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The Great Swamp -- covering over 6,000 acres -- is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in New York State.
Situated in New York's eastern Putnam and Dutchess Counties, the Great Swamp and its 63,000-acre watershed stretch 20 miles through the
towns of Southeast, Patterson, Pawling and Dover. Located less than 70 miles from New York City, this vast and fragile wetland
provides numerous benefits to residents of the Harlem Valley, including drinking water, flood control, recreation, open space,
and wildlife habitat.
The Great Swamp spans two watersheds, divided at Pawling into a north and south flow. To the north, water travels through the Swamp River and into the Ten Mile River, the Housantonic River, and eventually the Long Island Sound. Meandering south it is the East Branch Croton River flowing into the East Branch to the East Branch Reservoir of New York City's Croton Reservoir System, making the Great Swamp the important headwaters of New York City's drinking water supply.
The Great Swamp is listed in the New York State Open Space Plan as a priority project in the 2001 Plan that includes 132 projects statewide. Governor Pataki's recent designation of the Croton Watershed as Critical Resource Waters includes the Great Swamp and provides greater protection. The Army Corps of Engineers is required to conduct a more far-reaching and public review of all projects, rather than their weaker Nationwide Permit Program. Of The Swamp, Governor Pataki has said: "I had the opportunity to canoe portions of the Great Swamp and witness first hand what a marvelous resource the Great Swamp presents for the people and communities of this region."
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Improved water quality: The Great Swamp filters out sediments and pollution to maintain a clean, dependable source of drinking water for people in Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties; it also supplies water to New York City's Croton Reservoir System.
Habitat for plants and animals: A wide variety of flora and fauna, including nine rare species, are known to make the Great Swamp their home.
Recreation: The Great Swamp provides an outdoor playground for canoeing, fishing, hunting, bird-watching, cross-country skiiing, and hiking.
Reduced flooding: The Great Swamp acts as a giant sponge to absorb rainwater and reduce otherwise destructive flooding.
Open space and scenic views: The Great Swamp is a beautiful natural area that enhances quality of life for people in Putnam and Dutchess Counties.
Although guarded by local, state and federal regulations, the Great Swamp continues to be threatened by:
Pollutants and sediments: Stormwater runoff carries harmful substances into the Great Swamp from roads, construction sites, salt piles, farms, waste water and septic systems, mines, and other sources.
Invasive species: Quick growing non-native plants such as purple loosestrife and phragmites choke out other species, reducing biodiversity and destroying fragile habitat.
Encroachment and loss of public access: By building in the wetland or adjacent areas, the ecological and hydrological functions of the Great Swamp are threatened and the recreation value is reduced. As population and development increases in the region, the potential for destructive pollution and other threats also increases.
Wetlands like the Great Swamp are regarded as valuable resources to those communities fortunate enough to have them as part of their watershed. They provide biological communities as well as recreational and educational opportunities for residents. Equally important is the contribution that wetlands make to water and water quality.
Wetlands act as sponges. They hold water and maintain stream and aquifer volumes during wet and dry times. Stream flow and ground water are supplemented by wetlands in times when rain and snowfall are low. Flood protection is given to developed areas during high runoff periods. During times of drought, the Great Swamp's ability to hold the large amounts of water it received during the winter months and in previous seasons, allows the Swamp to maintain its aquifer and continue to release small amounts of water into the East Branch Croton River even in the driest months of summer. The Swamp soaks up the runoff from heavy rains and helps prevent downstream flooding.
These water quality wetlands, like the Great Swamp, have the capability to filter water as it passes through, removing various pollutants and sediments. The Great Swamp is but one part of an integrated network of lakes, ponds, streams, smaller wetlands and groundwater aquifers. Much of the rain and snowfall that comes to the watershed each year travels through all these water bodies and eventually drains into the Great Swamp. As water moves through the watershed in the upland areas it picks up byproducts such as nutrients, road salt, oil, pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metal and farm manure. When the water reaches the Great Swamp, water quality is improved through various biogeochemical transformations, as well as the physical removal of sediment from the water. The result is a reduction in water pollution.
Eighty percent of the Great Swamp is "south flowing" and is part of New York City's Croton Watershed. The future of this portion of the Great Swamp holds serious concerns because of current developmental pressures. With talk of filtering the Croton system by New York City it is feared that these pressures will become worse.
Much of the length of the Great Swamp is narrow and runs parallel to Route 22. The widest portion of the Swamp, or the "Heart" of the Swamp, located in Patterson is of particular concern for a variety of reasons. This section of the Swamp consists mainly of Red Maple hardwoods and is considered a valuable habitat area. Additionally, water quality data comparisons above and below this portion of the Swamp document the water purification capabilities of this central, wide area. It is the water purification abilities of the Swamp that allow minnows, crayfish, and the larger "game fish" like the brown trout to survive in the waters of the East Branch Croton River. Fishing as a sport would be curtailed if not ended if pollutants entering the Swamp are not minimized.