Lake Saving Restoration Projects
Protecting the health of Canandaigua Lake requires not only addressing current challenges but also preparing for future threats. The greatest opportunity to make a meaningful impact lies in accelerating the restoration of the watershed’s natural systems through lake-saving projects that build resilience and improve water quality.
​
Our watershed is increasingly vulnerable to degradation due to rising pressures from intense storm events and nutrient loading. These lake-saving projects are key to rebuilding the natural systems that protect water quality, reduce flood risks, and enhance resilience against emerging threats. Restoring wetlands, streambanks, shorelines, and floodplains is critical for strengthening the lake’s natural defenses, improving its ability to filter pollutants, and managing stormwater more effectively.​
By working collaboratively with local municipalities, Stace agencies, landowners, and community partners, we are taking a proactive approach to ensure that Canandaigua Lake remains a vibrant, healthy resource for future generations while fostering a more resilient watershed capable of adapting to the challenges ahead.
RECENT RESTORATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Restoring the Landscape: Grass Waterway and Basin System in the Town of Canandaigua
The area around Wells Cutris and Middle Cheshire Road has been repeatedly impacted by extreme storm events, resulting in significant flooding and the downstream transport of sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants into the lake. On two occasions, following major storm events, the Town of Canandaigua had to deploy a snowplow to clear material washed off the adjacent field, which had covered the roadway!
​
In partnership with two local landowners and farmer, the Watershed Council and the Town of Canandaigua successfully designed and installed a 1,300-foot by 50-foot grass waterway and a water and sediment control basin system to help capture and infiltrate nutrients coming from the agricultural fields in this area. The grass waterway was designed to help stabilize the field, which had previously had a massive erosion channel. A creative cost-share program with the farmer helped restore the field into a hayfield, dramatically reducing field-based erosion.
​
Additional plans for the site in 2025 include a 1.3 acre farmable hayfield basin to additionally help reduce peak flow rates downstream.
​
This wholistic approach to landscape restoration will help significantly mitigate flood risks while also providing substantial water quality benefits.
Before: Erosion channels in the agricultural field washing material into the lake
After: Installation of grass waterway to capture and infiltrate nutrients and reduce field-based erosion
Protecting Source Water: Barnes Gully Land Acquisition
The recent acquisition of a 13-acre property along Barnes Gully represents a collaboration between the Town of Canandaigua and the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council, made possible through funding from the NYS DEC’s Source Water Protection Program.
​
This acquisition protects 2,600 feet of land along Barnes Gully, including a forested riparian corridor along steep embankments—an essential feature for preventing erosion and protecting water quality. This area is vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain events, where segments of Barnes Creek has overflowed its banks on both sides in the past and flooded nearby properties, including Onanda Park. This property was also in an area of high development potential, so the protection of this property will prevent future land disturbance that could further degrade the water quality of Canandaigua Lake – the primary drinking water source for 70,000 people.
​
This strategic acquisition is part of a broader vision to strengthen water quality protections and support the Town of Canandaigua's ongoing land preservation efforts, building on the 80 acres at Onanda Park.
Sections of Barnes Gully overflowing its banks, impacting nearby properties
Section of the 13-acre upland protection area, which includes steep slopes and a forested riparian corridor
Reducing Flooding Impacts in the Town of Hopewell
​
A branch of Fallbrook Stream in the Town of Hopewell drains an area of approximately 212 acres, which is prone to heavy sediment loads and nutrient loading from nearby agricultural fields during intense storm events. These storms have caused recurring flooding, with runoff spilling over onto Route 5&20 and Smith Road. In 2023, two significant flood events from this drainage area severely impacted businesses along the 5&20 corridor.
​
To improve downstream water quality and mitigate flood impacts in the drainage area, the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council collaborated with the landowner, who generously donated a 5-acre easement to the Town of Hopewell and provided engineering services to construct a 3.5-acre stormwater management basin on a site with high development potential. Municipal forces worked together to excavate and stabilize the site. The excavated material was used to construct a berm, providing additional temporary storage and helping to slow the movement of water. An outlet structure gradually releases water back into a tributary of Fallbrook, ensuring controlled flow. To stabilize the exposed surface, the entire area was seeded for further erosion protection.
​
Upon completion, results show more than 80% reductions in peak flow rates from the project site. Since the improvements, several significant storm events have hit the area, including remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in 2024 – during this event, the basin activated and helped limit floodwaters that would have otherwise topped over Routes 5&20. Future goals for this area will be to obtain, through easements, another 15-20 acres around the basin.
​
The project included municipal assistance from the Towns of Hopewell, Canandaigua, Gorham, and East Bloomfield, and the City of Canandaigua. Additional funding was provided by FLLOWPA.
Significant flooding during storm events in Hopewell, overtopping roads
After: Installation of stormwater basin providing additional storage and reduction in peak flow rates
Finger Lakes Community College Campus Water Quality, Flood Resiliency
and Habitat Enhancement Project
​
Stream monitoring of over 50 storm events over the years has shown elevated phosphorus levels in the 4,000 acre Fallbrook sub watershed. Large sediment plumes, especially during storms, impacting the north end of the lake, underscoring the need for action.
​
The Finger Lakes Community College campus, located in the downstream portion of the Fallbrook subwatershed, was an ideal location for a water quality, flood resiliency, and habitat enhancement project. The initiative aimed to help Fallbrook reconnect with its floodplain and filter high flows through newly created and enhanced wetlands across the 20-acre project area.
​
Key construction features of the new wetland system included:
-
A rock weir to allow baseflow and facilitate water rise during high-flow events.
-
A rock and grass-lined channel to direct high flows into the project area.
-
A berm built from project material to increase storage capacity, creating a pocket wetland for habitat.
-
Controlled outlet structures to release water slowly back into Fallbrook.
-
Creation of of 3,000 feet of trails.
-
Culverts under a trail to connect the northern project area to an existing wetland, improving hydrological connectivity.
-
Retrofitting the canoe pond with a berm and controlled outlet to boost stormwater storage, linking it to the rest of the project.
-
Portions of the berm integrated into a trail system to foster community engagement and wetland awareness.
This new wetland system provides significant water quality treatment, storing approximately 3 feet of water during storm events, which represents 20 million gallons of storage. Research shows that these enhanced wetland systems can achieve nutrient removal rates of up to 50%.
​
This project is a successful collaboration, with the Watershed Council coordinating the effort in partnership with Ontario County. The Town of Canandaigua played a key role in construction, providing both manpower and equipment. Support was also provided by the towns of Gorham, Hopewell, Naples, Middlesex, and the City of Canandaigua. The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council (CLWC) secured $260,000 in funding through the NYS Water Quality Improvement Program and $20,000 through FLLOWPA, with additional funding from the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association.
Creation of 3,000 additional feet of trails, connecting to the established footpaths along wetland complex
Wetlands create additional habitat while increasing storage capacity
Sucker Brook Restoration Projects
Sucker Brook has a history of significant flooding and water quality issues in the past and has become a focus are for flood resiliency work. Recent restoration projects in this sub watershed are designed to bring water from Sucker Brook during storm events into water quality treatment areas, where it can be naturally filtered before it is slowly released back to the stream - increasing flood resiliency and improving water quality. ​
Route 5&20 Project: A Natural Solution for High-Flow Stormwater
This project helps manage high stormwater flows from Sucker Brook by redirecting them into both an existing wetland and a newly constructed wetland. The wetlands act as natural filtration systems, removing pollutants before water is safely returned to the stream. Partners in this project included the City and Town of Canandaigua and the Department of State.​​
County Road 30 Project: Capturing Peak Flows for Clean Water
To further protect against flooding, a rock weir structure was installed to direct peak flows into a large temporary storage area. This innovative solution allows for controlled release of water back into the stream, reducing erosion and maintaining water quality. Project partners included the City and Town of Canandaigua and the Department of State. ​
Sucker Brook Headwaters Project: Restoring Stream Health
A tributary to Sucker Brook had an artificial, sharp bend that was prone to erosion. This project help restored the stream to its natural meandering form and planted trees along the stream banks. A conservation easement protects 7.1 acres of stream buffer and 6.7 acres of wetlands. Project partners included the Town of Canandaigua, Morell Development, and the Department of State.​
Sucker Brook remains a key focus area for flood resiliency and water quality improvements. Ongoing projects are being planned to mitigate the impacts of flood events, ensuring improved water quality and increased resiliency.​
Route 5&20 Project in the Town of Canandaigua
Sucker Brook Headwaters Project
Naples Creek Floodplain Restoration Projects
A series of projects were constructed to reconnect Naples Creek to its floodplain in strategic locations for water quality and flood resiliency benefits. Naples Creek now has more frequent and greater access to 100s of acres of additional floodplain that provides major water quality treatment. This project covers a wide geographic area and included:
​
-
13+ new berm breaks to allow flow to enter floodplain
-
7 new culvert systems to convey flow into water quality storage areas
-
110 acres of land permanently protected- including 6,300 feet of riparian corridor
-
4 debris jams removed from the stream and bridge areas
-
Fixed trail system along stream and allowed flow to access adjacent forested floodplain system
​
Multiple berm breaks were constructed along Naples Creek and one of its tributaries. Floodwaters can now slowly filter through open lands for water quality and flood resiliency benefits.
​
Project Partners: NYS Department of State, Town of Naples, Town of Canandaigua, the Nature Conservancy, Ontario County FLLOWPA, Ontario County WRC, Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
Before: Previous flooding did not allow for the water to spread out across the floodplain
After: Multiple berm breaks were installed
allowing for water to reach DEC land for treatment
Hydrologic Reconnection Along Parish Flats and Route 245 in Naples
During heavy storms, roads can act like barriers, trapping water and diverting it to areas where it causes damage. To address this, 7 new cross culverts were installed under Route 245 and Parish Flats Road in the Town of Naples, allowing floodwaters to flow beneath the roads and into designated water quality storage areas as part of the larger Naples Creek Flood Resiliency project.
​
This strategic modification ensures that stormwater is slowly absorbed and filtered through the land, naturally reducing pollutants. By improving water flow and enhancing filtration, this project not only strengthens flood resiliency, but reduces the risk of damage to the local infrastructure.
​
Project Partners: NYS Department of State, Town of Naples, Town of Canandaigua, the Nature Conservancy, Ontario County FLLOWPA, Ontario County WRC, Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
Project Features: New cross culverts under Rt. 245 to carry high flows into an open landscape for natural filtration
Parish Flats cross culverts in action, conveying flows into the adjacent water quality treatment areas
STREAM AND ROAD BANK STABLIZATION PROJECTS
Eroding streams and road banks can be a significant source of sediment pollution to Canandaigua Lake. The Watershed Council has partnered with multiple municipalities and NYS Department of State to stabilize stream and road banks. Recent project photos are shown below.
Cottage City Drive Bank Stabilization
Project Partners: Department of State, Town of Gorham
​
A highly eroding bank was stabilized with large rocks.
Before
After
Sucker Brook Streambank Stabilization
Project Partners: NYS Department of State, City of Canandaigua
​
A highly eroded streambank was stabilized.
Before
After
Gannett Hill Road Ditch Stabilization
Project Partners: NYS Department of State, Town of South Bristol
​
An eroding road ditch along a steep slope was stabilized with rock rip rap.
Before
After
Eelpot Creek/Garlinghouse Road Stabilization
Project Partners: NYS Department of State, Town of Naples
​
The road/stream bank was stabilized with stacked rock.
Before
After - example of stabilization
Sunnyside Road Drainage Improvement Project
Project Partners: NYS Department of State, Town of Italy
​
Improvements to catch basins and the road, along with installation of debris catches, help prevent downstream problems.
Before
After - example of improved catch basin & debris catch
Dinehart Cross Culvert Replacement
Project Partners: NYS Department of State, Town of Middlesex
​
Replaced culvert, which was failing, to ensure Vine Valley Creek can continue to flow under Dinehart Cross Road and stabilized bank.
After - new culvert
After - stabilized banks
South Lake Road Rehabilitation
Project Partners: Department of State, Town of Middlesex
​
South Lake Road is prone to flooding and erosion problems. To increase flood resiliency, multiple undersized cross culverts were replaced and drainage improvements were constructed. In addition, a slope failure along the road was repaired using soil nails.
Before: Debris deposited due to undersized culvert
Soil nails
After
Culvert Replacement
After: Larger culvert
South Hill Road Bank Stabilization
Stabilized roadside ditch
Project Partners: Department of State, Town of Middlesex
​
Multiple sections of severely eroded roadside ditch were stabilized.
Wolfanger Road Culvert Replacement
Project Partners: Department of State, Town of Middlesex
​
An undersized cross culvert was replaced with a larger, longer culvert and its outlet was stabilized.
New culvert with outlet stabilization
Stid Hill Road Bank Stabilization
Example of damage from June 2015
Project Partners: Department of State, Town of South Bristol
​
Areas of severe erosion were stabilized along sections of Stid Hill Road.
Example of bank stabilization completed
PAST PROJECTS
Sucker Brook Projects
Over 8.4 million pounds of slightly contaminated sediment were removed from a section of Sucker Brook between Parrish Street and 5 and 20 Bypass. Material was brought to landfill and used as daily cover. Watershed Council coordinated the project and partnered with County, Town and City to complete project. Improved water quality and reduced potential upstreaming flooding. Grant funding through DOS.
Canandaigua City School District
Stormwater Wetland
Created two- acre stormwater wetland on Canandaigua City School District Pearl Street property. Stormwater wetlands created to solve flooding problems at Primary School- 17 classrooms flooded on two occasions. Partnered with Town, County, School and City. Grant funding through DOS.
Deuel Road Stormwater
Management Facility
Town of Canandaigua created the Deuel Road stormwater management facility in partnership with the local farmer and Watershed Council to reduce flood related damage to Deuel Road.
Canandaigua YMCA Bio-Retention Facility
Watershed Council obtained grant funding, coordinated efforts and provided the in-kind assistance to work with county, town and city forces to build the bio-retention area.
Fall Brook Stream Bank
Stabilization Project
Watershed Council designed and coordinated the Fall Brook/ Canandaigua Country Club stream stabilization project (1,200 feet both sides). Partnered with Town of Canandaigua Highway Department to complete work.
Lagoon Park Habitat Restoration Plan
Watershed Council worked with several partners to create the Lagoon Park Habitat Restoration Plan. Provided significant planting assistance and applied for two grants to help pay to implement the plan. Partners include: Botanical Society, City, Watershed Association, Soil and Water and FLCC students.
-
Sucker Brook stream restoration/stabilization projects- partnered with County, Town and City to complete the projects. Grant funding through DOS.
-
Middlesex Highway Garage bio retention area- partnered with the Highway Department and Watershed Association.
-
Obtained grant funding to assist City of Canandaigua in purchase of a Street Sweeper.
-
Antis Street Parking Lot Bio-Retention project- partnered with the City of Canandaigua.
-
Village of Rushville Walking Trail and stream stabilization along West River. Watershed Council assisted in obtaining grant funding and volunteer assistance in trail clearing.
-
Design and permit assistance on several FEMA projects (Bills Road, Shoreline stabilization projects, culvert sizing and replacement.
-
Menteth Creek/Goodale Road partnership with farmer, NRCS and Fish and Wildlife Service Partners Program to restore 1,000 + feet of stream using logs, vegetation and some stone.
-
DEC and Trout Unlimited completed substantial stream bank stabilization projects in Naples Creek to promote fish habitat and protect water quality. Watershed Council participated in the Willow Planting Project.
-
Watershed Council assisted with the Onanda Park/Barnes Gully dredging project and Boat Launch stabilization in partnership with the Town of Canandaigua.
-
Watershed Council partnered with Ontario County County Public Works and Highway Department to complete the Grimes Creek/County Road 36 bank stabilization project- 350 feet. Grant funding purchased the stone and plantings that were utilized.