Six Mile Creek Watershed

Site Specific Updates & Technical Information

Stream Gages

USGS provides realtime data from a gauge at Bethel Grove (left bank at bridge on German Cross Road, 3.4 miles southeast of Ithaca) and in the hamlet of Brooktondale.

Storm Sampling: Phosphorus and Sediment

During four storm events in 2004 water samples from each of the 9 reaches (see below) will be analyzed for phosphorus and sediment. See the full report, which illustrates how the stream reaches respond to precipitation and high flow events. The results confirm that sediment erosion and transport are significant in the stream’s middle reaches. Phosphorus concentration is associated with the sediment fraction. The City of Ithaca’ siltation basin is not reducing sediment concentration in the stream, thus confirming the need for renovation and improvements to this site. The downstream reservoirs are capturing sediments eroded from upstream in the watershed.

Restoration, assessment and reference sites as discussed using the nine stream segments delineated by Milone and MacBroome, Inc. (2003). Stream segments are listed from downstream to upstream. Map.

1. Confluence with Cayuga Inlet to Van Nattas Dam (Giles Street)
2. Van Nattas Dam to Burns Road
   • Mulholland Wildflower Preserve (assessment only)
3. Burns Road to Banks Road
• Burns Rd to German Cross Rd. Stabilization Project
• City of Ithaca Silt Dam
4. Banks Road to Middaugh Road
5. Middaugh Road to Valley Road (intersection with Brooktondale Road)
6. Valley Road to Boiceville Road
7. Boiceville Road to Creamery Road
8. Creamery Road to Six Hundred Road
• Barrile Site
9. Six Hundred Road to the head-waters
   • Yellow Barn (assessment only)

Related Reports and Documents

• Milone and MacBroom Report as PDF (some graphics not currently available) - 355 KB
• Cornell class report on Mullholland Wildlflower Preserve

Publications: available through the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network

Some publications are available both in electronic and hardcopy versions. Hardcopy versions may be requested for the cost of shipping or sent free to Network members.

• Smart Steps to Clean Water focuses on actions citizens can take to protect the Cayuga Lake region. This document is a companion to Issues in the Cayuga Lake Watershed.
• Issues In The Cayuga Lake Watershed provides an overview of local concerns being addressed through the watershed management approach. Available in PDF and hardcopy. This publication is also contained on the Protecting the Cayuga Lake Watershed CD.
• Protecting the Cayuga Lake Watershed compact disk, provides in-depth information on management efforts around Cayuga Lake, and the “watershed approach” concepts upon which they are founded. Technical explanations of restoration techniques are included.

Six Mile Creek Partners and Project Managers:

Please use the site report template to submit project updates via email to w_educator@cayugalake.org.