Research

The STLC is committed to working based on evidence-driven strategies and policies. We guide our decisions by collaborating with stakeholders, community members, university faculty, and students. As we bring together stakeholders, we seek input that will help inform our actions. Below are some of our research objectives. 

Endangered species. 

What rare/endangered/threatened species are known in the county relative to those in the larger region? What has been identified? Where are those locations? What should we focus on (what is rare in our area but common not so far away)?  Finding a rare species is one thing - but is it rare globally? Or are they just not found around Binghamton very often? What kind of habitat is unique to our area?

Wildlife corridors. 

This issue connects biodiversity with climate change. What land best serves as corridors between existing protected lands/parks can be identified? These corridors are needed to maintain existing species and allow for change due to climate. There is also a great potential for connecting recreational spaces (trails). 

Flood mitigation. 

The areas with the most species diversity tend to be wetlands or those associated with streams. However, keeping forests along upper areas—hilltops, slopes—is key to retaining rainfall so it doesn't just pour into the streams/rivers. These upper areas, however, are prime solar and housing spots (for the views and the sun exposure). We need to identify key areas in the region that protect downstream flooding. 

Invasive Species. 

This combines climate change with biodiversity. What species are current threats to our habitats, and what species are likely to arrive? What can we do about this? It would be good to look at climate change and how small changes in temperature will bring pests from the south to the north. What are the options to mitigate these pests? (These can be bugs, diseases, plants, critters, etc.) 

Carbon sinks. 

Almost all of our forests in the area are “accidental” because they were recently (within the last 70 years) farms and trees have grown without much planning. This is true for the NE as a whole. How much carbon has been sequestered as a result of the movement of farming to the West? What would happen if we don't conserve land and these become cannabis farms or solar arrays? What do we need to do to offset changes like that? Are there plots of trees that sequester more carbon than others (i.e., by species, tree age, etc). What properties need to be prioritized to enable carbon sequestration?

Recreation. 

Broome County has limited recreation areas in terms of hiking trails. We have lovely parks, but you can't get from one to the other. And a few large parks near the city for hiking/outdoors. Compare and contrast Broome with neighboring counties. What is the potential for expanding recreational opportunities in Broome County and providing residents with more opportunities? Can hiking trails be combined with existing snowmobile right-of-ways? The snowmobile rights of ways are relatively extensive, and they run across private land - can those be shifted to hiking trails in the summer? Can ATV trails be safely added to the mix of recreation to expand connectivity? If so, how and where? How can we best create outdoor opportunities for residents that are accessible, equitable, and sustainable? 

Don't hesitate to contact us if you are interested in these questions and would like to contribute to our research.