Resilience Steps

This factsheet summarizes the findings of a 2022 informal needs assessment of coastal Long Island Sound communities conducted by the Long Island Sound Study’s Sustainable & Resilient Communities (SRC) Working Group Extension Professionals Team. The goal of the needs assessment was to guide future SRC work and to understand: 1) which environmental threats communities are most concerned about, 2) what communities are already doing to address these threats (including their goals and priority projects), 3) what barriers are preventing actions, and 4) what support is needed to overcome those barriers. 

The CTDEEP document provides information about the many ways individuals, property owners, and communities can help protect Connecticut’s tidal wetlands.  

The Superstorm Sandy Review Task Force conducted an in-depth review of the preparation for and response to Superstorm Sandy in Suffolk County by government agencies, first responders, nonprofits and private sector entities to determine which measures were effective and what actions must be taken in the future to increase resiliency and improve response to extreme weather events.

The 2025 expansion of the Climate Action Tool (CAT) allows you to:
1) Access information on climate impacts and vulnerability of species and habitats; and

2) Explore adaptation strategies and actions, related to connectivity, conservation planning, and forestry, among other relevant areas. 

This tool was developed by the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center and the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment.

Check out our interactive map to learn about living shoreline projects located in the marine district of New York. 

More information about living shorelines and their benefits can be found on the NYSDEC Living Shorelines webpage.

The NYC Stormwater Flood Maps show areas in New York City that are at risk of flooding during heavy rain. The tool provides interactive maps that let users explore neighborhood-level flood risk and understand how stormwater might affect streets, homes, and critical infrastructure. It helps residents, planners, and local organizations identify vulnerable areas and make decisions about preparedness, emergency planning, and long-term resilience.

These maps also bring together important environmental and social data, making it easier to compare neighborhoods, see patterns, and understand which communities may face the greatest challenges during extreme weather.

A start guide for addressing flooding and erosion in coastal communities. Learn about the steps communities can take to adapt along with different adaptation strategies. 

Search your city or state to learn the many ways a warming world is affecting your place now.

Explore these pages to learn how people in your local area are at risk in a warming world.

Find local data regarding temperatures, precipitation, sea level rise, storms, and more.

Browse climate-related graphics for all seasons localized for your area, that are available for download.

Suffolk County and the local governments within Suffolk County developed a FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, which documents risks from natural hazards and strategies to mitigate hazards.

This Story Map was developed to provide an overview of the Westchester County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to facilitate county-wide access to the plan. The Westchester County HMP was developed to provide a roadmap to resilience by identifying hazards affecting the county and its communities.

MyCoast NY collects and catalogs photos provided by volunteers that document changing water levels, shorelines, and hazardous weather impacts across New York’s varied coasts and water bodies. Photos are linked to real-time environmental conditions to create flooding and storm impact reports that help stakeholders like government agencies, business owners, and residents understand our changing environment and make informed decisions.

New York State sea level rise projections. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is currently updating these projections.

This story map examines the coastal processes and hazards of Long Island and provides options for sustainable and resilient shoreline management. Information is useful for coastal managers, planners and coastal property owners.

The 2022 State Climate Summaries provide new information on assessment topics directly related to NOAA’s mission, specifically historical climate variations and trends, future climate model projections of climate conditions during the 21st century, and past and future conditions of sea level and coastal flooding. Select your state to find state-level information for observed changes in climate, including both long-term trends and extreme weather events.

Assess your county’s exposure and resilience to flooding and the potential economic impacts.

Submit your coastal flooding photos through this website/app. Photos are linked to real-time environmental conditions to create flooding reports that help stakeholders understand our changing environment and make informed decisions.

Provides the most up-to-date sea level rise projections for all U.S. states and territories, out to the year 2150. Extrapolations of available tide gauge observations are also provided. The sea level scenarios and information contained in this tool originate from 2022 technical report produced by the Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flood Hazard Scenarios and Tools Interagency Task Force.

This Story map illustrates climate change projections, considering scenarios that factor in temperature, precipitation, extreme heat, storms, and sea level.

Shows areas vulnerable to near-term flooding from different combinations of sea level rise, storm surge, tides, and tsunamis, or to permanent submersion by long-term sea level rise. Within the U.S., it incorporates the latest, high-resolution, high-accuracy lidar elevation data supplied by NOAA (exceptions: see Sources), displays points of interest, and contains layers displaying social vulnerability, population density, and property value.

The Long Island Sound Crossing Prioritization Tool can be used to prioritize road-stream crossings (culverts and bridges) for ecological, infrastructure, and community resilience benefits in Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk County, NY. The tool helps communities plan improvements that restore habitat for diadromous fishes, strengthen infrastructure, and keep communities connected.

Developed by Save the Sound in partnership with Seatuck Environmental Association and The Nature Conservancy, the Long Island Sound Crossing Prioritization Tool was built by CivicMapper and is hosted on ArcGIS Online. It is intended to be a resource for municipalities, especially parts of municipal government that make infrastructure or environmental decisions for their communities, by making it easier to apply for grant funding. The tool is a useful resource for agency partners and fellow environmental organizations working to accelerate river restoration and protect communities from a changing climate.

The USGS Long Island Sound Partnership Compound Flood Hazard Web Map Application is an interactive tool developed by the U.S. Geological Survey’s New York Water Science Center that helps users explore the combined impacts of multiple flooding drivers across the New York and Connecticut coastal regions. Drivers of compound flooding included in the assessment were precipitation, coastal (storm surge, tidal), and groundwater emergence, which when combined can lead to more severe and widespread inundation than from any single cause alone.

The map visually displays hazard rankings and spatial patterns of flood drivers so that planners, emergency managers, researchers, and the public can better understand where these flood hazards are most likely to coincide, thus supporting local decision making for flood mitigation, coastal planning, and resilience strategies. The application is based on USGS models and ongoing research into regional flood processes.

The NYC Flood Hazard Mapper is an interactive tool created by the NYC Department of City Planning to help residents, businesses, and planners understand flood risks across New York City. It provides maps showing current coastal flood hazards, FEMA flood zones, and areas that may be affected by sea level rise in the future. By searching an address or exploring different map layers, users can see how flooding may impact specific neighborhoods today and under future climate conditions.

This resource is designed to support safer decision making as the frequency and severity of flooding increases. While the mapper offers valuable visual data and projections, it is meant for general information only and should not replace official FEMA resources or professional guidance. Users are encouraged to use this tool as a starting point to learn about local flood exposure and to explore how environmental changes may affect communities throughout the city.

Explore a range of tools and guidance to support climate adaptation planning through EPA New England’s Resilience and Adaptation in New England (RAINE) initiative, which supports users in exploring climate resilience planning across the New England. These resources include more than 1,200 climate adaptation plans. Practitioners can use the Featured Locations Interactive Map to view climate action examples or explore additional climate visualization platforms through the Mapping Climate Change Impacts Tools page. The database also highlights Tribal Climate Adaptation Resources, featuring plans from federally recognized tribes in New England. Users can view recorded webinars and trainings for technical guidance.

This website contains New York City’s Federal Emergency Management Agency–mandated Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies natural hazard risks and vulnerabilities that are common to New York City (NYC) and long-term strategies for reducing them. It also features a Mitigation Actions Database and Map that tracks and records actions that are taken to mitigate risk from the hazards profiled in the Hazard Mitigation Plan.​

This study by the Regional Plan Association assessed how flooding will threaten housing in Long Island, NYC, and Westchester County in the coming decades. It found that by 2040 as many as 1.6 million people could live in areas exposed to flooding and as many as 82,000 housing units could be lost, exacerbating housing shortages. The report includes recommendations for an integrated approach to land use planning and policy initiatives to create resilient communities.

A product of Climate Central’s Sea Level Program, Coastal Risk Finder allows users to get local flood projections, understand who and what is at risk in their communities, and learn about solutions for coastal states, counties, cities, towns, congressional districts, and state legislative districts in the contiguous U.S., with more to come. Users can download data and graphics to further their local adaptation and communication efforts related to coastal flooding. Coastal Risk Finder includes detailed briefs on adaptation efforts in coastal states and territories, providing insights into policies, projects, and key organizations working to mitigate flood risks. By highlighting actionable solutions, we aim to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to address coastal flooding challenges.

The accompanying User Guides highlight the most useful features and provide guidance on using the tool for specific applications. A recording of the Launch Webinar featuring expert insights is also available.

This site provides federally supported data visualizations coupled with explanations and science education to help communities prepare for challenges that will affect our coastal environments. By showing how sea levels are changing regionally, the site provides a foundation to inform decision-making related to coastal planning, resource management, and emergency operations.

This website is a collaborative effort from The Interagency Task Force on Sea Level Change (DOD, EPA, FEMA, NASA, NOAA, USACE, USAID, and USGS).

The Fifth National Climate Assessment is the US Government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks, and responses. It is a congressionally mandated interagency effort that provides the scientific foundation to support informed decision-making across the United States.

The New York State Climate Impacts Assessment explores current and future climate change impacts to New York State communities, ecosystems, and economy. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) assembled more than 250 New York–based, national, and Indigenous climate science experts and representatives from diverse communities and industries across the state to contribute to this assessment. The findings are intended to help residents, businesses, and decision-makers across the state plan and prepare for climate change impacts.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA’s) Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework, 3^rd Edition, is a guide and collection of resources for use in analyzing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on transportation infrastructure. Its purpose is to identify key considerations, questions, and resources that can be used to design and implement a climate change vulnerability assessment. The processes, lessons learned, and resources outlined in the framework are geared toward state departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other agencies involved in planning, building, or maintaining the transportation system. It includes suggestions and examples applicable to a wide range of applications, from small qualitative studies to large, detailed, data-intensive analyses. The resources included in the framework will be added to and updated over time.

Developed by The Nature Conservancy, this tool identifies priority road-stream and tidal crossings in Suffolk County for replacement or upgrades. Prioritization is based on social and ecological criteria. Additionally, it includes data on current and future projected flooding and marsh extent under various sea level rise scenarios. The tool is meant to be a screening tool for planning efforts.

Coastal Resilience is a Connecticut-based decision support tool that provides local, regional, state and national stakeholders a step-wise process to guide decisions to reduce the ecological and socio-economic risks of coastal and inland hazards.

This floodplain mapper shows the estimated boundary of future coastal floodplains for different sea level rise scenarios for New York State. Customize a scenario by choosing the amount of sea level rise in inches and a coastal flood recurrence interval.

Use this web mapping tool to visualize community-level impacts from coastal flooding or sea level rise (up to 10 feet above average high tides). Photo simulations of how future flooding might impact local landmarks are also provided, as well as data related to water depth, connectivity, flood frequency, socio-economic vulnerability, wetland loss and migration, and mapping confidence.

This tool produces location-specific scenarios for sea level and flooding, as well as information about present-day and past conditions. Local governments and other practitioners can use the information to make informed decisions about strategic adaptation investments. The site incorporates data, maps, and visualizations and produces automated, location-specific reports.

Use this mapper to visualize people, infrastructure, and natural resources exposed to coastal flood hazards. You can save and share the online maps to communicate with stakeholders. Tip: watch the short video about the tool before getting started!

The purpose of the interactive viewer is to illustrate the fate of significant marsh systems on Long Island Sound under future Sea-Level Rise conditions. Model results are combined with tax-parcel information and integrated with information about marsh ecosystem services to assist municipalities and conservation groups in defining and assessing various land-management alternatives.

RAPT provides access to important data and analysis tools to support your community before, during and after a disaster.

Connecticut-specific site with maps, data, and visualization tools. Contains: Blue Plan, MS4 Viewer, CT Parcel Viewer, Sea Level Rise Effects on Roads & Marshes, CT DEEP Fish Community Data – Inland Waters, CT Aquaculture Mapping Atlas, CT Coastal Hazards Viewer, Carbon Stock & Land Cover Viewer

Provides information about coastal hazard management in Connecticut including steps for developing plans and responses.

Shows various SLR scenarios and flood event scenarios calibrated for the Long Island Sound CT coast. Also includes FEMA Limit of Moderate Wave Action boundary for referencing building codes.

The Long Island Sound watershed is home to nearly 9 million people in parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Canada. Government agencies, nonprofits, and Tribal Nations have overseen numerous projects to monitor and protect the water resources of this watershed and the sound. Although there is an abundance of data, there is no easy way to search them or a central place to manage this information. To help, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Study have created an interactive map to help users find and understand data about the water resources of the Long Island Sound and its watershed.

This mapping tool does not host data or maintain data repositories. Instead, it compiles and presents metadata from publicly accessible databases managed by State and other organizations.

Refer to this fact sheet for details about the application and its data sources: The Long Island Sound and Watershed Metadata map application

Guidance and training modules for Connecticut Zoning changes to address climate vulnerabilities. On the website there are examples of zoning policies municipalities could modify and/or adopt to enhance local climate resilience. Where applicable, model ordinances and examples of where the policies have been adopted are included.

To better understand how Connecticut’s coastal area marshes and roads may respond to sea level rise (SLR), Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) was applied to Connecticut’s shoreline by Warren Pinnacle Consulting, Inc. This viewer displays the model’s results for Connecticut’s 21 largest marshes and all coastal area roads. For marshes, SLAMM was run two hundred times using alternative model inputs for key model parameters, including various SLR scenarios, to produce probability based results of likely future marsh conditions. For roads, the model uses a single SLR scenario of about 4.2 feet by 2100 from the base year of 2002. The Sea Level Rise Effects on Roads and Marshes projects is a project between CT DEEP and UConn CLEAR.

The NYSDEC document is to provide guidance on the issuance of permits for living shorelines techniques in the Marine and Coastal District Waters of New York (the Marine District) and encourages the use of green or natural infrastructure.

The New York State Department of State worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation and other partners to create model local laws to help local governments be more resilient to sea-level rise, storm surge, and flooding. Cities, towns, and villages are invited to adapt model local laws to meet the resilience needs of the community with the assistance of their municipal attorneys.

This document developed in support of the NYS Community Risk and Resiliency Act 1) Describes natural resilience measures and how they can be used to mitigate the risks of flooding and erosion, 2) Provides definitions for different types of natural resilience measures and distinguishes among conserved, restored, nature-based and hard structural approaches, 3) Provides information on the value and benefits of using natural resilience measures, along with information on the co-benefits they provide, 4) Lists key factors to consider in the restoration, design and construction of natural resilience measures, and 5) Provides background to support the development of NYS agency guidance on natural resilience measures in the future

This mapper is intended to provide federal, state, and local managers with tools to estimate the vulnerability and ecosystem service potential of wetlands. It allows you to display information on the unvegetated to vegetated ratio (UVVR), marsh elevation, tidal range, and shoreline change rates for New York’s tidal wetlands.

The Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model, or SLAMM, uses digital data and other information to simulate potential impacts of long-term sea level rise on wetlands and shorelines. Additional data related to dike locations or other protected areas, accretion rates, erosion rates, and other factors can be included within the model as optional factors. Requires ArcGIS for viewing outputs in a mapping environment and software, such as Microsoft Excel and Word, to view the text and tabular output.

This website and the associated tools can be used by planners and engineers to help understand how rising sea levels, more intense storms, and heavy rainfalls affect stormwater systems, and to generate reports that can be used to inform planning.

Sea level preparation guidance for CT. Recommends planning for 20″ by 2050.

This guide is designed to assist decision makers and coastal professionals with applying and integrating the information in the 2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report, produced by the Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flood Hazard Scenarios and Tools Interagency Task Force, into local sea level rise planning and adaptation decisions.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2025 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on resources and tools available to help take advantage of state resilience funds, a panel discussion on why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning, and an overview of our available assistance programs.

Session 3 – LIS Resilience Planning Support Program: New Round Available & Showcase of Completed Projects was held on Friday, December 5, 2025. Participants learned about the newly available 3rd round of the LIS Resilience Planning Support Program and heard from three communities who received awards through the first round of the Program. Video of the session along with supporting materials is available below.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2025 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on resources and tools available to help take advantage of state resilience funds, a panel discussion on why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning, and an overview of our available assistance programs.

Session 2 – Using Nature-Based Solutions for Resilience: A Panel Discussion on Common Challenges & Strategies for Success was held on Thursday, December 4, 2025. In this interactive session, practitioners and experts discussed techniques for integrating nature-based solutions into resilience initiatives. The panel highlighted common challenges and shared successful strategies from projects in the Long Island Sound region. Video of the session along with supporting materials is available below.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2025 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on resources and tools available to help take advantage of state resilience funds, a panel discussion on why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning, and an overview of our available assistance programs.

Session 1 – Resilience 101: Helpful Tools and Strategies for Building Community Resilience was held on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Participants learned about available resilience resources and tools and then moved into breakout rooms to hear about state climate certification programs and resilience funds in both NY and CT. Videos of the main session and both breakout rooms are available below, along with supporting materials.

On October 16, 2025, the Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) team of the Long Island Sound Partnership hosted a field trip featuring the Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserve Marsh Restoration Project in Stonington Borough. The day started with a presentation outlining the history and current state of the site, followed by a walk to Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserve where there was a guided tour led by Connecticut Sea Grant, Avalonia Land Conservancy, and local volunteers. The day included a deep dive into the invasive species removal process, plantings to accommodate marsh migration, and a close up look at what has grown since then. Special thanks to our partners with Avalonia Land Conservancy, Connecticut Sea Grant, and the Stonington Community.

On October 8, 2025 state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address flooding, shoreline erosion and other coastal issues gathered at the Port Jefferson Village Center in Port Jefferson, NY for the 3rd Annual Suffolk County Coastal Resilience Forum. The Forum provided a chance to share information on best practices, discuss challenges, identify opportunities to increase resilience, and enhance coordination across communities. Forum attendees heard updates on State resilience initiatives from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, as well as presentations on new resilience tools and resources from Seatuck Environmental Association, the U.S. Geological Survey, New York Sea Grant, and Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District. In the afternoon, Village of Port Jefferson Mayor, Lauren Sheprow, presented on the Village’s resilience issues and initiatives and then led attendees on a walking tour of the Village highlighting flooding hotspots, challenges faced by local businesses and residents, and efforts to help mitigate flooding and increase community resilience.

The event was hosted by Long Island Sound Partnership and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the Village of Port Jefferson and Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District. 

2025 Nassau Coastal Resilience Forum field trip to Sands Point Preserve. Credit: Sumayyah Uddin / NYSG

On October 9, 2025 state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address flooding, shoreline erosion and other coastal issues gathered at the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy in Sands Point, NY for the 3rd Annual Nassau County Coastal Resilience Forum. The Forum provided a chance to share information on best practices, discuss challenges, identify opportunities to increase resilience, and enhance coordination across communities. Forum attendees heard updates on State resilience initiatives from agencies like the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, as well as presentations on new resilience tools and resources from Seatuck Environmental Association, the U.S. Geological Survey, New York Sea Grant, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, and Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District. In the afternoon, Forum attendees were given a guided tour of the recent expansions to the bluff stabilization project at the Preserve.

The event was hosted by Long Island Sound Partnership and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy and Nassau and Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. 

With funding from Long Island Sound Study and support from New York Sea Grant’s Sustainable and Resilient Communities Extension Professionals, Pace University’s Land Use Law Center brought its award-winning Land Use Leadership Alliance Training Program to Westchester municipalities within the Long Island Sound watershed. The training consisted of three full-day workshops held April 1, 8, and 22, 2025 in White Plains, NY to train local leaders on developing balanced strategies for effectively accomplishing policy objectives, particularly focused on land use, flood resilience, and natural resource protection to strengthen community planning and informed decision-making.

22 municipal staff and community leaders, representing 7 different Long Island Sound communities received resilience gap analyses that reviewed their municipality’s current zoning and comprehensive plan language, discussed common issues with their neighbors and built new networks of support, and graduated from the program empowered to plan for a more resilient future for their community and the Long Island Sound region.

If you are interested in learning more and participating in a future LULA training, please email lisresilience@gmail.com.

With funding from Long Island Sound Study and support from New York Sea Grant’s Sustainable and Resilient Communities Extension Professionals, Pace University’s Land Use Law Center brought its award-winning Land Use Leadership Alliance Training Program to Suffolk and Nassau municipalities within the Long Island Sound watershed. The training program consisted of three full-day workshops held in Hauppauge, NY that focused on the land use system, innovative approaches to sea level rise adaptation, hazard mitigation, and natural resource protection to strengthen community planning, regulation, and informed decision-making. 28 municipal staff and community leaders, representing 18 different Long Island Sound communities, completed the Program. Program graduates gained new networks of support, identified successful land use techniques, and developed implementation plans that will enable a more resilient future for their community and the Long Island Sound region.

The program comprised three full-day sessions on September 27, October 4, and October 18, 2024 at the Suffolk County Water Authority Education Center, 260 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge, NY.  

If you are interested in learning more and participating in a future LULA training, please email lisresilience@gmail.com.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2024 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 3 – Planning for Inundation was held on Wednesday, December 11th from 10 AM-12 PM. Participants heard from communities and regional entities that are using or considering different aspects of planning for inundation, including buyout programs, land use policies, and community perspectives on retreat/relocation.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2024 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 2 – Resilience Tools was held on Tuesday, December 10th from 1:30-3:30 PM. Participants learned about new Resilience Tools being developed and used throughout coastal Long Island Sound.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2024 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 1 – SRC Resilience Assistance Programs was held on Tuesday, December 10th from 10-11:30 AM. Participants learned about our Sustainable and Resilient Communities resilience assistance programs and heard from communities who have successfully utilized them to advance resilience project plans, build capacity, and secure competitive grant funding!

2024 Nassau Coastal Resilience Forum field trip to Sands Point Preserve. Credit: NYSG

On October 28, 2024, state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address coastal issues gathered at the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy in Sands Point, NY for the 2nd Annual Nassau County Coastal Resilience Forum to identify opportunities to increase resilience, learn about best practices, and enhance coordination across communities. There were presentations on the Long Island Sound Resilience Resource Hub & Assistance Programs, NYSDEC Office of Climate Change updates, marsh conservation planning, bluff management and restoration, and nature-based solutions to increase shoreline resilience. There was also a guided walking tour of the resilience projects at Sands Point Preserve.

The event is hosted by Long Island Sound Study and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy and Nassau and Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation Districts.   

On October 29, 2024, state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address coastal issues gathered at the Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp in Riverhead, NY to identify opportunities to increase resilience, learn about best practices, and enhance coordination across communities. There were presentations on the Long Island Sound Resilience Resource Hub, NYSDEC Climate Office updates, marsh conservation planning, bluff management and restoration, and nature-based solutions to increase shoreline resilience. There was also a field trip to Iron Pier Beach/Maidstone Landing to view and learn about a community bluff restoration project.

This event was hosted by Long Island Sound Study and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with Nassau and Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Nassau CCE, and Maidstone Landing. 

The second annual Long Island Sound Bi-State Sustainable and Resilient Communities Workshop brought together nearly 200 people virtually on Dec. 7, 2023 to learn about a new Long Island Sound Resilience Resource Hub (launching in early 2024), hear from communities and groups around the Sound working on resilience planning, and consider pathways for updating codes and ordinances. Videos of the workshop’s six sessions are available on YouTube. They can be accessed below along with supporting documents.

In this Coastal Resiliency Network webinar, Samantha Klein, Environmental Analyst for the Town of East Hampton, discusses her experience in paving the way to a more resilient East Hampton with the development of their CARP (Coastal Assessment Resiliency Plan). She focuses on lessons learned, funding, and providing guidance on how to get started creating your own CARP. The Coastal Resilience Network, led by the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions (NYSACC) with assistance from NY Sea Grant, is a collaborative open forum for communities in coastal Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties to discuss and learn about opportunities to increase their resilience to sea level rise, flooding, and extreme events.

In this Coastal Resiliency Network webinar, Barbara Kendall from the NYS Department of State provides an overview of Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs (LWRP) and then representatives from four NYS coastal communities discuss their experiences developing and implementing their LWRPs. The Coastal Resilience Network, led by the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions (NYSACC) with assistance from NY Sea Grant, is a collaborative open forum for communities in coastal Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties to discuss and learn about opportunities to increase their resilience to sea level rise, flooding, and extreme events.

In this Coastal Resiliency Network webinar Suzette Lopane with Westchester County and Marian Russo with the Village of Patchogue spoke about two exciting living shoreline projects. The Coastal Resilience Network, led by the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions (NYSACC) with assistance from NY Sea Grant, is a collaborative open forum for communities in coastal Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties to discuss and learn about opportunities to increase their resilience to sea level rise, flooding, and extreme events.

In this Coastal Resiliency Network webinar, Jess Kuonen from NY Sea Grant presents on MyCoast New York, a portal used to collect and analyze photos of changing water levels, shorelines, and hazardous weather impacts across New York’s varied coasts and water bodies. Additionally, Nelson Vaz from the National Weather Service – NY shared the National Weather Service Coastal Flood Webpage resources and the benefits of collecting local impact information from sources such as MyCoast NY. The Coastal Resilience Network, led by the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions (NYSACC) with assistance from NY Sea Grant, is a collaborative open forum for communities in coastal Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties to discuss and learn about opportunities to increase their resilience to sea level rise, flooding, and extreme events.

The first annual Long Island Sound Bi-State Sustainable and Resilient Communities Workshop brought together more than 260 people virtually on Dec. 1, 2022 to learn about opportunities to increase the resilience of the Sound’s communities to climate change and other environmental threats. Interactive sessions included opportunities to learn more about the SRC Extension Professionals’ needs assessment findings and recommendations, the newly released Long Island Sound Resilience Grant Writing Assistance Program, and tips for success with Long Island Sound funding opportunities. Concurrent breakout sessions highlighted the work of partners related to shoreline planning and implementation, using green infrastructure for stormwater management, sustainable climate planning for relocation, and new sustainability/resilience tools available in both New York and Connecticut. Videos of the workshop’s six sessions are available on YouTube. They can be accessed below along with supporting documents.

This online information session held Sept. 19, and repeated Sept. 21, provides an introduction to resilience planning in the Long Island Sound region. It includes discussions on local climate impacts and projections, resilience planning strategies, and climate certification programs for both New York and Connecticut municipalities. In addition to the main presentation, videos of the Connecticut and New York breakout sessions can be accessed below. The presentations and other resource materials are available here.

These webinars were presented by NEIWPCC, Long Island Sound Study, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The webinars introduced the Marsh Interactive Fate Viewer, discussed the process of creating marsh conservation plans for Westchester County and Mattituck Creek (Suffolk County) in 2021, and laid the groundwork for developing additional marsh conservation plans over the course of 2023.

Held at Port Jefferson Village Center in Suffolk County on May 10, 2023, this forum brought together state and local decision makers and other stakeholders, working to address coastal erosion along the Long Island Sound shoreline. Panelists highlighted strategies and options to address coastal erosion, discussed the Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Program, local codes, updated New York State sea level rise projections and more. During small group discussions, attendees discussed challenges and identified opportunities to increase resilience, all in an effort to enhance coordination across communities. This forum was hosted by New York Sea Grant and Long Island Sound Study, in partnership with Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District and Suffolk County Legislators Sarah Anker, Stephanie Bontempi, Kara Hahn, and Al Krupski.

Held at Locust Valley Library in Nassau County on May 4, 2023, this forum brought together state and local decision makers and other stakeholders, working to address coastal erosion along the Long Island Sound shoreline. Panelists highlighted strategies and options to address coastal erosion, discussed the Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Program, local codes, updated New York State sea level rise projections and more. During small group discussions, attendees discussed challenges and identified opportunities to increase resilience, all in an effort to enhance coordination across communities. This forum was hosted by New York Sea Grant and Long Island Sound Study, in partnership with Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District.

With support from the Long Island Sound Resilience Grant Writing Assistance (GWA) Program, in December 2024 the Town of Old Saybrook was awarded $323,400 from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund to support the project: Planning to Restore Chalker and Chapman Beach Marshes and Mitigate Marsh-Associated Flooding (CT).

The project will conduct a feasibility analysis for restoring the degraded Chalker Beach Marsh and mitigate erosion of Cold Spring Brook marsh, examine potential residential neighborhood flood mitigation strategies and evaluate alternative concepts to restore the Cold Spring Brook marsh. Project will provide Chalker Beach marsh restoration plan and design alternatives, concept-level neighborhood-scale flood mitigation strategies and a concept-level Cold Spring Brook marsh erosion control/restoration practices.

LIS Resilience Grant Writing Assistance Program Details:

Grant Writing Consultant: David Kozak
Grant Writing Assistance Award: $6,375

With support from the Nature Conservancy and Sustainable CT, East Haddam organized a Community Resilience Building process and workshop, the results of which were compiled into this summary. The team engaged with community members to determine the present hazards and vulnerabilities and identify resilient solutions.

In 2023, Long Island Sound Study and Warren Pinnacle, in partnership with Westchester County and conservation groups/organizations, have developed a Plan to understand the benefits of, threats to, and recommended conservation actions for marsh ecosystems on Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, NY. The goal of the Plan is to help inform conservation and restoration efforts to maximize marsh ecosystem services under rising sea levels.

The purpose of this project was to mitigate 450 ft of coastal erosion on the Long Island Sound. A part of Crab Creek was moved further inland, thus allowing for beach and dune migration over time. New rock sills, plants, and sand sills were also positioned along the shore.

This public greenspace was suffering from mosquito overpopulation, invasion from Phragmites, and poor tidal/stormwater drainage. The Wetland’s Habitat and Mosquito Management Program (WHAMM) created a new drainage area and tunnels, while also eliminating invasive plants. Then organizations and volunteers banded together to remove and replace invasive plant species with native plants.

This project restored 46 acres of the Great Meadows Marsh in Connecticut that was degraded from dredge material that was dumped on site, poor drainage, and sea level rise. The marsh was also overrun with invasive plants and mosquitoes. A controlled fire was started to kill the invasive reeds growing in the marsh. Then a construction crew removed invasive plants and the dumped dredge material. Lastly, channels were carefully dug for tidal flushing which will allow the marsh to keep pace with sea level rise. Soil hummocks were constructed for Salt Marsh Sparrow habitat. Now the area continues to be monitored, assessed for resiliency, and provides a field for innovative solutions to be tested in.

Partners

Trustees: USFWS, NOAA, State of Connecticut; Project Partners: Audubon Connecticut, Town of Stratford

In 2023, Long Island Sound Study, New York Sea Grant and Warren Pinnacle, in partnership with committed municipalities and marsh-conservation groups/organizations, developed a Plan to understand the benefits, threats and recommended conservation actions at seven focal areas across the harbors. The goal of the Plan is to inform local municipalities and marsh-conservation groups as to where they might focus their conservation efforts to maximize the conservation of marsh ecosystem services under sea-level rise conditions. This process brought together a diversity of stakeholders to develop a cohesive strategy for seven focal areas across Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor: Frost Creek, Mill Neck Creek, West Shore Road, Bayville Bridge to Centre Island, Centre Island, Shore Road, and Lower Cold Spring Harbor. The partners will now work to implement the recommendations in the plan.

St. John’s Episcopal Church (lower Cold Spring Harbor) and Village of Lattingtown (Frost Creek) were 2024 LIS Resilience Planning Support Program awardees. Their projects will build off the Oyster Bay & Cold Spring Harbor marsh conservation plan and develop specific recommendations to enhance and restore marsh habitat in lower Cold Spring Harbor and Frost Creek.

In 2023, Long Island Sound Partnership and Warren Pinnacle, in partnership with committed municipalities and conservation groups/organizations, developed a Plan to understand the benefits, threats, and recommended conservation actions for the Stony Brook Harbor and West Meadow Creek marsh ecosystem. The goal of the Plan is to help inform conservation and restoration efforts to maximize marsh ecosystem services under rising sea levels.