Results/Conclusions

Based on the historic maps of the study area, the conclusion that is drawn from this research is that New Island was formed by two events during the end of the 19^th century.  These events are: a) a change in the course of the river near where the Charlotte Creek enters the river which changed main flow of the river to head south, then west again until it entered into the same channel near the west end of Neahwa Park, and b) the diversion of the Susquehanna River into its old riverbed to create Electric Lake.

 By comparing maps, and aerial photos of this study area a visual analysis can determine the time frame that New Island was formed.  Maps that were drawn in 1884 and earlier all show the main flow of the Susquehanna River running almost parallel to the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad.  Maps that were created from 1902 to the present show the main flow of the Susquehanna River farther south, and not parallel to the same railroad.  By comparing historic maps of the study area, it can be determined that the river changed course between 1884 and 1902.  According to Eugene Milener in his book Oneonta: The Development of a Railroad Town, the Susquehanna River was diverted in the east end of Oneonta to create Electric Lake in 1898.  The area of Electric Lake was once the historic riverbed, when water was diverted back into this area in 1998 New Island was formed.

The land-use/land-cover of New Island has changed significantly from 1937 to 1998.  By visually comparing the maps created showing land-use/land-cover it is evident that from 1937 to 1960 there was a substantial decrease in the amount of agricultural land, as well as the elimination of Electric Lake as a water body.  New Island became mostly scrub shrubs and grasslands over this time period.  By 1973 the scrub shrub and grasslands on New Island have become forested lands.  Also in 1973 is the increase of urban/built-up land through the island.  The cause for this increase is the construction of the interstate that was taking place as the aerial photo was taken.  The 1998 map shows further succession of much of New Island to forested lands with very little scrub shrub areas.

The maps of land-use/land-cover changes on New Island from 1937 to 1998 show how the island has experienced secondary succession over the 60+ year period.  What was once agricultural land, changed first to grasses and scrub shrubs, and is forested land today.