American eel project at Sparkill Creek (eel ladder)

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation sponsers the American eel project across the Hudson River Estuary from March-October.  There are several types of project coordinated locally to support research and protection of this migratory fish species.  In Rockland, there are two projects, one being the Eel Ladder project at Sparkill Creek where volunteers recieve formal training and skills to maintain a fish ladder, identify and measure American eels (typically 3-6 inches long) and relocate them above the Dam.  We are seeking volunteers age 10+ to dedicate one day per week from June-October to assess the ladder.  Monitoring takes ~30 minutes-1 hour and volunteers are eligbile for volunteer credit hours.

Location: Ferdon Dam, 277 Ferdon Avenue, Piermont (according to Google Maps)

Parking: Limited. Volunteers typically live near the stream and walk to the Dam. For those visiting, you can park at the Post Office located at (393 Piermont Ave, Piermont- near new Red walkway on Bridge Street) or street parking off on Piermont Avenue (the street on the other side of the Dam).

Timeframe: ~30 minutes-1 hour

Eel Relocation Information: Drop off can be on the opposite side of the dam or driven above the bridge located near the Sparkill Steakhouse and Church located off of Valentine Avenue/ Rte 340, Sparkill.

Protocol: Monitoring takes place 3 times per week. Only 2 people on the platform at a time. One person can record the data. Each monitoring Team will receive an equipment package that they are in charge of for the duration of the season. Staff will provide equipment to a point person to keep for the season. A Point Person will be selected to be in charge of coordination for each monitoring day and report back to SWCD staff, Nicole Laible via phone at (845) 596-5389 (laiblen@co.rockland.ny.us) and Brianna Rosamilia via phone at (845) 596-5479 (rosamilb@co.rockland.ny.us)

Method: One person pulls the line and the other navigates the line to match sure the ladder is being pulled up properly and that the hoses and not pulled out of the water (above the dam level which would break the suction/ flow of water which is needed to attract eels from entering the structure). Pull the ladder high enough to reach the bucket. Tie the line off. Remove the bungee and bucket. Check the bucket for eels and other organisms. Measure eels using ruler and refer to diagram. Note Date and Time of sampling. Note water temperature. Relocate eels using the included bucket. *Brush mesh in the bucket with a toothbrush so that it doesn’t clog. Re-attach bucket with bungee. Untie the line and lower the ladder back into the stream until the white ropes are taught. Tie off the yellow line on the cleat. Be sure to take a photo of your datasheet as you can upload information to the Google Doc online when you are done monitoring each day. Keep hardcopy datasheets and package in the gray bin locked on site.