Contact:
Kathleen Fallon, NYSG Coastal Processes & Hazards Specialist, E: kmf228@cornell.edu, P: (631) 824-4746
New York Sea Grant (NYSG), working as a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), developed educational resources for stakeholders who are living on and managing New York’s tidally-influenced shorelines, including Long Island.
To create the most relevant end products, NYSG Specialists conducted a needs assessment for insight on how to stakeholders’ characterize perceptions of flood and erosion risk, decision-making, and information needs to frame key messages.
The final needs assessment report can be accessed here — PDF
Dynamic Shorelines: Long Island StoryMap Collection — StoryMap
This online resource examines the coastal processes and hazards of Long Island and provides options for sustainable and resilient shoreline management. It includes information on individual and community-level actions, tools for understanding risk, inspiring local case studies, and links to useful resources.
Chapter 1: Long Island’s Dynamic History
A discussion of how Long Island’s coastlines were shaped, by both geologic forces and human decisions.
Chapter 2: Long Island’s Coastal Processes
An introduction to the coastal processes, such as erosion and sediment transport, and features, including marshes and beaches, of Long Island.
Chapter 3: Living with Long Island’s Dynamic Shorelines
Learn about the risks of living along the coast, how coastal processes impact the shorelines, and mitigative and adaptive methods that can be used to combat coastal flooding and erosion on Long Island.
Chapter 4: The Future of Long Island
Explore sea level rise projections for Long Island and learn about other future issues.
Chapter 5: The Community Risk and Resiliency Act
An overview of the New York State law and its associated Provisions and Guidance Documents.
Chapter 6: Resources for Long Island Shoreline Decision-makers
Provides information related to the policies that influence how Long Island’s shorelines are managed including application checklists, contact information for various agencies, flood insurance resources, and other helpful tools.
• Download an advertising postcard here (PDF)
• Watch a webinar recording about this resource here (RECORDING)
A Guide to Permitting Shoreline Modification Projects in New York’s Tidal Waters — PDF
The permitting process is complex and it can be daunting to know where to begin. New York Sea Grant’s Guide to Permitting: Shoreline Modification Projects in New York’s Tidal Waters provides an overview of the process informed by federal, state, and local perspectives. It is intended for permit applicants using the New York State Joint Application for shoreline construction or modification, ranging from major to minor projects such as construction of floating docks, installing natural and nature-based features, bulkhead repair, development near a wetland, dredging, and invasive species removal. The area that this guidance covers includes the marine coasts of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties and the main stem of the Hudson River, north from New York City to the Federal Dam at Troy.
A Start Guide for Addressing Flooding and Erosion in Long Island Coastal Communities
The Start Guide is a compilation of resources divided into sections organized by topic with the goal of compiling foundational information in an accessible and non-web-based format. The Start Guide begins with a Guided Questions Activity to help the reader step through and apply the content to their community. NYSG’s Guide to Permitting publication and a local planning document is included as a case study.
The Start Guide is intended for local government elected and appointed officials, staff, and volunteers that regularly make or contribute to decisions that can enhance, maintain, or reduce flood and erosion hazards Refer to it when brushing up on concepts, starting projects, creating educational campaigns, writing grants, reviewing development proposals, or for training.
Contact Kathleen Fallon at kmf228@cornell.edu for copies of the Start Guide.
Training and facilitation of the Guided Questions activity is available as needed.
A series of factsheets included in the Start Guide are available as PDFs.
Flooding and Erosion Basics (PDF)
An overview of flood and erosion risk along the shoreline.
Adapting to Flood and Erosion Risk (PDF)
The steps communities can take to adapt along with different adaptation strategies.
The Community Risk and Resiliency Act: Enhancing Flood Laws (PDF)
New York State-level policy implications, guidance documents, and model local laws.
Floodplain Management Terms and Resources (PDF)
Floodplain management basics, how to reach a Flood Insurance Map and its limitations, and training and resources for floodplain administrators.
Flood Insurance (PDF)
Common questions, answers, and misconceptions.
Flood Safety: Emergency Management Terms and Resources (PDF)
Flood terminology, how to stay informed, and communication tips.
Education and Outreach: Informing the Public of Flood Risk (PDF)
The importance of educating the public and communication tips.
