Reconnecting Streams in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed
Fish and many other aquatic organisms depend on the ability to move within streams to access different areas for feeding, nursery, and breeding habitat. However, dams and culverts often create barriers to movement, disconnecting stream corridors and negatively impacting resident and migratory fish populations. In addition, dams and poorly designed culverts affect stream hydrology, water elevations, sediment transport, and water quality, and are costly to maintain or replace. Undersized culverts can lead to erosion and structure instability, often require recurring maintenance, and may result in local flooding or streams overtopping roads if they cannot pass storm flows.
The Hudson River Estuary Program works with partners to restore free flowing tributaries in the estuary watershed and improve infrastructure resilience. We support assessment, prioritization, design, and construction for dam removal and culvert replacement to improve stream habitat and reduce flood hazards.
