Kleinschmidt assisted NYPA with a multi-year project to create, maintain, and enhance nesting habitat for a variety of avian species along the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York. In a collaborative process, Kleinschmidt worked with NYPA and stakeholders to identify habitat enhancements and developed the conceptual habitat enhancement plans. Kleinschmidt’s biologists and engineers collaborated on the design of nesting platforms for common terns and osprey that would appeal to the birds and withstand the strong currents and harsh weather of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Kleinschmidt assisted in developing a grassland birds management plan that included dividing lands into distinct management units, fencing to protect nesting birds, mowing certain areas, managing hawthorn, and placing bluebird nest boxes. Kleinschmidt also assisted in developing a management plan for common loons and managed the design, construction, and deployment of five loon nesting boxes at locations along the St. Lawrence.

In addition to assisting NYPA to comply with the requirements of its FERC license, Kleinschmidt helped to strengthen avian populations by providing cost-effective habitat enhancement services.