September 2025 Conservation Report

 

This past August the second phase of the Wiscoy Conifer Project was completed. 75 trees were installed with 4 big tree stumps along 275 feet of bank just below last year’s conifer project in the Town of Bliss. Live willow stakes and grass were planted along the bank. Some trees will be added this fall.

Thanks to Kyle Glenn, Tom Piwowar and all the volunteers that helped, member Jerry Krajna’s students at the Genesee Valley BOCES program that cut and provided the wooden stakes and to Joe and Ryan Bennett who collected the trees.

Also, in August Kyle Glenn from Northeast TU and his crew surveyed 90 culverts on tributaries to the Upper Genessee. This data will be used to evaluate and plan culvert replacements to allow fish passage and open additional habitat for Wild Brook Trout.

Earlier this month the Wyoming County Soil and Water District along with NYDEC Region 9 fisheries staff restored 150 feet of eroded bank on Wiscoy Creek at the Scout Camp off East Koy Road. Large rocks and logs were installed to provide cover and habitat for the trout. The chapter will be planting trees along the site this fall.

WNYTU was asked to partner with the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water District on a project next Spring and Summer on Mansfield Creek. The project is located on upper Mansfield and will stabilize 250 feet of bank. Using stone and the installation of lunker structures. More details to follow as they become available.

Joe Morgan