Restoration Plan
SJPWA's restoration strategy was developed in partnership with GEI Consultants — our limnologists and ecologists — and Verdantas, the civil engineers leading dam and weir repair. The plan was shaped by a broad stakeholder group including environmental scientists, state and local agencies, conservation organizations, and the Cold Spring Harbor community.
Each phase addresses a distinct dimension of the pond's health — from the immediate structural crisis at the dam, to the longer-term ecological work of restoring water quality, habitat, and connectivity to Cold Spring Harbor.
The earthen edge surrounding the pond had been eroding and failing at multiple points. Left unaddressed, this deterioration posed a direct threat to the pond's integrity and accelerated the runoff of nutrients into the water.
St. John's Episcopal Church funded a $250,000 remediation and reconstruction of the pond edge — the essential first step in stabilizing the system and creating a foundation for the ecological work to follow.
The wooden spillway weir at the center of the dam — constructed in the early 20th century — is actively failing. One board has already been lost. The weir controls the water level of the pond; its failure would drain approximately twelve feet of water into Cold Spring Harbor, devastating the ecosystem and potentially damaging the dam itself.
Engineering studies are the critical next step. SJPWA is actively pursuing grants and major gifts to fund this phase. Every contribution moves this work forward.
Phase 3 represents the complete restoration of St. John's Pond and its watershed — a multi-year effort that will require sustained partnership between SJPWA, government agencies, conservation organizations, and the community.
The pond has no aquatic invasive species. Its ecological foundation is intact. The science shows a system under stress but not past the point of recovery. The community has demonstrated its commitment. This vision is within reach.
"The recovery is already visible along the western shoreline, where the native plant buffer installed last fall is beginning to intercept the runoff that would otherwise carry nutrients directly into the water."
SJPWA Aquatic Plant Survey Report, 2025
GEI Concepts Under Review
Addressing stormwater runoff from the road that borders the pond's north end — a major pathway for nutrients and pollutants entering the system from outside the watershed.
Direct interventions to reduce nutrient loading and improve the overall health of the pond ecosystem — including floating wetlands, native plantings, and targeted remediation.
Redesigning the dam's spillway to restore natural movement for alewife, blueback herring, and American eel between the pond and Cold Spring Harbor — reconnecting an ecological link severed for generations.
Our Partners
Limnologists and ecologists guiding the Conservation and Restoration Plan — from field surveys and water quality analysis to aquatic habitat assessment and native plant restoration design.
The historic steward of the pond, funding Phase 1 pond edge reconstruction and providing the organizational home and community relationships that make this work possible.
A broad coalition of environmental agencies, conservation organizations, and local institutions contributing expertise, resources, and advocacy to the restoration effort.
Civil engineers leading the structural assessment and repair of the pond's dam and spillway weir. Christina Tuohy — lead engineer and Cold Spring Harbor community member — is overseeing the investigation and stabilization design for this most urgent phase of work.
Engineering studies for Phase 2 are the most urgent priority. Your gift funds the science that protects the pond.
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