Why is the Regulating District vital for New York State?
Farmland in the Black River Watershed
Croghan Island Mill Lumber Company, on the Beaver River, still operates using a water wheel as it did over 100 years ago.
The Hudson River-Black River Regulating Distrcit provides flood protection to New York’s Capital, Albany, on the Hudson River.
Lyons Falls on the Black River
By continuously refining its water management and offering vital flood and drought protection, the Regulating District is committed to improving the safety, health and quality of life for New Yorkers who live, work and enjoy leisure time in or near the Hudson River and Black River Area watersheds.
In addition, the Regulating District also serves many thousands of citizens, communities, businesses and industries in the Hudson River and Black River Areas that depend on flood control as well as augmented low river flow to power industrial operations. Utilizing water released from the Regulating District’s reservoirs, these hydroelectric plants produce enough clean and renewable electricity for over 450,000 homes.
Moreover, the Regulating District further supports recreational activities throughout the Adirondack Region. The Regulating District’s Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Stillwater Reservoir and Fulton Chain of Lakes are open to the public and now attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round to enjoy fishing, boating, whitewater sports, ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Additionally, in accordance with the Upper Hudson/Sacandaga River Offer of Settlement, the Regulating District also authorizes certain water releases for the sole purpose of improving whitewater activities on the Sacandaga River.