Back to D Session Agenda

Restoring Aquatic Habitat Connectivity in an Upper Susquehanna Sub Watershed, One Crossing at a Time

Gian Dodici
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Cortland, NY

Longitudinal habitat connectivity is an important component of many fishes’ life history.  Fish move through riverine systems for many reasons including feeding, spawning, dispersing.  Natural and man-made barriers can restrict movement within a riverine system which can lead to genetic isolation.  Recolonization or genetic exchange within a population of fishes can only occur in the absence of barriers.  I will discuss a collaborative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Transportation, the Chenango County Highway Department, the town of Coventry, and private landowners, to restore aquatic habitat connectivity in a headwater subwatershed in the Upper Susquehanna drainage. We implemented several strategies including replacing undersized culverts and installing grade-control structures below perched culverts.

About Gian Dodici

Mr. Dodici has over 20 years of experience in habitat restoration work.  He serves as Private Lands Specialist in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s New York Field Office. He assists in the organization, development, coordination, and timely execution of all aspects of the Private Lands Program (Partners for Fish and Wildlife). This includes coordinating stream restoration program activities with other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs, other Federal agencies, State, and private organizations. Mr. Dodici routinely provides technical assistance on stream related issues to NYSDOT personnel, NYSDEC personnel, county Soil and Water Conservation Districts, municipalities, NGOs and private landowners.  He has designed and overseen the removal of dams, numerous culvert replacements, has restored many miles of instream habitat throughout New York State.