Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth is advocating for the aquatic restoration and rehabilitation of Udall's Mill Pond and the Saddle Rock Grist Mill. A high priority on her agenda, Legislator Bosworth is working to ensure that the pond maintains its water level and its function as a drainage facility. The pond's purpose as a drainage facility has been compromised by the effects of storm water runoff, which carries sediment. It is the accumulation of this sediment that has compromised the pond's function, potentially leading to flooding issues. Improvements will be made to the drainage function by restoring the capability to pass or retain the storm water generated during rain events.

Udall's Mill Pond was formed when the last glaciers receded on Long Island. As the ice melted 15,000 years ago, debris from boulders, gravel and soil were deposited. The runoff from formed streams created ravines and the shallow inter-tidal flats today known as Udall's Cove in Douglaston and Little Neck. As grass grew, the current slowed and more sediment fell to the bottom which continued rising over time, thus creating a tidal wetland.

The historic Saddle Rock Grist Mill was originally installed to capture the energy from the tidal waters. "The Grist Mill is an absolute treasure (it is the first stop on the North Shore Heritage Trail) and was the oldest operating Grist Mill in the nation up until 1995," cites Legislator Bosworth. Although the water wheel is currently not operational, Legislator Bosworth has advocated for repairs to the Grist Mill since she has been in office, and is working with Saddle Rock Mayor J. Leonard Samansky to get the Mill operational once again.

"It is important to either repair or replace the water wheel so our children and future generations will have the opportunity to experience this historic landmark in action. We are fortunate that Mayor Samansky has devoted so much time and effort to protecting the integrity of this historic landmark," said Legislator Bosworth.

While "there is some debate as to whether the Grist Mill, working or not, helps to regulate the pond, there is no debate as to the importance of protecting and restoring this valuable asset," Legislator Bosworth points out. Mayor Samansky believes that the scope of this restoration will affect the villages of Saddle Rock, Kings Point and Great Neck, and the unincorporated areas of Harbor Hills, and Saddle Rock Estates. "Udall's Pond and its surrounding areas are part of a magnificent historical green space. This area needs to be protected in order to preserve our ecosystem and wildlife," said Mayor Samansky. He went on to add that "where we can, we must protect open space."

Nassau County Department of Public Works has allocated $6,500,000 toward the rehabilitation of Udall's Mill Pond, Cedar Point Lake and Twin Ponds. This restoration effort will be undertaken by the county's Department of Public Works (DPW). While the planning stage of this project was completed in May 2008, with the design component to be completed by 2009, Legislator Bosworth hopes the project will be completed by 2010.

In pursuit of this aquatic restoration, Legislator Bosworth has recently met with Ray Ribeiro, commissioner of the Department of Public Works; Brian Schneider, a hydrogeologist working in the Water/Waste Water Engineering division of the DPW; and Tracy Kay, the deputy commissioner for the Department of Museums and Preserves. She is impressed with their knowledge and commitment to this project. Legislator Bosworth stresses, however, that all plans for rehabilitation will require the approval of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The Department of Public Works has initiated a preliminary survey (to be completed by the end of this November) to determine the depth of the water in the various parts of the pond and to evaluate the pond's water quality. In analyzing the flora and fauna of the pond, they will study the sediment quality while a bathymetric study will help measure the depth of the water. In evaluating the shoreline and completing surveys, the DPW will compare the current depth of the water in the pond with that of what it was many years ago to ensure that any restoration of the water's depth through dredging will be only that of restoration, and not to make the depth of the pond deeper than what it originally was. The installation of native tidal grasses and wetland plants will act as natural filters for the water before it is discharged into the bay, and will also serve to attract shore birds and fish to the pond. There are also preliminary plans to install a walkway over the tidal wetlands east of the Saddle Rock Bridge so that residents may enjoy the pond as a viewing site.

The Department of Environmental Conservation requires that the county look at the watershed area and not just the pond itself. There are two ways which water flows into Udall's Pond. One is through a series of pipes which are buried underground and through catch basins, which are located on side streets and main roads. As rain water falls onto impervious surfaces, it flows into the catch basins, flows into branches of pipes which get larger, and eventually flows into an open stream pipe, which then discharges into the pond. The Department of Public Works will be installing storm water treatment devices and making improvements to the catch basins to prevent road debris from entering the drainage system. The other way water gets into the pond is through overland runoff. It is important to note that Nassau County's drainage system is not treated. Anything that finds its way into the storm water drainage, such as salt, soil, pesticides and herbicides will eventually flow into the stream system, into Udall's Pond and ultimately, into Little Neck Bay. Since the pond serves as an initial filter for the bay, the purpose of the aquatic restoration of Udall's Pond then is to prevent these pollutants from entering Long Island Sound.

Legislator Bosworth hopes that this project will also serve to raise the public's consciousness about the importance of utilizing organic fertilizer and natural mineral products as we care for our lawns. As rainwater falls, any pesticides or herbicides used in treating our lawns become part of the water runoff, finding their way into our drainage system and then into Udall's Pond. Legislator Bosworth now employs the use of organic grounds care at her home. "We all need to become more cognizant of how our actions can affect the environment. By working together to advocate for our environment and our community's well-being, we can get it done," she said.