As the Jamesville Reservoir Volunteer Group discusses this project with various agencies and engineering firms, the project overview has and will continue to change dramatically to create the best environmental and cost effective methods to reclaim the natural depths in Jamesville Reservoir.

BACKGROUND

The Jamesville Reservoir was one of four reservoirs built as feeders for the middle division of the historic Erie Canal between 1872 and 1874. These reservoirs were designed to maintain water levels during dry seasons. The original size of the Jamesville Reservoir was 252 acres with an average depth of 16.4 feet.

Over the years, Jamesville Reservoir has had considerable silt build-up at the south end where the channel of Butternut Creek enters. The path and condition of Butternut Creek has deteriorated causing large trees, stumps and debris to fall in causing accelerated water velocities downstream of the deposited material. Previous to the last several years, it would take a significant rain event to cloud the normally clear water. Currently, the slightest rainfall emits large plumes of muddy water into and covering the entire reservoir. To date, approximately 50 acres of open water has been filled in with silt causing swampy areas, decreased water quality and limited navigation.


OBJECTIVES

Obtain support and funding to dredge areas affected by sediments being deposited into the waters and prepare for future maintenance of the Jamesville Reservoir in a cost effective manner.

To restore the depth in high priority areas within Jamesville Reservoir to previous depths.

APPROACH

• To date, the Volunteer Group has met on site or had discussions with the following agencies: Lafayette Soil & Water District, Great Lakes Basin Program Soil Erosion & Sediment Control, NYS Canal Corp., Department of Environmental Conservation, Onondaga County Parks & Recreation, Poseidon Barge Co. and several dredge contractors.
  
• Phase 1 - Remove trees from Butternut Creek with volunteer workforce to reduce the damning effect (currently in negotiations with County Park personnel).
  
• Phase 2 - Create new tree covered barrier islands (a - raise money for independent engineering plan, b - raise money to execute plan).

READ THE COMPLETE REPORT

Click here to download the complete report in PDF format. This report from June 2008 includes: Project Overview, Depth Restoration (Dredging) Process, Estimated Project Costs, Clear Lake Dredging Project, Clear Lake Valuing Preservation and Improvements, Informational Measurement Guides, Benefits to Jamesville Beach Park, Project Funding & Logo Branding, Contact List, and Research Resources.

This project has evolved since June 2008 to the present and will continue to be improved.

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