Requests for Proposals
2026 Technical Training – How to Apply Stream Assessment Data to Stream Restoration
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County is seeking proposals for the development and delivery of a two-day, in-person training course for stream assessment and stream restoration professionals working in the Catskills-Delaware portion of the NYC Water Supply Watershed. The training will be offered by the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program. Training delivery is anticipated in November or December 2026.
This training is intended to build the technical skills and understanding of stream managers working in the watershed to better enable them to review and interpret collected stream assessment data for understanding stream conditions, and in particular sediment dynamics through a study reach.
Please download and review the full Request for Proposals.
Proposal submission deadline: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Submit proposal questions to Leslie Zucker, laz5@cornell.edu, by June 24. All questions and answers will be posted on this webpage on June 29.
Question: Do you anticipate or desire any field component to the workshop?
Answer: We do not plan to include any field components for this workshop. We plan to host the workshop in a large meeting room with access to AV equipment and group tables.
Question: Are there preferred software packages that should be considered for use in this course (QGIS, ArcGIS, Civil 3D, RIVERMorph, Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)? Can I assume that students will have access to any of the listed applications?
Answer: Excel is the preferred software given all participants are familiar with Excel. The use of QGIS or RIVERMorph would be accepted if the consultant determines use of the software enhances the overall quality of the training. The consultant would be required to acquire trial licenses for RIVERMorph as not all participants have a license for this software.
Participants will be requested to bring their own laptops, and it is expected that all participants will have Excel downloaded.
Most participants are familiar with ArcGIS but not all participants use this software frequently. Approximately half of the participants have been exposed to RIVERMorph through Wildland Hydrology courses but may not have used the software since the course. Most participants will have no experience with Civil 3D.
Question: What budget range do you anticipate for developing and giving this course?
Answer: The anticipated budget is $50,000 inclusive of all consultant fees and expenses.
Question: When will the course schedule be finalized?
Answer: The final dates for course delivery will be selected through discussion between CCEUC and the selected consultant to determine availability of both parties. We expect the training will be held in November or December 2026. November 23-27 will not be considered due to proximity to Thanksgiving. The training will be delivered prior to December 24, 2026.
Stream Management Implementation Program (SMIP)
The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program is now accepting SMIP grant applications during the second of three funding rounds in 2026. Grant applications are due by Wednesday, July 8, 2026. About $1,000,000 is available each year for stream and flood mitigation projects.
Eligible applicants include local, county, state, or federal government agencies, 501©(3) organizations, secondary school districts, colleges or universities. For-profit firms or institutions may submit funding applications in the Research, Assessment and Monitoring category only.
AWSMP makes funding available for community partners to implement recommendations identified in the AWSMP Action Plan, Stream Management Plans, Local Flood Analysis Plans, and for other priority reasons. Projects must be carried out within the Ashokan Reservoir watershed.
The AWSMP funds stream projects in the following categories:
– Planning
– Education
– Research, Assessment and Monitoring
(see priority research needs)
– Stream-Related Public Infrastructure Improvement
(see project eligibility guidance)
– Flood Hazard Mitigation
– Stream Restoration
A separate funding stream is available to implement projects recommended in town-accepted Local Flood Analysis plans. Eligible applicants may apply for Local Flood Analysis funding at any time (see the LFA Funding section below).
Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss project ideas with AWSMP before applying. Contact the AWSMP at (845) 688-3047 or info@ashokanstreams.org.
Potential SMIP applicants are asked to carefully review the following policies before submitting an application:
Insurance Requirements
Copyrights and Access to Information
Infrastructure Project Eligibility Guidance
The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program has awarded over $9.6 million for stream and floodplain management projects in the Ashokan watershed since the SMIP grants program began in 2009.
For more information, contact Leslie Zucker at (845) 688-3047 or laz5@cornell.edu.
Local Flood Analysis Implementation Funding
Funding for municipalities to implement Local Flood Analysis (LFA) recommended projects is available to eligible applicants year-round. Funding applications may be submitted at any time.
To apply, municipalities should download and read the funding application at:
Eligible communities with completed LFA studies with recommended actions in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed include:
Town of Olive: West Shokan, Boiceville, Shokan (in development)
Town of Shandaken: Phoenicia, Mt. Tremper, Shandaken, Allaben
Town of Hunter: Lanesville
Municipalities may apply to complete Local Flood Analysis studies of eligible areas through the regular SMIP grant program described above on this website. Visit the Local Flood Analysis program website for more information, and read the LFA funding program rules to determine areas eligible for study.
The AWSMP’s SMIP and LFA grant funding programs are administered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County with funding provided by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. The Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District provides technical assistance during project implementation.