Kleine Kill Stream Restoration

Duck Pond was created circa 1908 on the Kleine Kill stream by constructing a stacked stone, earthen fill dam with drain valves for managing water levels.

In 2018, the dam’s century-old drainage system failed, reducing the pond’s water level and exposing several severe defects. Water levels began cycling due to a broken drain valve, inlet siltation and rainfall accumulation in the watershed.

An inspection by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Dam Safety identified an unrepairable drain valve, significant water seepage at the toe of the dam, and a critically deteriorating spillway, all of which could lead to impending failure of the dam.

Mohonk Preserve engaged a professional engineering firm to assess the dam and develop a remediation plan. A multi-year study involving volunteer committee members, staff and board members was completed in 2022. After extensive review and consideration, the Preserve determined that the optimal conservation action is to restore the Kleine Kill stream corridor with upland wet meadows and beaver analogs for ponding.

Over the next 5-10 years, as we undergo stream restoration, Mohonk Preserve staff will be evaluating habitat and species community changes over time and focusing on invasive species management. 

Kleine Kill Restoration