Why Did the River Turn Green? Harmful Algal Blooms in the Wallkill River

When:

November 3, 2016: 6:30PM to 8:30PM

Where:

SUNY New Paltz, Humanities Building, Room 201 map

From August through October 2016, the Wallkill River turned bright green, due to a confirmed harmful algae bloom. While it has shifted in extent, the bloom has affected the river for at least 60 days, with persistent or recurrent impacts documented along a 30-mile stretch of the Wallkill and a portion of the Rondout Creek, affecting 10 municipalities and many public access points in Orange and Ulster counties. Toxins produced by this algae have been documented on several occasions at levels many times thresholds for safe recreation.

Join us to learn more about harmful algae blooms, monitoring results from the Wallkill River, the role of the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance, and what you can do to help.

Dr. Rebecca Gorney, a research scientist from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Harmful Algal Blooms Program, will discuss background information on harmful algal blooms, how to recognize them, the conditions that lead to their growth, and possible management options. James Hyde, of the NYS Department of Health, will discuss public health implications of Harmful Algal Blooms. Dr. Jillian Decker from SUNY Rockland, a Wallkill River Watershed Alliance biologist, will describe monitoring results and findings from the Wallkill River. Jason West, Director of the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance, will explain the role of the Watershed Alliance in reporting these conditions. Dan Shapley from Riverkeeper will discuss next steps and what you can do to help. Representatives from Orange County and Ulster County Department of Health have also been invited to speak about potential health affects and the role of DOH.

Speakers include Dr. Rebecca Gorney (NYS DEC), Dr. Jillian Decker (SUNY Rockland), Jason West (Wallkill River Watershed Alliance), Dan Shapley (Riverkeeper), and James Hyde, NYS Department of Health.

Sponsored by: Wallkill River Watershed Alliance, The Benjamin Center at SUNY New Paltz, NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program, Riverkeeper