Hosted by the River Restoration Network, this full-day in-person convening will bring together municipalities, state agencies, regional NGO practitioners, and technical assistance providers to identify shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration related to stream barrier removal, such as dam removal and culvert upgrades, across the Long Island Sound Watershed.
Participants will engage in discussions focused on key challenges, including permitting, funding, municipal and organizational capacity, interagency coordination, and on-the-ground implementation. Through a combination of presentations, case studies, and breakout sessions, attendees will examine where processes break down and pinpoint where improved alignment could reduce delays, costs, and capacity building.
The convening will focus on:
- Identifying systemic and regulatory barriers affecting municipalities
- Sharing lessons learned and successful approaches from across the state
- Exploring opportunities for improved coordination among municipal, regional, state and NGO partners
- Highlighting strategies to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and create networks of support
The agenda (see below) will also include discussion of training and capacity-building opportunities to support municipal staff, local officials, and practitioners by building shared understanding of best practices, permitting pathways, and implementation standards.
The day will conclude with a wrap up of key themes, priority challenges, and actionable next steps to inform future collaboration, policy discussions, and technical assistance efforts aimed at improving project outcomes statewide. Participants will leave with tools, knowledge, contacts, and will be better equipped to address the removal of barriers in their work.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location:
NYS DEC Marine Resources Division
123 Kings Park Blvd, Kings Park, NY 11754
Agenda
Questions?
Please contact Katie Mattei at kmattei@seatuck.org or Anthony Allen at aallen@savethesound.org.