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Applying the Natural Flow Regime Paradigm to Current and Feasible Restoration Actions in the Great Lakes Coastal Region of New York

Year Awarded: 1999
Awarded: $205,000
Team Leader:  Cornell University

This team identified tributaries in the Great Lakes region of New York with the greatest potential for successful flow restoration programs, conducted five case studies and developed a GIS database of flow restoration opportunities in the eastern Great Lakes basin. The team mapped New York tributaries according to their need for restoration and the capacity of the communities to implement successful restoration projects. Team members determined restoration need based on a given tributary’s “habitat status” and deviation from its natural flow regime. They determined community willingness and capacity by observing local governmental and NGO responses to public outreach efforts. This work necessitated the development of a simplified GIS model of streamflow (STRMALT) as well as much interaction with communities in the study areas of New York, enhancing the technical and social foundations for future restoration.