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The U.S. Department of Agriculture selected three watershed areas, Conewago Creek in Pennsylvania (pictured), Smith Creek in Virginia, and Upper Chester River in Maryland as part of the Chesapeake Showcase Watershed Project. The watershed project will utilize the collective energies of Federal, State, and local partners to help landowners and communities use their land in sustainable ways that do not harm water quality.  If these watersheds are successfully restored they may become models for the six states

Dean Creek Watershed Project

The Dean Creek Watershed lies in northern part of Tioga County. As a result of the dominant agricultural land use, the watershed is stressed from siltation, streamflow alterations, suspended sediment, and nutrient enrichment. The primary source of sediment in the watershed is streambank erosion. 

Sponsors

Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District, Tioga County Legislature, and Town of Spencer.

 

Purpose and Need for Action

Continue to provide flood protection for public safety, bridges, roads, agricultural and other lands, buildings, structures, infrastructure, and other features downstream of the Dean Creek Watershed Dams.  The Sponsors are required to comply with applicable dam safety, design, and performance criteria for NRCS and NYS DEC while minimizing environmental, economic, and social impacts.

 

Project Schedule

Public Scoping Meeting – 1/21/2021

Second Public Meeting – 1/18/2022

Public Review of Final Draft – October 2023

Plan Completion – December 2023

 

Scoping Meeting

Two scoping meetings were held on January 21, 2021. The meetings were held virtually.  The meeting provided a forum for agencies, partners, and the public to learn about the project, ask questions, and address concerns. Specifically, participants were asked to provide input on scoping resource concerns.  The meeting minutes from each meeting, with attached PowerPoint slides, can be accessed below. Recordings of the meetings are also posted.

Public Meeting

Two public meetings were held on January 18, 2022. The meetings were held virtually.  A summary of the findings, alternatives considered, and the preferred alternatives were presented.  Agencies and organizations participating and/or providing input include the Tioga County SWCD, Tioga County Legislature, Town of Spencer, Governor Hochul’s office, NYS DEC Dam Safety Agency, Schnabel Engineering, Headwaters Corporation, EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Inc., and NRCS.  The meeting minutes from each meeting, with attached PowerPoint slides, can be accessed below. Recordings of the meetings are also posted.

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