Photograph of a green wooded stream with a log fallen across in the background of the image.

Monitoring Unassessed Stream Segment Program (MUSS)

Within the Hudson River Estuary Program

Monitoring Unassessed Stream Segment Program

Monitoring Unassessed Stream Segments (MUSS) Program is a Hudson River Estuary Program initiative centered on water quality monitoring in waterbodies within the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. This is a two-year revolving water quality monitoring program targeting streams or rivers with Best Use(s) that are unassessed or have an unconfirmed assessment status. Unassessed means that water quality data is unavailable or does not meet water quality data requirements. Unconfirmed means that the minimum number of water quality samples are not met, and/or the required two years water quality data are not met. Monitoring unassessed/unconfirmed streams and rivers is a priority project of the Hudson Estuary Program with a goal to better understand the water quality conditions and health of waterbodies in Hudson River tributaries and their watersheds. This goal is tied into HREPs 2021-2025 Action Agenda Goals which can be found here. 

The MUSS program solicits and engages local partners via an application to recommend stream segments that they would like to be monitored by NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program staff. This benefits local partners by providing accurate water quality data that can assist with local land use planning, watershed management, and community outreach while also benefiting NYS by creating a baseline condition assessment of the selected waterbodies.

Monitoring Unassessed Stream Segments Program Goals

  • Monitor and assess water quality in streams and rivers with engaged local partners who can use the information in local stewardship, planning, and decision-making.   
  • Provide updated and accurate water quality data to participating partners (watershed groups, municipalities, Conservation Advisories Councils, Environmental Conservation Commissions, etc.) and public on the stream segments monitored, which can help assist with local land use and planning, watershed management, and community outreach 
  • Assist partners regarding “next steps” based on water quality results in monitored streams or rivers 
  • Update NYSDEC statewide Waterbody Inventory/Priority Waterbody List

Why is this program important?

Identifying and monitoring unassessed stream segments to establish confirmed assessments is important as it helps: 

  • Establish an updated and accurate baseline condition of the stream river 
  • Helps to inform permitting, compliance/enforcement activities, development of clean water plans and prioritization of water quality improvement projects  
  • Assist local partners with local land use planning, watershed management and community outreach 
  • Identify streams of interest, concern, or importance 

Application and Resources

In order to participate applicants must fill out and submit the online application. At this point in time we're not taking applications for this program. Please check back at a later time for updates.

See the 2024 application here.
Photograph of a man wearing a bright vest, green hat, and blue rubber gloves standing in a small stream.

To access the current solicitation letter click here.

Check in periodically, or ask to be included on a list-serve for updates on this program by emailing: %20scott.cuppett [at] dec.ny.gov (scott[dot]cuppett[at]dec[dot]ny[dot]gov), if the application period is not open.

How to apply for Monitoring Unassessed Stream Segments Program

Interested applicants must meet the following requirements in order for applications to be accepted and reviewed: 

  • Be affiliated with a group focused on water resources/management: Examples: Watershed Groups, Conservation Advisory Councils, Environmental Conservation Commissions, municipalities, etc.                                                                                                
  • Letter of support from a stakeholder group                                                                                                 
  • 2 stream segments listed that the applicant would like to be monitored that are located within the Hudson River Estuary Program Grant Boundary                                                                                        
  • Resources the applicant can provide to compliment this research (community leadership, water quality, experience, resources, etc.)                                                                                                      
  • Explanation of how the monitoring results will be communicated to local partners and stakeholders.                                                                                                                                          
  • Must have willingness and capacity to deliver the “next steps,” if your stream or river is selected for assessment. 
Photograph of a man wearing waders doing field water sampling out of the back of a minivan.