Infrastructure and ecosystems is the theme of the annual Mohawk Watershed Symposium Friday, March 22, at College Park Hall.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-Rhinebeck will deliver the keynote address. Delgado represents the mostly rural 19th Congressional District, which includes the Schoharie Creek (part of the Mohawk) and a large section of the Hudson from the Capital District south to Poughkeepsie.

Now in its 11th year, the daylong symposium features 30 oral and poster presentations.

The symposium, which has helped shape science and policy in the Mohawk basin and across New York state, attracts students, scientists, engineers and other professionals. It is open to registered participants.

The Mohawk River watershed is a unique and distinctive drainage basin that originates in the valley between the western Adirondacks and the Tug Hill Plateau. It flows 140 miles to the east, where it joins the Hudson River.

Three key topics to be covered at the symposium include the flood hazard, especially from ice jamming; dam rehabilitation, dam removal and fish passage; and water quality.

A new action agenda and watershed management plan will be released at the symposium. The goal is a swimmable, fishable, resilient watershed, according to John Garver, professor of geology.

Information about the symposium, including other speakers

The symposium is sponsored by the Geology Department and organized by Garver, Jacqueline Smith, a research professor in Geology, and Carolyn Rodak, assistant professor of civil engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute. It is funded by The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).