James W. Geis Collection

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https://hdl.handle.net/1951/45062

The James W. Geis Collection relates to the subject of Environmental Assessment – FY 1979 Winter Navigation Demonstration on the St. Lawrence River. This collection contains scientific Technical Reports and Summary resulting from a joint undertaking between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS-DEC) and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), along with additional donated materials from individuals/organizations also involved with the subject. ESF retains ownership of all materials deposited with this mixed scientific and cultural heritage collection from sources including, but not limited to: Save the River documents related to that organization’s founding received after the infamous Abbie Hoffman’s passing; John Hickey’s (US F&WS) research documentation, data (some yet to be analyzed), maps & photos; and a Cornell University masters thesis by Richard Spencer.

This environmental assessment prevented the US Army Corps of Engineers proposed Winter Navigation Demonstration Project from taking place and thus protected the St. Lawrence River and environs from much possible damage. To this day, the shipping season remains closed through the winter months (although the navigation season has lengthened). Opening up shipping year round and related river issues (expanding the seaway) are very politically charged questions that come up now and again. This important and unique collection will remain relevant indefinitely and perhaps more so in the future as invasive species and climate change also make a mark on the river.

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 19

Environmental Assessment--FY 1979 Winter Navigation Demonstration on the St. Lawrence River--Technical Reports: Volume II; TR-O. Shoreline Water Level Monitoring Studies.
(SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Institute of Environmental Programs Affairs, 2010-01-19T02:31:45Z) New York (State). Dept. of Environmental Conservation, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Data support the contention that minor changes in water level will have widespread impacts in individual wetland systems. Also, abrupt vegetational changes occurs with changes in surface elevation, demonstrating the sensitivity of these systems to minor variations in prevailing water regime. The relationship between inshore and channel water levels is poorly understood, especially at the level needed to confidently predict responses on a short term basis.
Environmental Assessment--FY 1979 Winter Navigation Demonstration on the St. Lawrence River--Technical Reports: Volume II; TR-N. Habitat Mapping and Critical Habitat Studies.
(SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Institute of Environmental Programs Affairs, 2010-01-19T02:08:04Z) New York (State). Dept. of Environmental Conservation, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Although the shoreline littoral area is limited in extent, its significance is high, since resident fish populations have few areas in which to seek the food and protection provided in the littoral zone. Negative impacts on all of these features should be anticipated from the proposed Demonstration.
Environmental Assessment--FY 1979 Winter Navigation Demonstration on the St. Lawrence River--Technical Reports: Volume II; TR-M. Mammal and Furbearer Studies During the Winter of 1978.
(SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Institute of Environmental Programs Affairs, 2010-01-19T01:38:03Z) New York (State). Dept. of Environmental Conservation, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
While the proposed FY 1979 Demonstration will probably create negative impacts to mammal populations in much the same manner as an an extension of the navigation season, we do not believe the effect will be as severe. However, should the influence of the Demonstration extend beyond the Corridor through the water level-induced or related changes, major negative consequences to mammalian populations would likely result.
Environmental Assessment--FY 1979 Winter Navigation Demonstration on the St. Lawrence River--Technical Reports: Volume II; TR-L. Aquatic Food Web Characterization Studies.
(SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Institute of Environmental Programs Affairs, 2010-01-19T00:02:47Z) New York (State). Dept. of Environmental Conservation, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Data gathered were reviewed and utilized to generate a preliminary concept of the aquatic ecosystem of the St. Lawrence River. A hierarchical predictive ecosystem model should be developed. This model should index the following natural and socioeconomic aspects of the ecosystems: hydrology, biology, resource use, and economics of the area. The model can serve as an aid in directing further data gathering and analysis.
Environmental Assessment--FY 1979 Winter Navigation Demonstration on the St. Lawrence River--Technical Reports: Volume II; TR-K. Primary Producers, Seconday Consumers, and Water Quality in the St. Lawerence River.
(SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Institute of Environmental Programs Affairs, 2010-01-18T23:24:32Z) New York (State). Dept. of Environmental Conservation, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Comparisons of the Demonstration Corridor with baseline stations indicate that the phytoplankton community structure and biomass were similar. Zooplankton biomass was greater outside the corridor and benthic invertebrate biomass was highest at inshore sites within the corridor. Suspended solids were low through the samples series, but 60 percent greater within the corridor.

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