion of the pond outflow by NYSDOT can take place as soon as practicable.
Outputs: Enhanced protection of the Hauppauge Springs area at the headwaters of the Nissequogue River.
Objective: Develop a habitat based and angler use based strategy for trout management in the Nissequogue River that recognizes the value of native trout populations while maintaining traditional angling opportunities
Caleb Smith State Park preserves the legacy of the historic Wyandanch Club by providing high quality trout fishing opportunity through supplemental stocking of the river by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The main stem of the river in Caleb Smith State park and many tributaries and side branches also provide spawning and nursery habitat for naturally reproduced brook, brown and rainbow trout. The tidal section of the river primarily from the Phillips Mill Dam to Landing Avenue was historically managed for sea run brown trout, but more recently has been managed for quality trout fishing with supplemental stocking by the NYSDEC. This section of the river provides trout habitat but little or no spawning habitat. Several tributaries of the Nissequogue River outside of Caleb Smith State Park provide quality spawning habitat for trout and maintain self sustaining brook trout populations with no supplemental stocking at all.
Action: Using the Catch Rate Oriented Trout Stocking Protocol (CROTS) the NYSDEC can assess the habitat quality of the Nissequogue River in Caleb Smith State Park and the tidal section from Landing Avenue to Phillips Mill Dam. CROTS utilizes habitat measurements including is stream shelter, overhead cover, vegetation type, insect type and abundance, stream discharge and stability, along with assessments of the existing trout populations and angler use of the stream section to determine optimal stocking rates based upon NYSDEC management criteria. This assessment can be used as a baseline for OPRHP to use to develop a trout management plan for Caleb Smith State Park. The DEC will be able to use the angler effort data on the tidal Nissequogue River collected during the 2006-2007 Creel Census and the CROTS assessments to update and refine the NYSDEC stocking policy for the Tidal Nissequogue River. The NYSDEC will also survey tributaries of the Nissequogue River to identify location and status of naturally reproducing brook trout populations and identify threats to these populations and possible measures to ensure their protection.
Implementing Group: NYSDEC to conduct surveys and refine stocking policy for the tidal section of the Nissequogue River. OPRHP to develop a trout management plan for Caleb Smith State Park based upon OPRHP use data and DEC CROTS assessment.
Timeline: Surveys to be conducted in 2009. Stocking plan implemented in 2010 or 2011. Recommendations for protection and enhancement of native brook trout presented to landowners, local government and other interested parties in 2010
Outputs: 1) Trout Management Strategy for Nissequogue River based upon habitat suitability that balances preservation of native species and maintaining historic fishing opportunity.
2) Inventory of naturally reproducing trout populations in the Nissequogue River and tributaries with threats to these populations identified and suggested resolutions.
Objective: Inventory current cold water habitat and identify locations where future habitat improvements and stream restoration is necessary.
At several locations, the natural streambed of Nissequogue River has been altered through numerous activities. Channel functions have been degraded due to the conversion of the stream to drainage. This is primarily attributable to stream channel dredging but is also a result of sedimentation from stormwater runoff and channel filling for residential/business uses. Research on trout spawning habitat capability can confirm that trout reproduction is limited to only a few locations in the Nissequogue River because of the high proportion of fine sediment and low dissolved oxygen levels in the spawning gravel. Consequently, the fry of many adult trout that attempt to spawn each year in the Nissequogue River are not surviving because of these poor incubation conditions and lack of habitat.
The purpose of stream restoration is to restore the natural pattern (the stream meanders), dimension (the width of the channel, height of the banks and floodplain, angle of the banks) and profile (riffles and pools) of the stream using natural channel design techniques. Physical improvements typically are accomplished to reduce stream temperatures, reduce sedimentation, increase base flow, increase dissolved oxygen levels and improve overall aquatic communities. It is critical that all stream restoration designs are based on a stable reference reach to ensure the long-term success of the project
Action 1: Implement a stream temperature monitoring program within the Nissequogue River.
Implementing Group: Long Island Chapter Trout Unlimited (LITU) to seek funding for seven temperature data loggers and deploy them with NYSDEC & NYS Parks at key locations. Suffolk County, municipalities and other government entities with jurisdiction would also have to be involved.
Timeline: Within one year of release of the plan, begin temperature monitoring at seven locations, ongoing for seven years.
Action 2: To identify locations where future stream restoration and habitat improvements are necessary, conduct stream assessments within the Nissequoge River utilizing the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP) developed by the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a first level evaluation of the condition of aquatic ecosystems. This would provide a standardized quantifiable way to easily estimate the health of the Nissequogue River, enabling a systematic assessment of what components of the stream are in good condition, as well as those that are not, and a method of analyzing what exactly is impacting the health of the river. Macroinvertebrate surveys would be conducted simultaneously.
Implementing Group: Long Island Chapter Trout Unlimited (LITU), in cooperation with NYSDEC & OPRHP, to conduct SVAP's at multiple locations along the river corridor. These surveys would also serve to identify and assess natural brook trout spawning habitats with existing reproduction within the watershed, as well as the potential for enhanced reproduction in those areas and elsewhere.
Timeline: Within two years of release of the plan, conduct SVAP's at one-quarter of the locations, with the remaining spread out over the following three years.
Action 3: Conduct focused geomorphic reconnaissance (FGR), a simplification of standard geomorphic survey methods (Rosgen Level I), combined with visual assessments proposed by recognized experts & adapted from the extensive stream assessment protocols of the Vermont ANR. Where potential geomorphic restoration is indicated, conduct a more detailed evaluation (DE) incorporating quantitative assessment (Rosgen Levels II & III).
Implementing Group: Long Island Chapter Trout Unlimited (LITU), in conjunction with NYSDEC & OPRHP to conduct these more detailed assessments where an impairment (i.e. insufficient instream or bank cover, lack of canopy, inadequate sediment trapping, localized bank erosion, berms, channelization, etc.) is indicated from the first level SVAP. This more detailed level of evaluation should be directed at the locations where habitat improvements and stream restoration is possible and most beneficial.
Timeline: Within three years of release of the plan, annually conduct FGR's (and DE's as needed) at those locations identified during the SVAP's conducted the previous year.
Outputs: 1) A detailed inventory of current coldwater habitat, which will identify and prioritize areas for both habitat improvement and river channel restoration projects.
2) Develop a series of stream restoration goals and target dates for these restorations.
3) Develop proposals for potential habitat improvement and stream restoration projects.
