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| upper wetland |
Michelle and Ted Cornell's wetland project is done. "It's done, and I love it," said Ted. BRASS put Ted in touch with Eric Derleth of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&WS) last year. Designed and paid for by the Lake Champlain Program, in cooperation with the USF&WS and the NYSDEC, the project is actually two wetland basins.
The lower basin that can be seen from Walker Road, before the intersection with the Wadhams/Lewis Road, is about 2-3 acres. It has a 100-foot dike that is 10-foot wide at the top, sides at a 3:1 slope, and a full spillway. Pool depth is 8-10 feet and is nearly filled due to a feeder stream that is spring-fed.
The upper basin comprises nearly 6 acres and has a 600-foot dike. There will be some open water, says Ted Cornell, but it will take several seasons to fill. "Both wetlands should attract a lot of waterfowl and amphibians."
J-Mar Construction in Essex contracted for the project; the USF&WS seeded both areas after completion. Michelle and Ted's obligation is to maintain the project for ten years. "Everything went very well; everyone cooperated," said Ted. "It took patience, but Eric Derleth with USF&WS and Tim Appleton with DEC took care of all the permits, site surveys, and designs."
| the Cornell's barns reflected in the lower wetland |
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