Since 1996 there have been four catastrophic flood events throughout the Upper Delaware River Basin. Those events have created a need for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to team up with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study in the hamlet of Livingston Manor. The cost-sharing agreement was executed on May 26, 2009 and when non- federal funds arrived in September 2009, a team of engineers and scientists began the study process. The study will examine the problems, needs, opportunities and potential alternative solutions for flood risk management and ecosystem restoration within this 100-square-mile watershed.

The tributaries of Willowemoc Creek, the Little Beaverkill and Cattail Brook located upstream of Covered Bridge Road in the Town of Rockland, Sullivan County, New York are included in the study.

There are many options under consideration to help protect this watershed and those who live there. Flood risk management would utilize both structural and non-structural measures, such as flood proofing, real estate acquisition, and flood plain improvements. There are also environmental restoration alternatives that will include wetland and riparian restoration and habitat improvements to these nationally recognized trout streams.