The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Water Resources Institute (WRI) at Cornell University today announced more than $371,000 in grant awards for 11 projects that address water resource and ecosystem needs in New York's Great Lakes, Hudson River Estuary, and Mohawk River watersheds. Funding for the projects comes from the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and is managed by WRI working with DEC's watershed programs.

“Protecting the health of New York's critical watersheds will help ensure that aquatic habitats continue to thrive, and communities are better prepared to withstand severe weather impacts along their shorelines," DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. "DEC's partnership with the New York State Water Resources Institute at Cornell University is advancing valuable research and education projects that will support managing and protecting New York's watersheds.”

The innovative projects announced today include;

Great Lakes Watershed

Eight grant projects will help implement the New York Great Lakes Action Agenda's goals to reduce or eliminate releases of persistent toxic substances, control sediment loadings to protect aquatic life, prevent and control invasive species, and conserve and restore native fish and wildlife and their habitats:

Binghamton University, $45,000: Study of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Chemicals in Finger Lakes Foam
This project will test foam that forms on Finger Lakes surfaces for PFAS chemicals to better understand where these chemicals are and how they move in lake water.

Clarkson University, $40,000: Using Artificial Intelligence to Predict Coastal Hazards on Lake Ontario
Researchers will analyze past climate data to create prediction models that can help communities better prepare for and manage shoreline flooding and erosion along Lake Ontario.

Cornell University, $41,000: Finding Sources of PFAS Chemicals in the Finger Lakes

Cornell will continue collecting water samples throughout the Finger Lakes to map where PFAS chemicals are coming from and will create an online dashboard to share this information with the public.

Cornell University, $7,200: Using Rice Paddies to Clean Farm Runoff
This study will examine how rice paddies can filter out excess nutrients from farm drainage water, potentially offering farmers in flood-prone areas a way to improve water quality while growing a valuable crop.

Cornell University and SUNY ESF, $12,671: Investigating the "Seneca Drums" Mystery

Researchers will study recently discovered holes in the bottom of Seneca Lake to determine if they're releasing methane and other chemicals that might explain the mysterious booming sounds heard on the lake for centuries, and whether they affect water quality.

Cornell University and New York Sea Grant, $40,000: Promoting Atlantic Salmon Fishing in Lake Ontario
This project will help anglers learn about the growing Atlantic salmon population in Lake Ontario through educational materials about salmon identification, biology, and ongoing research.

State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport, $39,377: Monitoring Water Quality in Braddock Bay
Researchers will track water quality and underwater plant growth in Braddock Bay along Lake Ontario throughout the seasons to assess nutrients, plants, and algae, with special attention to harmful algal blooms, to help create a plan for water quality improvement.

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, $26,143: Understanding How Non-Native Fish Affect Brook Trout
This study examines how baitfish that don't belong in Adirondack ponds affect native brook trout populations by competing for food, which will help inform DEC's fish stocking decisions.

Hudson River Estuary and Mohawk River Watersheds

Three projects will advance the goals of the Hudson River Estuary and Mohawk River Action Agendas to improve river and shoreline habitats, reduce flooding, ensure sustainable fisheries, and protect water resources:

Clarkson University, $40,000: Improving Stream Connections in Fishkill Watershed

This project will help communities in the Fishkill Creek Watershed identify, prioritize, and fund improvements to road-stream crossings (culverts and bridges) to allow fish passage and reduce flooding risks.

Cornell University, $40,000: Connecting Communities to the Mohawk River Through Art and Science
This project allows Cornell University to partner with local middle school students to create art projects about the Mohawk River Watershed that combine scientific knowledge, field experiences, and community concerns, helping build long-term care for the watershed.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NATURE Lab, and Riverkeeper, $40,000: Upper Hudson River Microplastics Watch
This community science project will expand microplastic sampling in the Upper Hudson River to identify sources of these tiny plastic particles. The project includes K-12 education, community events, and a microplastics recycling bin as part of an Eco-Art trail.