New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and Department of Environmental Conservation Announce Completion of Wetland Enhancement Project in Central New York

For Immediate Release:November 1, 2024

Contacts:Shane Mahar | 518-603-0791 | [email protected]

Cecilia Walsh | 518-402-8000 | [email protected]

New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and Department of Environmental Conservation Announce Completion of Wetland Enhancement Project in Central New York

180 acres at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex Enhanced to Support Waterfowl and Wildlife Habitats

New Recreational Opportunities Created for Visitors

Video of Project is Available Here

The New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State Canal Corporation and Department of Environmental Conservation today announced the completion of a project that enhanced approximately 180 acres at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex in Central New York. The project, originally announced in 2021 and inspired by a report prepared by The Nature Conservancy on wetland initiatives, focused on increasing connectivity within the wetlands by creating new channels for water to flow, and enhancing habitat for dozens of wildlife species.

"The completion of the wetlands enhancement project is crucial for a more resilient Canal system and greatly expands opportunities for nature-based recreation," said New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. "With the bicentennial of the completion of the original Eric Canal and World Canals Conference set to take place in Buffalo in 2025, we are proud to partner with DEC to enhance the Montezuma Wetlands Complex to provide additional environmental benefit to the residents of Central New York and beyond for years to come."

The state interagency initiative created cuts and channels to improve water depth and helped re-connect the Seneca River to its floodplain. Other components included invasive species control and re-introducing native plant species with seeding and plant plugs. The improved hydrology and more diverse plant communities will support a wide range of wetland-dependent wildlife. The most common waterfowl species that will benefit from this work include Mallards, American Black Duck, American Wigeon, Wood Duck and Green-winged Teal. These sites will also provide crucial nesting and foraging habitat for rare species such as Pied-billed Grebe, Black Tern and American Bittern.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said,"Being stewards of the New York State Canal system also means that we are stewards of the environment. Our combined efforts with DEC are helping to safeguard this wetland's unique and significant wildlife habitats, while adding new recreational opportunities.Aswe contemplate 200 years of canal history, this work is helping to make sure the area continues to be a great asset for New York State for generations to come.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Maharsaid, "The Montezuma Wetlands Complex boasts one of the busiest bird migration routes on the Atlantic Flyway, and the addition of acres of protected wetlands will bolster the wide-ranging ecological and recreation benefits of the refuge. DEC is proud to partner with NYPA and the Canal Corporation on this significant project to enhance a critically important wetland ecosystem in Central New York."

The Nature Conservancy's New York Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer Stuart F. Gruskin said, "Reconnecting natural systems, and wetlands in particular, provide many significant benefits for both people and nature. This collaborative multi-agency project is a great example of a forward-looking approach to address the impacts of development and infrastructure on nature. We appreciate that the Canal Corporation, DEC, and NYPA are implementing these kinds of critically important projects and congratulate them on this accomplishment."

The roughly 50,000-acre Montezuma Wetlands Complex has long served as a refuge for diverse ecosystems, making it a destination for ecotourists like kayakers, birders, horticulturists, and waterfowl hunters. The complex sits in the middle of one of the busiest bird migration routes on the Atlantic Flyway and receives spring and fall migrations that number in the millions of birds. More than 240 species of birds can be found in the complex, along with 43 species of mammals, 15 species of reptiles, and 16 species of amphibians.

Montezuma Audubon Center Director Chris Lajewski said, "The Montezuma Wetlands Complex is a globally significant Important Bird Area that supports millions of waterfowl and marsh birds for nesting and migration. While habitat loss, exacerbated by climate change, has driven bird declines across North America, habitat restoration projects like this are the reason that waterfowl have not declined like other groups of birds. Audubon applauds the completion of this important project and will continue to work with our partners to advance conservation efforts that protect resident and migratory birds and the habitats they rely on in New York, including the unique inland habitat of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex."

The Montezuma Wetlands Complex, situated at the outlet of Cayuga Lake, is one of the most ecologically significant areas in New York State. The complex consists of the National Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, DEC's Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area, and lands owned by The Nature Conservancy and other private parties

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About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.govand follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblrand LinkedIn.

About the New York State Canal Corporation

New York's Canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga - Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect hundreds of unique communities.

The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority.

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