Canal Authority says so!

Well, some people interpret the EEIP as the Canal Authorities intent, but here is the low down. Tree removal from Embankment Dams depends purely on SEEPAGE reports and HAZARD RATING. The ECNA has it on good authority that trees will be removed only on a detrimental report of seepage, and hazard.

Condition Rating- A numeric system that rates the level of deterioration or deficiency of an earthen embankment dam. The Condition Ratings are 1-7:
 
1 (serious/emergency);
2 (very poor);
3 (poor);
4 (fair);
5 (good);
6(very good);
7 (excellent/new).

Hazard classification Refers to the damage or hazard that may be posed by the failure of a dam. The Hazard Classifications are:
 
-Class “A” (low hazard);
-Class “B” (intermediate hazard);
-Class “C” (high hazard); and
-Class “D” (negligible or no hazard).
 
The hazard classification is not indicative of the likelihood of failure: a dam can be in excellent condition and still be a “high hazard” because of the impacts if it were to fail. Likewise, it could be a “low hazard” but in poor condition.

STCC has the misconception that every tree on every canal bank will be cleared, which is not remotely true.

As an example, MS Agte (STCC)  recently posts she rode from Newark to Lyons, (as if she is ‘inspecting’ the canal). There are embankments there, but if you look at the seepage map, is not prone to seepage. So it’s highly unlikely to be addressed under the EEIP unless it starts leaking. It is prioritized based on condition rating

Folks! Not one tree will be removed unless it falls into the above mentioned categories and become a hindrance to the integrity of the embankment and the safety of the nearby residents.

The information is available to anyone and is very easy to use: https://www.nyscanalintegrity.org/program-and-maps