By Theme:Arts and Literature | Campus Sustainability | Community Perspectives | Development | Economic Analysis | Ecosystem Analysis | Education | Energy | Environmental Justice | Food Systems | Geology of the Watershed | Green Architecture | Green Business | History of the Watershed | Invasive Species | Land Use Patterns | Public Policy | Recreation | Transportation | Water Quality
Land Use Patterns
Kayaderosseras Creek Watershed: An Examination of Land Use Patterns & Point and
Non-Point Pollution
James Caris and Laura Wittman (2005)
This project uses a series of GIS maps to visually convey point discharges as well as land use types that may contribute to non-point pollution within the watershed. Additionally, relevant state and federal permitting and policy procedures are included in order to highlight regulatory aspects applicable to facilities and land use that may affect the quality of the Kayaderosseras watershed.
Quantifying Riparian Zones in the Kayaderosseras Watershed
Hal Himmel (2005)
The focus of this study is to determine the overall state of riparian zones in the Kayaderosseras Creek watershed. Using GIS and field site verification, the land use patterns within 200 feet of the Kayaderosseras and its tributaries were quantified. These data give insights into the overall buffering capacity, habitat availability and possible areas of concern within the watershed.
Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.
Evaluating FEMA Flood Map Methodology and the implications of Flooding and Land Use
on Water Quality
Katie Bronson and Cortlandt Toczylowski (2006)
This project explored the methodology used to develop the 100 year FEMA flood map for the Saratoga Lake watershed and characterized land use patterns within this floodplain. We also assessed the possible influences of land use in the floodplain on the water quality of Saratoga Lake.
Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.
Channelization in the Saratoga Lake Watershed
Allison Gillum and Allison Stafford (2006)
Using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and field measurements, we determined the total length of streams in the Saratoga Lake watershed that have been channelized. While we found only approximately 5% to be channelized, primarily for transportation and industrial use, we discuss how these alterations could cause potential problems for the watershed.
Potential Development in the Saratoga Lake Watershed
Betsy Quentin and Leigh Siegwarth (2007)
We explored where development is likely to occur in the Saratoga Lake Watershed. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to compile zoning maps, land use maps, use schedules, and comprehensive plans, we projected areas that are prone to development. We conclude there is significant build-out potential in the watershed.
Land Conservation and Water Quality in the Saratoga Lake Watershed
Doug Morin (2007)
This study focused on the link between conserved lands and water quality and quantity within the Saratoga Lake Watershed. The boundaries and vegetation cover of conserved lands were mapped in GIS. Overall, the watershed contains little conserved land, which has potential impacts to water quality.
A Stakeholder Analysis of Farmers In and Surrounding the Saratoga Lake Watershed
Erin Bukofsky, Nolan Crohn, Erin Kennedy, and Katie McEachen (2007)
We explored farmers’ perspectives on water and the Saratoga Springs water debate. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews with ten farmers revealed variation in opinions regarding environmental regulations and a future water source for the city of Saratoga Springs. Most farmers expressed concern over increasing development and stressed the value maintaining open space through the preservation of farmland.
Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.
A Survey of the Surficial and Bedrock Geology of the Kayaderosseras Watershed
Conor Taff '05 (2005)
The aim of this project was to provide a basic GIS database of relevant maps and layers
of the Kayaderosseras watershed as a foundation for future WRI research. Detailed
maps and layers of the Kayaderosseras watershed were created, including subwatershed
divisions, topography, municipal boundaries, land use, roadways, bedrock geology and
surficial geology. This project also includes an overview of the geologic history
of Kayaderosseras watershed.
Factors Affecting Precipitation and Baseflow in Two Small Paired Basins in Wilton, New York
Allison Stafford '07 and Kyle K. Nichols, Department of Geosciences (2007)
Precipitation and discharge were recorded in the Loughberry basin and the Louden basin. The Loughberry site received 80% of the precipitation that the Louden site received. This difference may be a result of the urban center located to the west of the Louden rain gauge, which may form an urban heat island that affects local climate. Discharge normalized by basin area for the Louden creek cross-section was 1.2 times those for the Loughberry creek cross-section. This rapid increase in baseflow could be due to a decrease in groundwater withdrawal by agricultural and golf course irrigation wells in combination with a decrease in vegetation transpiration following defoliation.
Full report is not available. Please contact Kyle Nichols for more information.
Environmental Justice Along the Hudson River
Katarra Peterson ’09, Mary Rynasko (’11) and Rik Scarce, Associate Professor of Sociology (2008)
“Environmental justice” is an area of sociological study combining race, class, and the environment. It hypothesizes that minorities and the poor are disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards. The goal of this project is to explore how environmentally just or unjust the Hudson River region is. The research involves using geographic information systems (GIS) and U.S. Census Bureau data sets to map the locations of polluting facilities and the demographics of the neighborhoods around them. Results are organized by facility type and have thus far indicated that the environmental justice hypothesis is accurate for the Hudson region.
Changes to Saratoga Lake’s Hydrology after 20 Years of Development and Growth
Matthew Shrensel (2009)
I used satellite imagery to examine shifts in land use in Saratoga Lake Watershed over the past 20 years. I modeled hydrology for the watershed based on the land use from the imagery. Despite large changes in population, land use change is low, and associated hydrological shifts are minimal.
Full report is not available. Please contact Cathy Gibson for more information.
A Watershed Approach to Land Conservation in the City of Saratoga Springs, New York
Dan Haro and Carolyn Raider (2010)
Saratoga is New York’s fastest growing county. Population increase leads to residential and commercial development, resulting in habitat degradation and fragmentation. Saratoga Springs provides conservation through its zoning ordinance, "the Green Belt." Our study identifies high priority sites to protect within Saratoga’s “Green Belt” conservation zone. We identify the least developed watersheds as well as watersheds with the highest percentage of forest, wetland, open water, and grassland/shrub habitats. We recommend replacing the current parcel-based approach to conservation with a more relevant and environmentally successful watershed approach. We also recommend additional protection for watersheds with a low percentage of development.
Full report is not available. Please contact Josh Ness for more information.
Critical Instability: Why We Need to Revolutionize Domestic Agriculture Before It's
Too Late
Dash Hammerstein and Andrew Pfeifer (2010)
This study looks at issues concerning agricultural and farmland protection easements and farm viability in Saratoga County. Through in-depth interviews with 10 farmers, we have found that the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program is not an adequate tool to combat the recent and ongoing loss of local farms. Policies aimed at increasing farm viability, especially through the stabilization of milk prices and public education, are necessary to insure a future for Saratoga County agriculture.
Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.
Understanding the Competing User of Skidmore's Commons: A Stakeholder Analysis of
the North Woods
The North Woods is a 165-acre forest on Skidmore’s campus that is used by different groups with distinct concerns, values and perceptions of the resource. Interviews were conducted with students, faculty/staff, and community members to understand these diverse interests. These interviews informed the creation of recommendations to promote the long-term preservation of the forest and balance individual use, scholarly use, and potential development plans.
Grand Plans, Trails to Nowhere: An Analysis of Multi-Use Trails in Saratoga SpringsNate Blanks, Sarah Marks, and Dan Raudonis (2013)
The trail network in Saratoga Springs is underdeveloped and despite numerous plans a cohesive trail network is still far from being a reality. We assess the factors that affect trail creation through historical and first-hand research. Key barriers to trail implementation include funding, government will and communication. Ultimately, we make recommendations for how to improve future trail efforts in the area, including a current plan to create a 10-mile network of trails.
Social Capital and Soils in the Community Gardens of the Capital District: What they
put in and what they take outOlivia Miller, Abby Smith, and Emily Hudspeth (2013)
What are the social and physical characteristics of community gardens in the Capital District? How does location (urban, suburban, rural?) influence the functionality of gardens? Using a survey, we examined gardener perceptions of and contributions to community, both inside and outside garden walls. We analyzed soil type and impervious surface cover data as well. We created a ranking system to determine those gardens that exhibit the “best” and “worst” characteristics. These results were mapped using GIS which allowed us to find correlations between location and garden success. We found that location has the most impact on impervious surface and community within the garden whereas soil type and engagement with the surrounding community are more variable and depend on other factors besides location.
Conceptual Landscapes on Skidmore Campus: Reconciling Perception and RealityHannah Greendorfer, Meghan Burke, and Abby Wyant (2013)
Colleges are constantly adapting to internal and external pressures. In the past ten years Skidmore College has increased in size and scope. Our project aims to illustrate how the Skidmore population views and interacts with the college campus. We investigate the conceptualizations of space using cognitive maps drawn by members of the Skidmore community. The assessment of space can then influence future developments and supports sustainable design and a strong Skidmore community.
Economic Growth, Politics, and Comprehensive PlanningJosh Inaba, Katherine Rosman, and Leslie Velasquez (2014)
Saratoga Springs is challenged with planning for future development that balances growth and conservation of natural resources. We conducted a historical and qualitative analysis of the city’s comprehensive plans over the last 50 years and interviewed various stakeholders, and studied how the theory of sustainable development has been implemented. Despite conflicts between competing interests, the outcome of comprehensive plans and the work of local politicians have balanced economic, sustainability, and social goals.
Fishing for Fishers: A biological corridor proposal for mid-sized mammals in Eastern
Upstate NYAlexandra Guest, Benjamin Greer, Dalton Weinstein, and Chris Antonez (2014)
Human development can fragment and degrade habitats. We propose a biological corridor in Saratoga County, NY to mitigate the impact of habitat fragmentation on native species, particularly the fisher. We found a positive correlation between basal land cover and the presence of fishers, indicating the importance of forest conservation. The existing landuse regime allows mid-sized mammals to disperse between Skidmore College and Moreau Lake State Park and should ensure minimal loss of habitat connectivity in the future.
Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.
The Buzz on Beekman: An examination of New Urbanism at the neighborhood levelKate Johnson, Emily Culbert, and Sarah Arndt (2014)
Examining urban revitalization at a neighborhood level provides a manageable scale to assess whether development fosters relationships, builds community, and is sustained through multiple generations. We used the Beekman Street neighborhood on the west side of Saratoga Springs as a case study. Residents valued three key tenets of New Urbanism – walkability, mixed-use, and density – but were concerned with potential negative effects of increased commercialization.
Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.
Bringing the Forest into the City: Creating a Community Food Forest for Saratoga Springs
James Brownie, Jared Herman, and Jessica Aleman (2015)
Food Forests are low-maintenance, multifunctional, edible landscapes based on the principles of permaculture that can meet the needs of both people and ecosystems sustainably. We assessed the feasibility of creating a Food Forest in the City of Saratoga Springs. We conclude that a Saratoga Springs Food Forest is desirable and feasible, and anticipate that our research and recommendations will guide future implementation.
Nitrogen and sediment dynamics in wetlands and streams along an urbanization gradient within the Lake Lonely watershed
Ben Freiberg, Nicolas Graver, & Kat Klammer (2016)
The ability of wetlands to sequester or convert reactive nitrogen is an important control of anthropogenic nutrient inputs. We observed cool weather nitrous oxide flux, denitrification potential, nitrogen mineralization rates, and sediment patterns within two New York wetland streams. The N2O flux and N-mineralization rates had no significant relationships to temperature. The size of sediments and thus availability of denitrifying bacteria habitat may determine rates of microbial nitrate processing within wetland streams.
Julia Boyer, Kaelen Clark, & Grant Bean (2016)
We assessed how community perceptions and adjacent land uses affect the functioning of forest fragments and their edges. Edge effects persisted beyond 50m into the fragment. Community members of Saratoga were concerned about protecting fragments for their ecosystem services, but were unclear on who has the power to protect them. We suggest that conservation of these fragments must be considered both a natural and social landscape issue.
The impact of winter temperature increase on aquatic macroinvertebrates
Ben Curell, Angelea McPartlin, and Maurah Steinmetz (2018)
Aquatic macroinvertebrates play an essential role in stream ecosystems. Given the potential metabolic demand, we investigated the impact of increased winter stream temperatures, due to climate change, on aquatic organisms. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from headwaters and mainstem sites at the Kayaderosseras and Battenkill Rivers in February and March. Organisms in the families Taeniopterygidae, Nemouridae, and Simuliidae may be disproportionately impacted because these families contain many cold-adapted, winter and early spring-emergent species.
The various effects of varied tilling practices on long-term soil health
Elizabeth Forelle and Katie Wolfe (2018)
Soils are a critical natural resource given their role in everything from climate mitigation to food production. We examined the effects of varied tilling practices on long-term soil health and carbon retention. We focused on dairy farms in Washington County, NY that maintain multiple fields to grow crops to feed their livestock. Tilling practice had an impact on total carbon, total nitrogen, soil organic matter, macro- and micro-aggregates, and microbial diversity, with moldboard tilling showing the most significant and immediate soil impacts.
Is Skidmore Carbo Loading? Establishing a Baseline Carbon Inventory of Skidmore’s Northern Lands
We set out to establish a baseline carbon inventory of Skidmore's unmanaged forested lands, 60 of which have been logged, in Stables, Kellogg, Homestead, and Compost parcels. We sampled aboveground (trees, deadwood, and leaf litter) and belowground carbon (soil 0-10cm & soil 10-20cm in 42 15m-radius plots throughout the parcels. We found that Stables and Kellogg held carbon densities above a baseline of common practice for the area, indicating the viability of a carbon sequestration project to reduce Skidmore's greenhouse gas emissions.
Under (and over) the dome: species distributions and aboveground-belowground relationships
on an Adirondack Island
Sebastian Gatton and Samuel Sheppard (2020)
Forests provide numerous services to humans and the environment, but are also complex, dynamic systems subject to disturbance and heterogeneity. Geospatial techniques can be a useful tool to analyze these heterogeneous landscapes. One aspect of spatial statistics that has not been fully explored is the integration of high-resolution plant and soil data in forests. We explored how overstory tree species and soil properties were spatially correlated using aboveground point process data and belowground raster data.
Paper is not available. For information, please contact the ESS Program Director.
Laying Trail Down to Palmertown: Using the Travel Cost Method and Contingent Value
Method to Evaluate the Value of a Palmertown Range Recreational Trail in Saratoga
County, NY
Lily Esposito, Abby Grayburn, Alana Pogostin (2020)
We examined the monetary value of an expanded trail system, and the extent to which the proposed Palmertown Range Trail offers an opportunity to improve local business revenues, protect natural resources, and promote sustainable development. Saratoga County residents support the Palmertown Trail for several reasons, particularly growth in business revenues through increased tourist visits. Saratoga County residents would be willing to pay $18.83 – $19.85 annually for a trail connecting the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail to Moreau Lake State Park.