NYSFSMA Conference 2026
SLR is proud to sponsor, present, and exhibit at the 2026 New York State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association (NYSFSMA) Conference in Utica, New York.
Visit our table and meet key experts advancing flood mitigation and resiliency efforts in New York State. Mark Carabetta, Matthew Trueheart, Mieke Scherpbier, Katie Casson, Allison Lent, and Theron Bisko will be attending, and look forward to sharing their expertise and discussing emerging trends and challenges.
Mark, Matthew, Mieke, and Katie will also give three invaluable presentations that demonstrate how SLR is shaping the future of climate resilience and flood mitigation planning.
We look forward to connecting with those who share our commitment to creating a more resilient New York!
Our Presentations
The Future Is Now: Predicting Climate Change Impacts on Stream Flow and Flood Risk
Presenter and Plenary Speaker: Mark Carabetta
Wednesday, April 29, 9:45 AM to 10:15 AM
Rigorous planning and design efforts require consideration of climate change impacts, but there is considerable uncertainty associated with predicting future river flows in extreme flood events. Our team developed and implemented a four-step approach to estimate a range of potential future peak stream discharges and evaluate flood risk at specific locations in New York. The results were used to evaluate future flood risk under a range of time scales and emissions pathways, and reflect the uncertainty associated with these projections.
As our work has expanded to include watersheds in several counties, we can begin to see how the relationships between increases in rainfall and streamflow vary geographically. Our approach may have wider applications for evaluating projected changes in flood risk due to climate change, and in understanding the relationship between rainfall intensity and duration, stream flow, and wetland storage.
ABC’s of 2D Model Review
Presenters: Matthew Trueheart and Mieke Scherpbier
Thursday, April 30 (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM)
As two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic modeling becomes increasingly common, ensuring model quality and appropriateness is critical for reliable results and accurate representation of flood hazards. This presentation explores when a 2D model is the right choice, key considerations for building robust models, and practical tips for reviewing them effectively.
Matthew Trueheart and Mieke Scherpbier will discuss common pitfalls, best practices, and indicators of model stability and accuracy to help floodplain managers evaluate 2D models. This presentation is intended for anyone who reviews hydraulic models or flood mapping products such as FEMA maps, flood studies, or flood mitigation designs. This presentation aims to empower local floodplain managers, floodplain administrators, or other municipal officials to review these models so they can ensure accurate mapping for their communities.
Making New York State More Resilient to Flooding
Presenters: Katie Casson and Matthew Trueheart
Thursday, April 30 (9:30 AM - 10:00 AM)
SLR has been conducting studies in watersheds across eastern New York State as part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Resilient New York Program, which has a goal of improving community resiliency to extreme weather events that result in flooding.
In this presentation, Katie Casson and Matthew Trueheart will provide an overview of SLR’s past year of progress under the Resilient NY Program, including both the Mettawee River (Washington County) and Cherry Valley Creek (Otsego County) watersheds. This presentation will discuss challenges encountered in the watersheds we’ve studied and provide examples of hydraulic analyses we’ve undertaken and flood mitigation strategies we’ve recommended through the course of our studies.
