C.H.A.N.G.E.S Shoreline Protection Project

Creating Habitat, Acidification reduction, Nitrogen bio-extraction, Guarding our shorelines, Erosion control, Sequestering carbon

PEP is allocating $600,00 of BIL Funds towards the CHANGES project to improve ecological resilience

Background:

The Peconic Estuary faces ecological challenges such as coastal resilience to storm events, sea level rise, excess nutrients leading to harmful algal blooms, and loss of habitat.

Sites:

Menatic Creek, Shelter Island
South Ferry Site, Shelter Island
Gannet Creek, North Haven
Eastern Shore, North Haven
South of Barcelona Point, Sag Harbor
Sag Harbor Cove, Sag Harbor

Source: PEP

These Locations will be key to scientific research, monitoring, education and community engagement

We at the Peconic Estuary Partnership are addressing the C.H.A.N.G.E.S happening in our watershed with a multi-faceted approach:

Methods Include:

Create and restore coastal Habitats
Reduce ocean Acidification
Bio-extract Nitrogen
Guard out shorelines from Erosion and storm surge
Sequester carbon
Improve Water Quality

Source: Rachel Friedman, PEP Outreach Assistant.

Project Outreach:

At Pep we understand the value of citizen involvement and inclusion. Outreach and education are key to these projects’ longevity and to the general success of our environment. We do this by educating the public on the importance of protecting coastal habitats, informing on what blue carbon is and its relevance, increasing awareness of our projects and how to get involved.

Source: Rachel Friedman, PEP Outreach Assistant

CCMP Related Actions

Action 11: Provide tools and assistance to local governments to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change

Action 13: Collaborate on coastal and ocean acidification monitoring and research

Action 17: Plan science-based approaches for monitoring and reducing nutrient pollution

Action 18: Implement science-based approaches for monitoring and reducing nutrient pollution

Action 23: Conduct scientific studies to expand understanding of the Peconic Estuary ecosystem and support ecosystem-based management

Action 30: Monitor and protect existing eelgrass beds where appropriate, restore and expand eelgrass beds

Action 33: Implement living shoreline projects, monitor for ecological and financial benefits, and use model projects to educate planners and homeowners on the benefits of living shorelines over hardened shorelines