Summary of Wetland Delineation

Last year Micky Cohen, a Certified Wetlands Delineator, surveyed the Ridgewood Reservoir and surrounding environs. Here is a brief section of his final report. You can download and view his entire summary here.

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The 50-acre reservoir complex consists essentially of three containment basins, generally referred to as the West, East and Central Basins, separated from one another by elevated levees, which serve as walking paths, and access routes to each of the basins. Although officially drained, the basins still contain water and support a variety of aquatic and emergent plants. The basin fringes support a mixed flora of herbs, shrubs and vines typical of wetland and wetland-adjacent uplands. At elevations of just two feet above the level of standing water, extending to and including the steep sides of the reservoir area, are developing woodlands at various stages of succession.

THE BASINS

The West Basin is the largest of the three basins. The northern section is dominated by upland shrubs and trees, giving way to wetlands, confined mostly to the southern half of basin. It was pointed out in the Round Mountain report (2007) that at least three New York threatened and/or endangered herbaceous species had been found in this area (not observed during the February 2009 delineation)

The East Basin contains a significant wetland area confined to southern portion of the basin. Further north in the East Basin is a classic northern wetland and wetland-adjacent woodland, carpeted, to a large extent by Hair-cap moss, Polytrichum. The entire East Basin is unusual in its display of diverse native flora. There are, however, major patches of a variety of invasive species (including Mugwort, Phragmites, Ailanthus, Oriental Bittersweet), posing a threat to the continued development of the native forms. {see INVASIVE SPECIES, below.}

The Central Basin. Surrounded by Giant Reed, Phragmites australis, inhibiting further investigation and comment.

The special attributes of the Ridgewood Reservoir demand that after lying fallow since the basins were drained, over twenty years ago, the established wetlands, developing upland woodlands, and open grassy areas be given the protection they require for proper natural ecological succession. The removal of invasive species and replanting with appropriate native forms, while laborious, requires a greater level of commitment than skill and surely lends itself to the volunteer efforts of a cadre of neighborhood protectors and armies of volunteers from well known social and environmental groups.

Adaptive reuse, other than conservation, has been recommended for the area now occupied by the Ridgewood Reservoir. Athletic facilities, including ball fields covered by artificial turf, and stadia have been mentioned. It must be pointed out, however, that Highland Park, a New York City Park, contiguous with the Ridgewood Reservoir, is currently equipped with several ball fields, a grandstand, restroom facilities, a parking area and dressing rooms -- all underutilized and in a deplorable state of decay.

IT WOULD BE FAR BETTER TO UPGRADE NEARBY HIGHLAND PARK TO BETTER SERVE THE RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY THAN TO DESTROY A UNIQUE AND VIABLE WETLAND ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF DEVELOPING TREES AND SHRUBS.

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