Contact:
Jessica A. Kuonen, Hudson Estuary Resilience Specialist, NYSG E: jak546@cornell.edu, P: (845) 340-3990 x323
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 the Hudson River estuary.
To create the most relevant end products, NYSG Specialists conducted a needs assessment for insight on how 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
Hudson Dynamic Shorelines StoryMap Collection — StoryMap
The online resource brings together information about how natural watershed processes relate to flooding and erosion risk throughout the Hudson River Estuary Watershed and along the tidally influenced shoreline. It includes information on individual and community-level actions, tools for understanding risk, inspiring local case studies, and links to useful resources.
Chapter 1: Land, Water, and People
An overview of basic water concepts with a systems view of flooding and erosion and how it’s changing. Introduces key floodplain management terminology.
Chapter 2: Big Storms and Rising Seas
A deeper dive into water-related natural hazards in the Hudson Valley to support understanding of individual and community risk to flooding.
Chapter 3: Living with Floods
An overview of the concepts of flood risk and vulnerability to guide community planning with case studies from around the Hudson Valley, and resources for homeowners.
Chapter 4: Best Practices for Managing the Shoreline
Highlights key information for property owners located along the Hudson River estuary shoreline and it’s tidally influenced tributaries
Chapter 5: The Community Risk and Resilience Act (CRRA)
An overview of the law with links to guidance documents that were produced as a result.
• Download an advertising postcard here (PDF)
• Watch a webinar recording about this resource here (RECORDING)
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 Waterfront Flooding and Erosion in Hudson Waterfront 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 officials, 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 Jessica Kuonen at jak546@cornell.edu for copies of the Start Guide. Training and facilitation of the Guided Questions activity is available as needed.
A series of facts sheets that are included in the Start Guide are available here as PDFs:
Flooding and Erosion Basics (PDF)
An overview of flood and erosion risk along the waterfront.
Adapting to Flood and Erosion Risk (PDF)
The steps communities can take to adapt and different adaptation strategies.
The Community Risk and Resiliency Act (CRRA) Enhancing Flood Laws (PDF)
State-level policy implications, guidance documents, and model local laws.
Floodplain Management Terms and Resources (PDF)
Floodplain management basics, how to read 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.
