plants are crucial for slope stabilization. The unstable slopes in the Village can result in “slumping,” which produces cracks and gaps in sidewalks, retaining walls, and railroad ties; many Village roads show the results of frost heaving in the late winter and early spring. d. Water Resources The water resources of the Village define much of its natural character: Hudson River and Croton Rivers and associated freshwater wetlands, the ponds at the north end of the Village, and several smaller streams that run from the higher elevations to the lower rivers, and their wetlands. The Croton Water Control Commission reviews all construction within 120 feet of a water body (which includes wetlands). The entire Village falls within the New York State Coastal Zone. Its extensive coastal areas include the following designated environmental areas: the Lower Hudson River Estuary, New York PAGE 18 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN State classified Significant Habitats, Hudson River Critical Environmental Area, and State-designated wetlands. A portion of Croton-on-Hudson is situated in the Westchester County-designated Critical Environmental Area. Lower Hudson River Estuary Croton-on-Hudson is one of the many communities located along the Hudson River estuary, which has long been recognized as a valuable state and local resource, as well as an important part of the North Atlantic coastal environment. The Hudson River is regionally significant as a productive estuary and is one of only a few major tidal rivers on the North Atlantic coast of the United States. The lower Hudson supports regionally significant fish populations as well as populations of wintering and migratory birds that feed on the rich fish and benthic resources. This is the primary nursery and overwintering area for striped bass in the Hudson River estuary, and striped bass from the Hudson account for an impressive portion of the total North Atlantic population. The estuary contains important spawning and nursery grounds for many commercially valuable fish and shellfish species as well as significant acreage of tidal freshwater wetlands within the State. These wetlands, along with the river's brackish tidal wetlands and stands of submerged aquatic vegetation, contribute essential nutrients which support the Hudson's complex web of life. Over 16,500 acres in the estuary from Albany-Rensselaer to Rockland-Westchester Counties have been inventoried and designated Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats, jointly by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and Department of State (NYSDOS). Two of these significant habitat areas are located along Croton-on-Hudson’s shoreline: Croton River and Bay, south of Croton Point Park, and Haverstraw Bay (which includes Senasqua Cove) north of Croton Point Park. Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitats Significant coastal fish and wildlife habitats are under the jurisdiction of the New York State Coastal Management Program. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) evaluates the significance of coastal fish and wildlife areas, and upon recommendation from NYSDEC, the New York State Department of State designates and maps significant areas. Croton-on-Hudson’s LWRP describes these habitats and their fish and wildlife values, and elaborates upon the state protection policy with more detail in its local coastal zone Policies 7A-G. PAGE 19 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Croton River and Bay Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat This habitat includes an approximate one-mile segment along the Hudson River, and an approximate 1,200-acre shallow bay and mudflat south of Croton Point. The Croton River is a relatively large fresh water stream, draining an area of over 375 miles, including portions of the Croton watershed. During periods of State-declared drought emergency, the freshwater flow can be diverted out of the Croton River for municipal water supplies. To help preserve the quality of this freshwater flow, the tidal portion of the Croton River is included in the protected habitat. The Croton River and Bay have been subject to considerable habitat disturbance, including filling of wetlands for waste disposal at the Croton Point Landfill, discharges of stormwater runoff from developed areas and roads, residential and industrial uses along the River and Bay, and road and rail crossings. View of Croton River This habitat includes one of the largest shallow bay areas in the lower Hudson River, sheltered from strong currents; this area functions as a productive year round habitat for resident fish species. As a result, the Croton River and Bay are very popular for recreational fishing; it is one of the recognized hot spots for striped bass in the Hudson River. Locally significant numbers of waterfowl can be seen in the area during spring and fall migrations. Haverstraw Bay Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat Haverstraw Bay encompasses both sides of the Hudson over a sixmile reach, in the widest section of the Hudson River estuary. The Bay includes extensive shallow areas and is a place where the freshwater from the upper river mixes with the salt water from the Atlantic, producing a predominantly brackish water habitat. Despite