generation is entirely dependent on the natural flow of the river combined with releases from upstream reservoirs, which is relatively consistent except for drought years. Sporting activities Abundant trout, salmon, bass, and pike are present in the stream, and salmon is the most favored. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular on some stretches of the river, notably the Black River Canyon, which begins in Watertown and ends in Brownville. The Black River Canyon is one of few whitewater streams which have reliable flows throughout the summer. The "Canyon" itself is not actually present until you reach Brownville and ends in the Dexter Reservoir. Environmental issues A number of streams and lakes in the watershed have been impaired as a result of acid rain. Elevated levels of mercury have led to restrictions on the consumption of fish in some areas. In August 2005, the Black River was contaminated by a spill from a manure lagoon on Marks Dairy Farm (a concentrated animal feeding operation near Lowville) when a retaining wall gave way, allowing the contents of a waste holding pond to spill. About of pollution flowed into the river. An estimated 280,000 to 375,000 fish were killed. As of August 3, 2006, a settlement has been reached and Marks Dairy Farm, originator of the spill, was ordered to pay $2.2 million. Tributaries Left South Branch Black River Twin Lakes Stream Little Black Creek Kent Creek Mill Creek Sugar River Mill Creek Douglas Creek House Falls Creek Whetstone Creek Roaring Brook Rainbow Creek Mill Creek Negro Creek Stony Creek Deer River Felts Mills Creek Right Otter Brook Indian Creek Cold Brook Cummings Creek Mile Creek Fall Brook Miller Brook Cold Brook Moose River Fish Creek Otter Creek Independence River Harvey Creek Hodge Creek Crystal Creek Capidon Creek Beaver River Potash Creek Swiss Creek Kelsey Creek Philomel Creek Trout Creek See also List of New York rivers Village of Black River, New York References Further reading External links NYS Department of Environmental Conservation: Fishing and Canoeing the Black River National Whitewater River Inventory: Black River, Hawkinsville Section Adirondacks Rivers of New York (state) Rivers of Jefferson County, New York Rivers and Creeks in Watertown, New York Rivers of Lewis County, New York Rivers of Oneida County, New York Rivers of Herkimer County, New York