Coastal Marine Resource Center

Artificial Turf - Crumb Rubber and Water

2008-10-17T10:18:00.003-04:00

As part of the Coastal Marine Resource Center's Policy Program, the CMRC has published "Artifical Turf and Water Quality, The Effects of Crumb Rubber on Water Quality" now available for download on the CMRC website.

Abstract:

Synthetic turf recreational fields have emerged as an alternative to natural grass fields with the primary advantage being artificial turf fields are less averse to rain, snow, and heavy use. However, significant debate has arisen over the use of crumb rubber, made from ground up tires, as an infill product on synthetic turf.

The primary concern for opponents of crumb rubber is that over time the rubber leaches chemicals harmful to both human and environmental health. Furthermore, the crumb rubber pellets may create additional pollution in waterways if transported during precipitation events.

Currently, there is a growing body of evidence supporting both sides of the debate. This paper will present the arguments both for and against the use of crumb focusing on the implications for water quality.

The paper will advance certain precautions and guidelines that may be taken to safeguard against potential hazards Table 1, Recommendations for Containing and Managing Crumb Rubber.

These are recommendations to prevent the release of crumb rubber into the surrounding environment and minimize the flow of water from fields to water sources and water bodies.

Seining (Fishing) Under the Manhattan Bridge

2008-07-09T21:24:00.007-04:00

Fish under a bridge? Yes, it's possible to find fish, along with many
enthusiastic kids and adults discovering underwater estuary creatures
at the beach under the Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

June 14, 2008 was a day of aquatic discovery for about 90 people who came out for the CMRC's and Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy's seining program.

Among the stars of the day were 2 striped bass, several Atlantic tomcod,
one young winter flounder, 2 bay anchovies, shrimp (Palaemontes species and
C. septemspinosa) numerous comb jellies, lion's mane jellyfish, 1 amphipod, green crabs, rock weed, and barnacles. We also found evidence of blue crab, oysters, blue mussel, clams and snails.

Join the CMRC and Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy for another exciting seining event on October 11th, 11:30pm at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Your eyes will be opened to diversity of the marine and aquatic life surrounding our great metropolitan area, just below the surface!

Contact the CMRC at connect@thecmrc.org or

RSVP with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy at http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/index.cfm?objectid=77D67091-FF00-454A-64DCE6AA9ABA465B&navid=EE3D2621-3048-7098-AFB2FEDAB8C0CD7E

See what the local paper had to say:

http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=31&id=21325

Results from June 21st Beach Clean -Up: Thanks Volunteers!

2008-07-09T21:17:00.003-04:00

Thank you to all CMRC volunteers and Americorp members who helped clean the Memorial Field beach at Jamaica Bay. We collected over 700 items, mostly beverage bottles (over 300) and plastic bags.

Everyone worked through the heat, found lots of horseshoe crabs, and enjoyed each other's company. Some of the highlights (or lowlights) of what volunteers found included lots of large sytrofoam pieces, a fridge, vinyl material, fishing gear, and a tire.

The next CMRC Beach Clean-up will be held at the Big Egg Marsh beach on August 23rd. Please contact the CMRC for more information at connect@thecmrc.org if you or your groups would like to participate!

Web Seminar on Business Stewards of the Estuary: A Success!!

2008-06-25T16:31:00.007-04:00

The CMRC held the Business Stewards of the Estuary Program Web Seminar June 26, 2008. Thank you to the many participants who provided valuable feedback on the next steps forward.

If you would like information about the webseminar or Business Stewards of the Estuary materials, please contact the CMRC at:
connect@thecmrc.org

Click here to view the recorded Web Seminar in its entirety.

https://cc.readytalk.com/play?id=krmrk9bn

The Business Stewards of the Estuary Program is a pilot project conducted by the CMRC to establish a program to recognize businesses that adopt sustainability practices in their operations. Restaurants are eligible for recognition in 2009 under this program. Please contact the CMRC if you would like more information.

New, Updated Website on the Way

2008-06-12T16:27:00.004-04:00

As CMRC's supporters know, we are working hard to grow the CMRC's programs and provide the NY-NJ region with educational opportunities and policy recommendations to help protect and preserve the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary.

We have been so lucky to rely on our dedicated volunteer webmaster since the very beginning of the beginning! Jon Neilson has put in the most time, effort, and talent of any of our volunteers. Thank you, Jon!

To save Jon time, we'll be updating the CMRC website to make it more user friendly, and easier to update on a daily and monthly basis. Keep on the look out for our new programming info. You'll see information on our:

Horseshoe crab education programs

Seining programs

Beach Clean-ups

The Virtual Estuary Project

The CMRC's Business Stewards of the Estuary Program

Harbor Estuary Policy initiatives

Thanks for your support!

Cortney

A Round of Applause to all the Volunteers at the Big Egg Marsh Beach Clean-up!

2008-05-15T23:17:00.006-04:00

By Alisa Sukachevin

CMRC volunteers at the May 10, 2008 Big Egg Marsh beach clean-up deserve a great amount of recognition and praise for their hard work in Jamaica Bay.

The beach clean up was a big success. Volunteers consisted of students from the Common Cents Student Community Action Fund, which included Thomas Edison and Bayside High School students, teachers, and guidance counselors. Other CMRC volunteers included Adam, Beth, and Lucas Barusek, photographer Chris Coleman, CMRC Administrative Assistant Intern Alisa Sukachevin, and Cortney Worrall, director of the Coastal Marine Resource Center.

Together the volunteers collected over 700 items of litter and marine debris from the beach. The majority of items found on the beach were plastic bags – 215 total. Volunteer also found over 180 glass and plastic beverage bottles.

Other litter and debris included fishing gear, picnic items, and diapers, as well as stranger items, such as a car bumper. The most peculiar finding was a overturned, mostly buried car. In the end, volunteers carried eighteen full bags of garbage to the Big Egg Marsh parking lot to be picked up by the park authorities.

While collecting garbage on the beach, the groups of volunteers documented their findings on the International Coastal Cleanup™ Data Card provided by The Ocean Conservancy (more information on this can be found at www.oceanconservancy.org). The data card divides garbage into six different categories: shoreline and recreational activities, ocean/waterway activities, smoking-related activities, dumping activities, medical/personal hygiene, and debris items of local concern.

One of the main problems with litter on the beach is the impact it has on local wildlife. Some of the more distressing findings were horseshoe crabs entangled in fishing lines. Half of the horseshoe crabs found entangled in fishing lines were dead; the other half were still alive. The animals the volunteers found caught in the fishing lines further emphasize the need for pollution control.

Because of the previous night’s storm, volunteers were able to rescue about 8 stranded horseshoe crabs, which were returned to the water. Later during low tide, volunteers could spot horseshoe crabs spawning and gathering close to the shore.

Within the span of three hours, the large group of volunteers managed to clean up a sizable section of the Big Egg Marsh Beach. By the time the volunteers left for the day, the beach looked more pristine than when it was found. Cortney Worrall, director of the Coastal Marine Resource Center remarked that, before the arrival of the volunteers, Big Egg Marsh was, “a beautiful beach that needed a lot of help.” That is exactly what the volunteers did, helped.

One Earth Day Commitment

2008-04-22T22:41:00.009-04:00

The CMRC was lucky enough to honor the students of Academy I Middle School in Jersey City, NJ. The CMRC presented each of Mr. Osenenko's students with certificates of appreciation and a CFL light bulb (no kidding) for each student in honor of their work to protect the ocean and coastal areas surrounding New Jersey and New York.

Check out this link and the below CMRC article describing the students' great work.

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-6/12084999266920.xml&coll=3

We hear almost everyday about what to do to protect the environment. Without providing a list of the many things we can do to help, let's start with just one small commitment. This is the challenge the CMRC presented to the audience at the Academy I Middle School awards program last week:

Simply commit to purchasing one CFL lightbulb and replace one incandescent light bulb in your home this week. If every American did this today, we may have made a real impact this Earth Day. Climate change is the greatest long term threat to the ocean and our coastal areas. Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL will prevent a half-ton of Carbon Dioxide from being released into the atmosphere over the life of the bulb.

And while you're at it make sure to keep tuned in to the CMRC's website for upcoming information on environmentally-friendly practices for businesses and restaurants as we wrap up our two-year Business Stewardship Project.

Hats Off to Academy I Middle School in Jersey City, NJ!!!

2008-03-25T09:55:00.008-04:00

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Academy 1 Middle School in Jersey City deserves a huge amount gratitude and recognition for their work to protect our oceans and educate everyone about storm water pollution! On Tuesday, March 18, the “Cimate Academy” team of Mr. Osenenko’s sixth grade students, David Chen, Tsering Bista, Mathew Aquino, Yoonji Oh and Crystal Jahoor, kicked off the campaign "Clean Cities Make Clean Oceans" by painting the storm drains near the school with a stencil that stated “Dump No Waste: Drains to Waterways.”

The students were supported by Mr. Daniel Becht, Executive Director of the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority and Mr. Joseph Beckmeyer, Chief Engineer. Packets of paint, brushes, and stencils prepared by the Climate Academy were delivered by The Municipal Utilities Authority so that all the schools could participate in the project on March 24 and March 25, 2008.

The team of five students from Academy I organized themselves into an organization they call The Climate Academy. Sixth graders David Chen, Tsering Bista, Mathew Aquino, Yoonji Oh and Crystal Jahoor first tackled them problem of educating the public about global warming.

They developed two public service announcements that are currently airing on Comcast Channel 1. This was achieved by the support and dedication of The Media Arts High Tech Magnet Program at Snyder High School. The Climate Academy Films were edited by students in the media program. The high school media students were inspired to also enter the contest.

The Climate Academy Team was recently awarded $3000.00 and will now compete for the grand prize. The success of The Climate Academy revolved around the cooperation of Dorie Dunham (Media Instructor), Thomas Horan (Media Arts Tech Program Director), and Grace Moriarty (Principal of Academy I) and Joseph Osenenko (Science Instructor).

Check out the link on Clean Ocean Action's webpage about this work! Thanks to the students and all collaborators for this great work to protect coastal resources!

http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/index.php?id=648

Human Impact on the Seas

2008-03-10T17:00:00.001-04:00

Research by scientists in the Feburary 15th issue of the journal Science shows almost none of the world’s seas is free of human impact. Four percent of the ocean is considered nearly pristine while 40 percent is heavily or strongly impacted by human activity.

One of the most widespread impacts researchers found is acidification of ocean water by carbon. This is carbon that comes from human activities usually involving combustion. Increased acidification of the ocean can interfere with the survival and reproduction of marine organisms.

Other impacts include: shipping, fishing, pollution (including solid trash and plastics), invasive species, temperature changes, ultraviolet light, acidification, agricultural runoff and sewage, bottom trawling, and coral reef fishing.

The New York Times reports on the research:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/science/earth/26coas.html

New York Times op-ed on Oceans in Crisis

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/opinion/09sun2.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=ocean&st=nyt&oref=slogin

.... and Plastic in the Ocean

2008-03-10T16:56:00.002-04:00

Is it just me or is everyone having trouble finding a place other than the trash can for plastic grocery bags? The New York City council may have done something to help.

The city council passed an important plastic bag recycling law in January 2008. Stores larger than 5,000 square feet will be required to provide plastic bag recycling bins in a prominent place. This is great news for NYC consumers who often have trouble finding a way to recycle plastic bags.

Plastic bags which can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade, can be found almost anywhere in New York City if you look hard enough - slowly tumbling down New York City streets in a light wind, tangled in trees, or stuck in storm drains. Sadly the CMRC has readily found plastic bags floating in the ocean at public beaches, half buried in sand, or flying out of beach trash cans during wind gusts.

CMRC supporters: do your part to recycle plastic bags, join beach clean-ups, and do what you can to reduce plastic bag use!

A link to the legislation:

http://www.nyccouncil.info/html/legislation/legislation_details.cfm?ID=Int%200640-2007&TYPE=all&YEAR=2006&SPONSORS=YES&REPORTS=YES&HISTORY=YES

New York and California are leading the way:

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS225842+30-Jan-2008+PRN20080130

The New York Times article about the legislation:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/nyregion/10bags.html

Plastics in the Pacific

http://www.triplepundit.com/pages/plastic-soup-debris-in-pacific-002937.php

How to be Green in the NYC Region? It's about the Blue.

2008-02-07T13:39:00.000-05:00

Confused and tired of all the “green” marketing out there? Looking for a dynamic and simple way to learn about what it means to be “green” in New York City?

The CMRC is offering interactive morning, lunch, or evening workshops at your location. Find out what “green” means in our area. Discover the fabulous, often unrecognized coastal natural resources in and around the region.

Unlike information you may receive from the media or other sources, your guests will benefit from CMRC’s non-controversial, non-activist oriented presentations. The CMRC works with positive and expansive information and messages.

We come loaded with props, materials, and eye-opening interactive displays about the great blue and the biodiversity surrounding the city.

To discuss booking a speaker and your group’s interests call:

Cortney Worrall, MPA

718-757-1717 or cortney@thecmrc.org

p.s. When you call, let us know if your business is interesting in learning more about CMRC’s
Business Stewardship Awards, offered to businesses that commit to practices which protect
the New York – New Jersey Harbor Estuary.

Low Impact Development, THE Answer?

2008-01-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

CMRC was lucky to attend a conference last week about Low Impact Development sponsored by the NY- NJ Baykeeper. Congratulations to Baykeeper on a super, very informative event.

First of all, what is Low Impact Development (LID)? Though there are many definitions, here is one of the best definitions presented at the conference:

LID describes methods that treat rainwater as a resource instead of a waste to be moved away from roofs, streets, and sidewalks as quickly as possible. These methods can improve or protect water resources in urban, suburban or rural ecological systems. LID is best defined by each individual community or region.

LID could be an excellent way to reduce combined sewer overflows in the New York – New Jersey Harbor Estuary Region, while in addition combating climate change and the heat island effect, not to mention providing energy savings. LID methods that could work here are:

- green roofs

- rain gardens

- rain water collection systems

- grey and black water collection systems

- green streets, or traffic calming features that allow for storm water infiltration

The ultimate challenge, described by Dr. Paul Mankiewicz of the Gaia Institute, is how to bring cities to life - how to change a sterile infrastructure into one with water flowing into fertile places where living organisms can use the water. LID can enhance opportunities for ecological productivity, prevent waste, and mitigate climate change.

Will these methods become a wide scale reality in our region? I believe the answer is yes, if we can continue to show through research that LID is cost effective and can provide the ecological benefits we hope it can.

Data from solid research will help our friends in the sustainability and environmental departments of local governments make the case to decision makers and budget crunchers that these are win-win strategies.

We can also make LID a reality if and only if we can make LID available to the middle and lower classes. And thus we come to that perpetual and great challenge the entire environmental movement faces on a daily basis -- how do we get the funding we need at all levels for better research and affordability?

The CMRC is addressing affordability in an upcoming workshop on paying for green infrastructure to be held in late spring. Keep posted for more information on dates and times.

Last but not least, I am happy to say my predecessors working on CMRC’s first green roof had the foresight to include a comprehensive monitoring component. Results available in the next four to five years.

Mother Nature's Deeper Mood Swings

2008-01-14T12:47:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend the press reported findings from the University of New Hampshire showing that since the 1970s Northeast winters are warming and snow cover has been decreasing. The results are the work of a masters student in Earth sciences and geochemical systems, Elizabeth Burakowski.

Though the most striking of the results applies to winters in New England, the trends seem to apply to the Northeast in general and confirm the sentiments of some long time residents.

This research serves as another of many signals that we need to pay greater attention to preventing and adapting to climate change.

Two facts of this news strike me as very interesting.

First the Associated Press quotes Parker Riehle, president of the trade association Ski Vermont. Riehle says, “We've seen some erratic winters in recent years. The mood swings of Mother Nature, perhaps, are deeper than they used to be."

I’m always looking for ways to better describe what climate change means and how the layperson can better grasp the changes that are likely in store. This quote is particularly clear. It is good at describing that not just warming but the variability in temperatures are of concern.

Temperature variability can affect nature and our systems in many ways. A few quick hypothetical (and relatively non-catastrophic, but nonetheless relevant) examples:

- An unusual three week warm spell in February tricks plants and many tree species into blooming. A sudden arctic cold snap bring temperatures down into the twenties three nights in a row. The trees and plants lose their first attempt at blooming and are stressed for the rest of the year having to put out a second set of leaves and/or blossoms. This stress then makes them more susceptible to drought conditions and disease.

- A local Y embarks on an program to save energy and decrease heating costs. Their efforts for the year are set back after a series of very cold days at the end of October when the maintenance staff is prompted to turn on the boilers and get the heat up and running for the winter. The weather quickly warms back up and remains warm for more than a week or two. During this time is it easier for the staff to open the windows and let out the excess heat during the day than turn off the entire system and restart it when it becomes cold again.

The second thing that strikes me about this news is that the press picked up on the work of a masters student. I see this as good news for all graduate students out there wondering if their work will be noticed and if their idealism to make the world a better place is at all warranted. My answer would be an emphatic “Yes!”. Just look at what great research design and the support of a good department and institution can do.

CMRC’s message to non-students and environmental professionals is: “We're glad this research is out there, but let's take this to a higher level and advocate for better research at the local and regional level.”

It is CMRC's hope that universities, agencies, and institutions in our region conduct more coordinated research about long-term trends in climate change and the ways we can work to prevent and adapt to climate change at a regional level. (There is another message here - if you are a graduate student and have research to share with CMRC, don't hesitate to get in touch with us!) ….ckw

See the AP’s article at:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hBpEDT5gaU0IxcfoF1XRKosvg2uQD8U4PQ6G0

Find a link to Elizabeth Burakowski’s abstract and the UNH press release at:

http://www.unh.edu/news/cj_nr/2008/jan/bp11warmwinters.cfm

Luaus for Polar Bears

2008-01-03T14:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all the CMRC supporters who braved the cold and made it to our office for the 2nd Annual Waterfront Luau. The newly inaugurated Green Roof Polar Bear Club made a trek to the top of the building for a great view of lower Manhattan and a taste of what a green roof in the dead of winter may feel like! What a great start to the new 2008 projects CMRC has in store.

We especially want to acknowledge our volunteers and the support and in-kind donations we received from the following companies: Brooklyn Brewery, Gaiam, Patagonia, Jurlique, Lassen and Hennigs, Outside, and Ecostructure Magazine. We couldn't have made it such a special evening without you.

The CMRC starts out 2008 with a look at climate change and sea level rise. Over the next several months, CMRC will post information about climate change and how to get involved. We will also be finalizing our Business Stewardship Project. Keep visiting for Business Stewardship events, times, and locations.

Happy New Year from The CMRC.

CMRC Announces Cortney Worrall as Executive Director

2007-11-14T01:32:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends of the CMRC,

On behalf of our Board of Directors, we are proud to announce Cortney Worrall as the new Executive Director of the Coastal Marine Resource Center. Please join us in welcoming Cortney to our growing family of volunteers and supporters dedicated to the conservation of the NY – NJ Harbor Bight!

Ms. Worrall brings her dedication and passion to our efforts to restore habitat quality and provide public access to our region’s coastal resources. Working since 1990 on environmental issues, Cortney most recently worked with Bezcak Environmental Education Center where she assisted in the organization’s volunteer program and strategic planning efforts. Previously, she worked at the NY – NJ Harbor Estuary Program developing management strategies and outreach efforts on pollution prevention and public access programs.

Executive Director Worrall replaces CMRC founder Joel Banslaben who now joins the Board of Directors along with new additions Chris Shepard, Mark Rachleff and Jacqueline Lipson.

The CMRC will continue to work towards it mission of conserving the coasts and oceans of the Harbor Bight through its Business Stewardship, Green Roofs, Virtual Estuary and Sustainable Communities Programs. Please check our website (http://www.thecmrc.org/) in the coming weeks for updates and feel free to contact Cortney at cortney"at"thecmrc.org to learn more about our current projects and volunteer opportunities.

See you at the coast!

In the News: Report Card on New York City's Beaches

2007-07-23T12:27:00.000-04:00

New Yorkers For Parks (www.ny4p.org) recently released its Report Card on Beaches 2007: An Independent Assessment of New York City's Public Beaches, finding that 2 of the City's 7 coastal parks were "unsatisfactory" while another 4 were rated "challenged." Only one beach received the rating "satisfactory," bringing attention to the continued need for increased conservation and access throughout these critical urban habitats. The CMRC was proud to participate in the NY4Parks study as part of the Beaches Advisory Group and hopes that the City and local non-profit organizations will work together to increase beach cleanliness, improve water quality and address the need for additional lifeguards and maintenance staff...JB

Report Card on Beaches 2007

Raising the Tide: Strategies for New York City Beaches

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Fourteen miles of New York City’s 578-mile waterfront are composed of public beaches operated by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Nearly 21 million visitors spent time at the seven beaches during the summer of 2006.

Located in four of the five boroughs, the seven public beaches provide recreation, relaxation and a respite for residents and tourists:
• Coney Island/Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
• Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
• Midland Beach, Staten Island
• Orchard Beach, Bronx
• Rockaway Beach, Queens
• South Beach, Staten Island
• Wolfe’s Pond Beach, Staten Island

“Raising the Tide: Strategies for New York City Beaches” discusses important issues that have been brought to the table by community groups, city agencies, and advocates. The primary issues impacting beach users, along with New Yorkers for Parks’ recommendations to address them, are as follows:

Lifeguards and Staffing:
A chronic shortage of lifeguards leads to closed sections of the beach every summer. Recommendations: 1. Improve recruitment by administering training where there is demand and enhancing the transparency of testing. 2. Double the salary for lifeguards at underserved beaches as a pilot program. 3. Expand youth swimming opportunities in partnership with the Department of Education.

Maintenance and Inspections:
According to Health Department inspection data, beach facilities such as bathrooms need additional maintenance. Recommendations: 1. Implement “Operation Relief” for beach bathrooms in order to improve maintenance and reduce health code violations. 2. Increase the transparency of Park Inspection Program (PIP) results and include bathrooms and drinking fountains in a beach’s rating.

Water Quality:
Although water quality in NYC has improved in recent decades, the city still has a long way to go in terms of reducing water pollution. Recommendation: 1. Use and promote stormwater management strategies when developing land throughout the city to improve beach water quality.

Public Notification:
Information on local beach conditions needs to be improved. Recommendation: 1. Establish a NYC Beach User’s Guide on the Web that provides a variety of essential health, safety, and user information drawn from multiple city agencies.

Read more:
Report Card on Beaches 2007 http://www.ny4p.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=163

Raising the Tide: Strategies for New York City Beaches http://www.ny4p.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=162

New Yorkers for Parks
http://www.ny4p.org/

New York City Department of Parks - Beaches http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/facilities/af_beaches.html

Image: Coney Island, The CMRC

CMRC Releases Report on Sustainable Design & Development

2007-06-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

Sustainability. It's a term that we often hear in our modern day "green" society. But I've always wondered, what exactly does it mean?

For some it may be its simplest definition - balance & longevity. For others it may be a cool marketing word to help appeal to consumers. For those of us focusing on community development and conservation it is often defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future.

For coastal marine ecosystems and waterfront communities, the question then is how can we take this definition of sustainability and apply it to our current environmental and social challenges? One way is to look directly at the environment that surrounds us, the built environment. And that is exactly what the CMRC and a diverse range of partners aimed to examine when we convened a seminar on Sustainable Design and Development earlier this year.

The results of the seminar can now be found in the following report: Sustainable Design & Development. A brief Executive Summary can also be found below. Please feel free to contact us at business.stewardship@thecmrc.org with questions or comments.

Sustainability is a great concept. But unfortunately it seems like it has been just a concept to date. Now we need incorporate sustainable practices into our coastal marine ecosystem by examining the many facets of our everyday life. The built environment seems like a great place to start ...JB

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On April 24, 2007 the Coastal Marine Resource Center and its partners convened a seminar on Sustainable Design and Development: Implications for Policy and Planning. The workshop attempted to answer the question: Where are the opportunities for implementing sustainable design practices in our region and what can be done to better incentivize practices that benefit coastal marine resources?

The Seminar included presentations from experts on the state-of-the-art thinking behind sustainable design and development and highlighted the opportunities and challenges to making a significant impact on our environment, communities and economies. Presentations included the following speakers and topics: Kate Shackford, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Planning for Sustainability: Bronx Initiative for Energy & Environment; Jeff Raven, Ammann & Whitney, Implementation and Engineering for Green Projects; and Pete Atkin, GreenOrder, The Benefits of Sustainable Design to Businesses

Following the presentations, a diverse audience of government officials, conservation advocates and business owners worked with presenters and facilitators to identify major opportunities and potential projects for implementation within specific topic areas. The recommendations included:

Technology – Water Quality Sensors, Blackwater Holding Systems and Green Roofs
Finance – A Cap & Trade System for Stormwater
Policy – Tax Incentives to Promote Source Controls & Reduce Runoff

To move sustainable design and development forward, participants agreed that the NY – NJ Harbor Bight will need increased collaboration between businesses, policy-makers and scientists. The consensus appears that we are at the threshold of achieving great benefits with these initiatives but will need to better connect resource efficiency with profitability. This may require greater initial capital investment and creative incentive programs to promote further development of sustainable design tools for real estate developers in our coastal region.

Read more:
http://www.thecmrc.org/pdf/CMRC_Sustainable_Design_&_Development_Report.pdf

In the News: The Lure of Seeing a Hushed City at Water Level

2007-05-30T19:56:00.000-04:00

As summer heats up, so do the activities on our waterways! One means for getting on the water - kayaking - has been increasing by leaps & bounds in recent years (the population of boaters in Manhattan alone grew ten-fold over the past decade). However "despite the risk of large ships, water scooters, changing tides, unpredictable currents and cold water" and no paddling related fatalities the City Department of Parks is considering more stringent regulations. Let's hope they lean towards boater safety & education and not reduced waterfront access...JB

Image: Kayaking Urban Waters, Wikipedia

By Timothy Williams
May 29, 2007

For years, a small, secretive group of people, most of them men, spent their off hours paddling just above the surface of the city’s dirty rivers in kayaks. They rowed to their own music, often alone, and few paid much attention.

Kayakers speak about their sport in spiritual terms: a feeling of freedom, the communing with nature, an enveloping quiet while paddling only a few meters off the Manhattan shoreline in temperatures that are often 15 degrees lower than on shore.

“When that sun is going down on the East River, there is nothing that compares,” said Robert DiMaio, 46, a documentary film producer who proposed to his wife as they were kayaking. “Everything is quiet. The lights of the city are coming on. It is beyond addictive. You want to be able to articulate it, but it is hard. The city becomes a theater of light and distant sound.”

Kayaking has been largely unregulated, but now the city is giving it closer scrutiny. The change has been met with both optimism and alarm by New York’s close-knit community of kayakers, which has grown to perhaps a few hundred serious paddlers since the mid-1980s.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/29/nyregion/29kayak.html

Downtown Boathouse
www.downtownboathouse.org

Sebago Canoe Club
www.sebagocanoeclub.org

Wikipedia Kayak
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayak

In the News: Million-Gallon Sewage Spill In N.Y. River

2007-05-07T14:09:00.000-04:00

A large spill of raw sewage last week into the Hudson River led health officials to advise recreational users against entering local waters. Officials recommended residents to avoid contact with the river citing potential "gastrointestinal problems" that could develop. The spill shed some light on the state of water quality in the region, and the apparent lack of concern for dumping sewage into our waters. Possibly this is because we already dump "more than 27 billion gallons of raw sewage and polluted stormwater discharge out of 460 combined sewage overflows (“CSOs”)" into our waterways annually as a recent Riverkeeper Report found...JB

Yonkers, N.Y., May 5, 2007

A broken 48-inch underground pipe sent up to 2 million gallons of raw sewage spilling into the Hudson River north of New York City as workers scrambled Saturday to repair the damage.

Westchester County health officials warned boaters, water skiers and skin divers to stay out of the river due to potential health problems presented by the sewage. The pipe broke Friday afternoon, apparently ruptured by a tree that came loose during a landslide near the Greystone Train Station in Yonkers, officials said.

Read More:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/05/national/main2763791.shtml

Riverkeeper Information on CSOs
http://riverkeeper.org/campaign.php/pollution/the_facts/986

Sustainable Raindrops Report
http://riverkeeper.org/special/Sustainable_Raindrops_FINAL_2007-03-15.pdf

CMRC Business Stewardship Series Presents Sustainable Design & Development April 24th!

2007-04-23T11:49:00.000-04:00

Sustainable Design and Development: Policy & Planning Implications
April 24th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Kate Shackford, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation
Planning for Sustainability: Bronx Initiative for Energy & Environment

Pete Atkin, Green Order
The Benefits of Sustainable Design to Businesses

Jeff Raven, Amman & Whitney
Implementation and Engineering for Green Projects

Moderator: Joel Banslaben
Coastal Marine Resource Center

Location: Louis Berger, 199 Water Street, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10038.
RSVP to business.stewardship@thecmrc.org or 646-515-9290

Agenda & Overview
On April 24th, 2007, the CMRC will host a seminar on “Sustainable Design and Development: Policy and Planning Implications” that will explore the opportunities for greening real estate in our urban metropolitan region. The event will include a panel of distinguished speakers from various sectors presenting their thoughts on creating sustainable design and development. Major themes of the seminar will be:

1) What benefit does sustainable design provide for urban regions & residents?
2) What benefit does sustainable development have for businesses & investors?
3) Where are the incentive gaps & what can be done to align common goals?

The Panel will be followed by a working session designed to identify the major challenges to implementing sustainable design and development. Structured breakout groups will create policy and planning solutions aimed at increasing water, energy, land-use and materials efficiency that will be forwarded directly to policymakers.

The CMRC’s Business Stewardship Initiative seeks to integrate the resources of local businesses with conservation efforts. We would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their continued support! For more information please visit http://www.thecmrc.org/ or contact us at business.stewardship@thecmrc.org

In the News: Bloomberg Draws a Blueprint for a Greener City

2007-04-23T11:30:00.000-04:00

On Earth Day Mayor Bloomberg released his ambitious "PlaNYC" report to guide the region's next twenty-five years of growth. The City expects to gain one-million people by 2030 and as a result has decided to take a pro-active approach to city planning and environmental protection. Included in the report are 127 projects that include congestion pricing in Manhattan and "exploring other natural solutions for cleaning our water bodies." The question now, "Who will pay for it all?"...JB

By Thomas J. Lueck
Published April 23, 2007

In a quarter-century plan to create what he called “the first environmentally sustainable 21st-century city,” Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg proposed a sweeping and politically contentious vision yesterday of 127 projects, regulations and innovations for New York and the region.

The plan is intended to foster steady population growth, with the city expected to gain about 1 million residents by 2030, and to put in place a host of environmentally sensitive measures that would reduce the greenhouse gases it generates.

Mr. Bloomberg also set the parameters for what could be a large piece of his legacy as mayor. In an address outlining the plan yesterday at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan, Mr. Bloomberg likened it to the first blueprints for Central Park more than 100 years ago and the construction of Rockefeller Center in the Great Depression.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/23/nyregion/23mayor.html

PlaNYC Full Report

http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/plan/download.shtml

In the News: Young Whale Found in New York Harbor

2007-04-18T16:43:00.000-04:00

A 30,000 pound juvenile minke whale was observed swimming near the Gowanus Canal on Tuesday, the first such sighting in nearly seven years when a whale presumably hit by a ship was found dead between Brooklyn and Staten Island . As of 5:00 PM on Wednesday the whereabouts of the whale were unknown, but it was swimming and in good shape said representatives from the Riverhead Foundation, a group dedicated to assisting with stranded marine mammals...JB

Image: Balaenoptera acutorostrata by Alessio Marrucci

By Richard Pyle (Associated Press)

NEW YORK -- Marine biologists were standing watch on Tuesday over a young whale that lost its way in New York harbor and nearly wandered into a narrow waterway notorious for industrial pollution.

The animal, described as a juvenile minke whale about 15 feet long, was cruising around Gowanus Bay, the outlet from the mile-long Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn. It appeared to be in good health and not distressed, said Kim Durham, rescue program director for the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.

Read more:
http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=12604

Video of Whale on WNBC
http://video.wnbc.com/player/?id=92416

Riverhead Foundation
http://www.riverheadfoundation.org/

Minke Whale in Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minke_Whale

In the News: Buildings Called Key Source of City’s Greenhouse Gases

2007-04-16T12:13:00.000-04:00

New York City's Office of Sustainability recently released a report on Greenhouse Gases which found that the City's 950,000 buildings emit nearly 80% of our CO2 emissions. With 20% coming from automobiles and mass transit it is clear that a strategy to reduce these gases will have to include an aggressive campaign to implement sustainable design and development for our region's residential and commercial structures. However, what is even more surprising is the number of buildings with (or should I say without) either green roofs or LEED certification. Out of the 950,000 buildings in New York City only 20-30 currently have green roofs...JB

Image: New York from space. Can you count the green roofs?

April 11, 2007
By Diane Cardwell

Laying the groundwork for a plan to reduce the production of greenhouse gases in the city, the Bloomberg administration released a study yesterday showing that New York’s roughly 950,000 buildings are responsible for a vast majority of the city’s carbon dioxide emissions.

In sharp contrast to the national average of about 32 percent, the city’s buildings are responsible for 79 percent of the greenhouse gases produced by the city and are rising each year, according to the study, conducted by the city’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability. Transportation systems, including mass transit, cars and trucks, are responsible for most of the remaining 21 percent of the emissions, which are considered a major factor in global warming.

The release of the inventory marked the first concrete step in Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s ambitious effort to set the city on a greener path as it plans for the addition of one million residents by 2030. In December, Mr. Bloomberg outlined goals to help guide the city’s growth in a more environmentally sound way, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/11/nyregion/11carbon.html

Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report
http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/ccp_report041007.pdf

NYC's Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability
http://www.nyc.gov/html/ops/html/long_term/long_term.shtml

US Green Building Council
http://www.usgbc.org/

Sustainable Design & Development: April 24th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

2007-04-10T14:38:00.000-04:00

CMRC’s Business Stewardship Speaker Series Invites You to a Seminar on Sustainable Design and Development: Policy and Planning Implications on Tuesday, April 24th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Please see details below!

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT: APRIL 24TH, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Kate Shackford, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation http://www.boedc.com/
Planning for Sustainable Development: Bronx Initiative for Energy and the Environment

Pete Atkin, Green Order http://www.greenorder.com/
The Benefits of Sustainable Design and Development to Businesses

Terry Doss, Louis Berger Group http://www.louisberger.com/
Implementation and Engineering for Green Projects

Moderator: Joel Banslaben, Coastal Marine Resource Center http://www.thecmrc.org/

Location: Louis Berger, 199 Water Street, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10038

Space is limited. RSVP to business.stewardship@thecmrc.org or 646-515-9290 by April 20th!
___________________________________________

On April 24th, 2007, the Coastal Marine Resource Center will host a seminar on “Sustainable Design and Development: Policy and Planning Implications” that will explore the challenges and opportunities to greening real estate in the NY – NJ Harbor Bight. The event will include a panel of distinguished speakers from the private, non-profit and government sectors presenting their thoughts and plans on creating sustainable design and development in the region. Major themes of the seminar will be:

What benefit does sustainable design provide for urban regions and their residents?
What benefit does sustainable development have for businesses and financial investors?
Where are the incentive gaps for different parties and what can be done to align common goals?

The Panel session will be followed by a working session designed to identify the major challenges to implementing sustainable design and development solutions in the NY – NJ region. Structured breakout groups will create policy and planning solutions aimed at increasing water, energy, land-use and materials efficiency that will be forwarded directly to policymakers.

RSVP to business.stewardship@thecmrc.org by April 20th

The CMRC’s Business Stewardship Initiative seeks to integrate the resources of local businesses with conservation efforts. We would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their continued support and are looking forward to a great year! For more information please visit http://www.thecmrc.org/ or contact us at business.stewardship@thecmrc.org

In the News: Fume-Free (for Now) and Looking to the Future

2007-04-09T17:07:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn's intrigue with the Gowanus Canal never ceases to amaze me. I must admit that as one who crosses it with regularity, I often find myself staring out over the rainbow colored waters and endless warehouses thinking of its dynamic history and (potentially) green future. For those attempting to make these visions a reality many issues abound for Gowanus. Developers, community groups, local businesses and waterfront open-space advocates will all have their say as the City Department of Planning "charts the future" of the Canal. I just hope they can find a green way to keep the rainbow color of the water...JB

April 8, 2007
By Jake Mooney

Ten years ago, the idea of worrying about the future of the land around the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn would have seemed a little strange, especially in hot weather. An underground tunnel designed to circulate the canal’s water had been out of service for decades, and as a result, sewage from nearby houses and storm drains overflowed regularly into the canal, emitting a formidable stench.

The sewage overflows continue, but with the tunnel reopened since 1999, the water circulates better — at least for the moment. The gradual return of fish and birds to the canal has enticed widely known developers like Shaya Boymelgreen and the Pennsylvania-based Toll Brothers, drawn to the neighborhood’s proximity to Park Slope and Carroll Gardens. These developers have proposed projects that could involve rezoning parts of Gowanus and adding hundreds if not thousands of residents to the area.

In response, staff members of the Department of City Planning are meeting this month and next with the local community board to evaluate the neighborhood’s needs and chart its future. Their goal is a framework for land use decisions that could allow manufacturing and residential development to coexist and maybe even open up some recreational space.

“There are so many possibilities that people have let their imaginations run wild, and that’s a good thing,” said Craig Hammerman, district manager of the local Community Board 6. “We just have to make sure that we can tether the possibilities to probabilities that are out there.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/08/nyregion/thecity/08plan.html

CMRC Gowanus Canal Page

http://thecmrc.blogspot.com/2006/01/exploring-our-coasts-and-waterfronts.html

Gowanus Canal on Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gowanus_Canal

Community Board Six

http://www.brooklyncb6.org/committees/

Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation

http://www.swbidc.org/

In the News: LIPA Wind Farm Cost Too Steep

2007-04-02T15:39:00.000-04:00

A recent report by Dowling College outlined "excessive" construction costs for the proposed offshore wind farm south of Long Island and suggested that the Long Island Power Authority build the project itself and save taxpayers nearly $100 million. The analysis brings into question the costs and benefits of alternative energy as we transition from a strictly petroleum-based economy. Certainly, the costs of exploring new technologies will be high initially, but as these projects become more common the up front investment will lower. We just need to make sure that LIPA and others keep sound economics in mind...JB

Image: Danish Wind Turbines from Wikipedia

By Mark Harrington
April 2, 2007

The proposal to build a 40-turbine wind farm off the South Shore would enrich its contractor with "extraordinary" returns while "saddling" Long Island ratepayers with a 20-year-plus contract for energy at "excessive" prices, a new study of the project's economics has found.

Scheduled to be released this week, the study, by the Long Island Economic & Social Policy Institute at Dowling College, questions the initial $356-million construction cost of the project and suggests LIPA explore the alternative of funding and building the wind farm itself, which it says would be cheaper.

"Wind energy makes sense for Long Island, but this contract does not," said the study's author, Mark Greer, a professor of economics at Dowling.

Read more...
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-bzlipa0402,0,2894107.story?coll=ny-linews-headlines

Long Island Economic & Social Policy Institute at Dowling College on Wind Farm
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-bzwind0403-pdf,0,6973532.acrobat?coll=ny-linews-headlines

LIPA Offshore Wind Project Information
http://www.lipower.org/cei/offshore.html

Wind Farm on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm

CMRC to Host Seminar on Sustainable Design & Development April 24th

2007-03-20T16:19:00.000-04:00

The CMRC’s Business Stewardship Initiative is proud to announce our second year of the Stewardship Speaker Series!

Sustainable Design & Development: April 24th - Save the Date!!!

On April 24th, 2007, we will host a seminar on “Sustainable Design and Development: Policy and Planning Implications” that will explore the challenges and opportunities to greening real estate in the New York – New Jersey Harbor Bight. Please stay tuned for further details including a great panel of speakers and location of the event.

CMRC Business Stewardship Speaker Series
Sustainable Design and Development
April 24th

The CMRC’s Business Stewardship Initiative seeks to integrate the resources of local businesses with conservation efforts by leveraging available human and financial capital and increasing pollution prevention awareness within corporations, small businesses and industry. We would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their continued support and are looking forward to a great year!

For more information please visit http://www.thecmrc.org/prog-hbp-bsp.asp or contact us at business.stewardship@thecmrc.org

Image: Green Roof Design Courtesy American Wick Drain (www.americanwick.com)

In the News: The Real Riddle of Changing Weather: How Safe Is My Home?

2007-03-16T14:03:00.000-04:00

Sea-level rise is certainly going to be a big issue in the next decade, especially if current warming trends continue. We are a coastal city with a large portion of our population lying between 0-10 feet above sea level. Insurers have recently caught drift of this information and are now unwilling to offer flood policies. One solution proposes to build a four giant seagates to protect property. Unfortunately, the gates would only protect those inside the seawall and would actually greatly increase the effects outside. How about this. We actually acknowledge that we are a coastal city and spend the money rebuilding marshes throughout the city to act as a buffer to flooding events. Reduce development in high risk areas. Create sand dunes where they once existed and creating rolling easements on coastal property. Put great public transportation networks in place so that when storms do come people can be moved quickly to higher ground. Improve stormwater infrastructure so that when flooding occurs it drains as effectively and sewage free as possible. Is that really too much to ask?...JB

Image: Flooding Risk Areas by NYC OEM

By Teri Karush Rogers
Published: March 11, 2007

By now it is no longer news that people are jiggling the planet’s thermostat.

One response is to go green: New Yorkers who were terrified into action by Al Gore’s movie, “An Inconvenient Truth,” are shaping up their lives and homes with a compulsion formerly reserved for the Atkins diet.

All this carbon cutting is a boon, and it certainly provides a moral high ground. But it fails to address one pesky truth: no matter how green New York City becomes, it remains hostage to huge amounts of heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions already in the pipeline and from the future environmental transgressions of others, facts made clear in the bleak conclusions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, released last month in Paris.

With no obvious savior in the wings, there is a growing urgency that global warming be understood at a local level, right down to the block, starting with: How could a rising sea level and pummeling storms affect the trillion dollars’ worth of property New Yorkers call home?
“It’s all pointing in a bad direction,” said Stuart Gaffin, an associate research scientist at the Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia University. “There’s nothing good to encourage you to think we’re going to avoid long-term flooding events.”

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/11/realestate/11cov.html

New York City Office of Emergency Management
http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/home/home.shtml

SUNY Stony Brook's Marine Research Center
http://www.msrc.sunysb.edu/

In the News: Cost to Operate S.I. Ferries Soared Over the Last 5 Years

2007-03-08T12:53:00.000-05:00

The City's Independent Budget Office reported earlier this month that costs to operate the Staten Island Ferry doubled from $40 to $84 million between 2002 and 2007, adding fuel to the debate on water-based transporation in the region. For the most part, the increases were attributed to security upgrades (post 9/11 and 2003 crash). However, ridership did increase over 10% during the same time period to 20 million riders annually, indicating that demand is still very much high for this energy efficient and environmentally friendly form of transportation...JB

Image: State Island Ferry with in New York Harbor from Wikipedia

By Sewell Chan
Published March 7, 2007

New York City’s operating costs for the Staten Island ferry system have more than doubled in five years, largely because of reforms instituted after a deadly October 2003 crash, according to a report released yesterday.

The increase, to $83.8 million this year from $40.2 million in 2002, is most likely to be enduring, according to the city’s Independent Budget Office, which issued the report. It found that safety and security expenses were the greatest cause of the increase.

Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/nyregion/07ferry.html

NYC's Independent Budget Office Memo on Rising Ferry Costs
http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/newsfax/insidethebudget149.pdf

NYC Department of Transporation SI Fery Page
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/masstran/ferries/statfery.html

Wikipedia on the SI Ferry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staten_Island_Ferry

Google Map with SI Ferry Route Highlighted
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&z=12&ll=40.678165,-74.037209&spn=0.113522,0.284271&t=h&om=1

CMRC Participates in Mayor's Office of Sustainability "PlaNYC 2030"

2007-03-07T17:53:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, March 6, the CMRC joined together with the Mayor's Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability and numerous non-profit organizations, government agencies and local residents in New York to discuss the city's future development and conservation plans.

The meetings, appropriately named "PlaNYC 2030," focused on a variety of topics ranging from community development and transportation to parks and waterways. During the town-hall style meeting participants listened to an overview of the city's effort, presented by Director Rohit Aggarwala, outlining Mayor Bloomberg's vision and the Office's Mission (created December 2006) and presenting its diverse Advisory Board. In addition, PlaNYC outlined ten focus areas for a sustainable future:

Housing
Congestion
Open Spaces
Energy
Transportation
Water
Air Quality
Brownfields
Waterways
Climate Change

During breakout sessions with participants, the dialog quickly shifted to creating solutions for our communities and local environment. Many of the topics connected directly to our waterways and coasts, including the potential for increasing water-based transportation to reduce traffic, the impacts of climate change on sea-level rise and green roofs and sustainable design incentive programs to reduce stormwater and energy/water usage.

The event proved very successful for creating a dialog on the issue, but many were also skeptical of its long-term reality. Kevin Powell (of MTV fame, now a journalist and Brooklyn resident) pointed out during the feedback session, "We need the Mayor to step up and make the Office of Sustainability a permanent office to ensure that the recommendations of these meetings are carried out over then next twenty-three years."

The comment was well received by participants and left the author thinking "what will it take to make this amazing collaborative initiative one that produces on-the-ground results and not just another report?"

Only time (well about 23 years) will tell....JB

Photos: Disappearing Wetlands, Alex McLean
Governors Island Swim, NYC Economic Development Corporation

PlaNYC Homepage
www.nyc.gov/2030

PlaNYC Waterways Page http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/about/greenyc_waterways.shtml

Mayors Vision and Advisory Board
http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/about/call-to-action.shtml

Advisory Board Members
Hon. Daniel L. Doctoroff, Chair Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding
Hon. Christine C. Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council
Carlton Brown, Principal and COO, Full Spectrum NY, LLC
Marcia Bystryn, Executive Director, New York League of Conservation Voters
Robert Fox, Partner, Cook + Fox Architects
Ester Fuchs, Professor of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
Andrew H. Darrell, Regional Director, Environmental Defense
Hon. James F. Gennaro, Council Member and Chair, Committee on Environmental Protection Ashok Gupta, Air & Energy Program Director, Natural Resources Defense Council
Michael Northrop, Program Director, Sustainable Development Program, Rockefeller Brothers Ed Ott, Executive Director, NYC Central Labor Council
Elizabeth C. Girardi Schoen, Senior Director, Global Environment, Health, and Safety, Pfizer Peggy M. Shepard, Executive Director and Co-Founder, West Harlem Environmental Action Steven Spinola, President, Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY)
Daniel R. Tishman, Chairman and CEO, Tishman Construction Corporation K
athryn Wylde, President and CEO, Partnership for New York City
Robert D. Yaro, President, Regional Plan Association
Elizabeth C. Yeampierre, Executive Director, United Puerto Rican Organization of Sunset Park

In the News: Cuomo Moves Toward Lawsuit Over a 50-Year-Old Oil Spill in Greenpoint

2007-02-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

New State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo showcased a strong approach to conservation earlier this month when he announced that New York State would sue Exxon Mobil and others for a 50-year old oil spill. The Newtown Creek spill in Greenpoint, larger than the Exxon Valdez in size, resulted from multiple leaks that existed during the 1950's. The Attorney General's move was welcomed by elected officials and community members alike, and hopefully is indicative of future actions of New York State to conserve our marine environment...JB

Image: Newtown Creek, Wikipedia

By Nicholas Confessore
February 9, 2007

New York State moved to sue Exxon Mobil and four other companies on Thursday to force them to clean up a half-century-old spill of millions of gallons of oil lying under the Greenpoint neighborhood in Brooklyn and to repair environmental damage inflicted on nearby Newtown Creek.

The spill, originally several times the size of the Exxon Valdez oil leak, resulted from an accident in the 1950s and lay undiscovered until 1978. In notices of intent to sue that were sent to the five companies, Andrew M. Cuomo, the state attorney general, said that so much oil had leaked into the creek that some samples of its sediment, when dried and weighed, were nearly one-tenth oil.

The notices also disclosed that an internal study by one of the companies found nearly 100 different pollutants in the creek water or sediment, including benzene, arsenic and lead.

The other companies receiving the notices were BP, Chevron, KeySpan and Phelps Dodge.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/08/nyregion/08cnd-brooklyn.html

Newtown Creek on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtown_Creek

Riverkeeper Page on Newtown Creek Spill
http://riverkeeper.org/campaign.php/pollution/we_are_doing/805

Google Map of Newtown Creek
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=cmrc&sll=40.6939,-73.999206&sspn=0.006898,0.009699&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;z=15&ll=40.736527,-73.955369&spn=0.013788,0.033474&t=h&om=1

In the News: U.S. Gets a 'C-' on Protecting Oceans

2007-02-06T10:48:00.000-05:00

The Joint Ocean Commission released its 2006 Report Card last week, giving the United States a "C-" on its efforts to protect and restore our nation's coasts and oceans. The grade, a modest increase from the "D+" given last year by the ten-member task force, clearly indicates that significant improvements are still needed at the policy level. In addition, financial support for research, planning and management programs is sorely lacking (2005- "F"; 2006 - "F") leading many to believe that solutions will need to come from the local level...JB

By Andrew Miga
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The United States made modest progress on protecting its oceans last year, but still needs to boost funding for desperately needed reforms, a commission on ocean policy said Tuesday.

Overall, the U.S. earned a "C-" grade from the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative, a collaboration between the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the privately funded Pew Oceans Commission. That was a slight improvement over a "D+" grade on the commission's report card for 2005.

Read More:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/30/AR2007013000714.html

Joint Ocean Commission
http://www.jointoceancommission.org/

U.S Ocean Policy Report Card (PDF)
http://www.jointoceancommission.org/images/report-card-06.pdf

In the News: Fuel for debate on the sound

2007-01-18T17:57:00.000-05:00

Liquefied Natural Gas or LNG and the high demand for offload facilities in the Northeast will certainly be one of the more contentious debates of the upcoming year. A recent series of public meetings in Long Island brought out proponents and challengers alike, all speaking to the impacts of the planned Broadwater Terminal. Currently in question - a report that found there would be "no significant impacts" in the already heavily degraded Long Island Sound...JB

Photo: Artist Image of Proposed LNG Facility from Underwater from Newsday

By Jennifer Smith
Newsday Staff Writer
January 9, 2007

The contentious debate over a liquefied natural gas terminal proposed for Long Island Sound shifts into high gear this week at a series of public meetings on the project's likely environmental impact.

At issue is a report by federal energy officials which concluded that the massive Broadwater LNG Terminal -- a 1,200-foot-long floating facility that would require about 22 miles of new pipeline under Long Island Sound -- would have no "significant impacts to the environment."

Read more:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-liboard0109,0,6932072.story?coll=ny-main-bigpix

Read the Full Report here:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-broadwater-report,0,2378274.htmlstory?coll=ny-main-bigpix

CMRC State of Our Coasts: 2007

2007-01-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

Sea level rise. Combined sewer overflows. Alternative energy. Floating pools. Business stewardship. Sustainability.

What do these topics all have in common?

They dominated our headlines in 2006 as our coasts, oceans and waterfronts became a major political, scientific and social area of concern.

----------

The past year brought national and worldwide recognition to the severe degradation of the species, habitats and communities that surround our coastal ecosystem. Simultaneous reports by the US Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Oceans Commission (now the Joint Ocean Commission) revealed that we are truly at a tipping point for our water-based natural resources, calling for swift and immediate action by our political, academic and business leaders.

Closer to home, Combined Sewer Overflows or CSOs, dominated the news and focus of the NY – NJ Harbor Bight’s coastal managers. The goal – to prevent over 600 outfalls from dumping a mixture of raw sewage and runoff into our estuaries during wet weather storms with rainfall over one-half of an inch. The challenge – how to upgrade treatment plants and reduce stormwater flow upstream to improve water quality at a price the city and its citizens can afford.

Another major issue in 2006 was that of Public Access to the Waterfront. One inventive concept by Ann Buttenwieser created a Floating Pool that will allow people to get near (and in) the water now resides at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Others organizations, such as Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, worked to examine just how accessible our waterfronts actually are by mapping all of the access points in the urban estuary.

Finally, following on quickly rising oil prices and our nations “addiction” to petroleum, different forms of Renewable Energy came to the forefront. In many cases, these included using the powers of the oceans and our coasts to improve sustainability in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Wind farm proposals were put on the table up-and-down the coast, tidal power pilot projects were introduced in the East River and Liquid Natural Gas facilities were planned for just offshore Sandy Hook and the Long Island Sound.

----------

In 2006, the Coastal Marine Resource Center continued to examine the progress of the above issues, among others, and work to implement sustainable solutions for our habitats and communities with conservation of the Harbor Bight in mind. This included partnering with policy-makers, coastal managers, academic researchers and community, business and environmental leaders to increase awareness of the challenges facing our coasts and oceans.

Our Harbor Bight Policy Program worked with our regional and national leaders to research and develop plans for coastal conservation. In addition, the CMRC worked to catalog the responsibilities of these agencies and officials though our Policy Project Minding the Shore: Who is Responsible? which included the following in 2006 (click link for more information):

In addition, our Sustainable Coasts Program worked to better integrate the natural resources of our waterfronts and oceans with the social capital found in our communities. In Asbury Park, our work translated directly into increased access and economic opportunity for low-income residents in the City. Our Exploring Our Coasts & Waterfronts project continued to document the assets and challenges of waterfront communities both locally and worldwide:

One of the biggest accomplishments for the CMRC in 2006 was the introduction of the Business Stewardship Initiative, a project aimed at bringing together the resources of the private sector with local conservation efforts. Over 100 business and environmental leaders joined together during our workshops and speaker series to discuss the opportunities and outline a strategy for increased collaboration. In addition, the CMRC began efforts to implement its Volunteer Network and Stewards of the Estuary Recognition Program, both of which will be major initiatives of the organization in the upcoming year.

The most exciting venture to evolve out of the Business Stewardship Initiative in 2006 was a joint Green Roofs Project with the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corp. The project aims to assist local businesses in the area with the planning and implementation of green roofs as a means for increasing energy efficiency and reducing stormwater runoff. The project is currently in planning stages and had identified a local business partner. Stay tuned for more in 2007!

As well, the CMRC, in coordination with Key-East Consulting and Fallout Pictures Kicked off its Virtual Estuary Project in 2006. This multi-media effort, the first of its kind nationwide, will use the current explosion of online visual media to transport students and residents directly to the estuary. Podcasts, interactive maps and even educational games will assist with educating the public on the vast natural resources that exist in our urban metropolitan region and the conservation challenges facing our shores.

Finally, the CMRC had a little fun in 2006. We were able to work with several high profile individuals and businesses to raise awareness for coastal conservation in the NY – NJ ecosystem. In July, International Recording Artist Moby brought his enthusiasm to the stage in support of the CMRC’s efforts, rocking a packed house at East River Park. Our recent end of year Waterfront Luau in Dumbo celebrated a “Superfine” year in coastal conservation. Companies such as Patagonia, Nautica, Brooklyn Brewery, Zipcar, Shift your Gift, Interrupcion, Aveda, Jurlique, Rough Guides, Outside Magazine and 3R Living all provided some greatly appreciated support to make both events a success.

----------

The CMRC will continue to work with our dedicated staff, members, volunteers and partners to put forth a clear and viable plan for advancing the conservation of our coasts, oceans and waterfronts in 2007. It’s apparent that the issues surrounding our waters have come to the surface. Now the challenge will be planning and financing solutions to these concerns.

The CMRC pledges to be at the forefront of coastal planning and policy to assure that resources are made available for the conservation of habitats and communities in the Harbor Bight.

See you in the water!
JB

CMRC Winter Waterfront Luau ~~~ Tuesday, December 19th!!!

2006-12-14T18:02:00.000-05:00

CMRC WINTER WATERFRONT LUAU ~~~ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19th!!!

Join the CMRC in celebrating a “superfine” year in coastal conservation.
Drinks, food and some waterfront cheer.

Sponsored by Brooklyn Brewery, Outside Magazine, Rough Guides, Patagonia, Jurlique Soho, and many more!

The event is FREE and includes appetizers, cash bar (happy hour 6-7) and access to the DUMBO waterfront nearby. Friends and family welcome!

A suggested donation of $25 receives two (2) drink tickets and a gift bag from our sponsors (including the new “Rough Guide to Climate Change”).

CMRC WINTER WATERFRONT LUAU* Tuesday , December 19th ~~~ 6:00 – 8:00 PM * Superfine, Dumbo, Brooklyn (Map Below)
* RSVP To: info@thecmrc.org

For more information please visit us at http://www.thecmrc.org/ or call 646-515-9290

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=superfine&sll=40.694038,-73.999283&sspn=0.013796,0.021157&ie=UTF8&z=14&ll=40.70797,-73.993778&spn=0.027587,0.042315&t=h&om=1&iwloc=A

CMRC partners with www.shiftyourgift.com for the Holidays!

2006-12-14T17:35:00.000-05:00

The CMRC is proud to partner with www.shiftyourgift.com for the Holidays!

Shift Your Gift is a project of Shift Media Group (www.shiftmag.com) that brings sustainable living options to the mainstream. www.shiftyourgift.com has great gifts for the holidays including organic cotton t-shirts, healthy and tasty food and even electric motorcycles!

In addition, when you make a purchase at www.shiftyourgift.com, 5% of the purchase price goes directly to the non-profit organization of your choice!!!

Shift believes that individuals can have a positive impact on the environment through their daily decisions without sacrificing quality of life or style. Shift celebrates the new technologies and new ideas that make sustainable living a real option.

Happy Holidays from the CMRC and www.shiftyourgift.com!
JB

Image: Organic Cotton T-Shirt from Edun

Conserving our Coasts & Waterfronts: Water Quality FAQs

2006-12-12T13:32:00.000-05:00

This past Thanksgiving I went for a morning surf in the Rockaways. It was a stormy, windy, rainy day and the waves were in the double overhead range (8-12 ft), water temps in the low 50s. It was a great day to be in the ocean.

Unfortunately, waves weren't the only thing I caught that morning...by the next day an infection was pulsing through my body, most likely from the polluted waters I had swam in the day before. Every time it rains more than a half-inch our city's wastewater system discharges raw sewage mixed with stormwater directly in our harbors and bays making for a bacteria and virus-laden cocktail.

Surfers are often the first to feel the effects of these conditions, but it has to make you think "If we are getting sick every time it rains, then what is happening to the aquatic life that lives in these waters?" Do we even know what the water quality is during rain events and what are the impacts on our ecosystem?"

Below are a few links to more information on water quality in NY and NJ. Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) are a significant problem that need a solution to prevent the continued dumping of pollutants into our local waters. There are some solutions that you can assist with at your home or business...things like conserving water when it rains or installing a green roof are just a sampling of the options available .

It starts with everybody from residents and businesses to government regulators and elected officials pitching in to solve this problem. The CMRC is looking forward to working with you to reduce the impacts of CSOs and improve our coasts, oceans and waterfronts in the year to come. See you in the water...JB

Images:
Rockaway Surf - Robert Skorney
Submerged CSO - www.reef-rescue.org

Water Quality (WQ) Links:

NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/news/hwqs.html
Note: NYCDEP has NO real-time monitoring of WQ online!

NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/beaches/
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/wmm/bmw/
Note: NJDEP has NO real-time monitoring of WQ online!

Surfrider NYC Water quality Testing
http://www.surfrider.org/bwtf/BWTFoutput.asp

CARP - Contamination Assessment & Reduction Project
http://www.carpweb.org/main.html

Southern California's Real Time WQ Monitoring
http://www.earth911.org/waterquality/default.asp?cluster=1

More about CSOs
http://www.seagrant.sunysb.edu/hep/pdf/hep_cso.pdf

In the News: On a Sliver of the Bronx, a Waterfront Respite

2006-12-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

All along our estuary's waterfront, new access points are being opened to the public in an effort to regain our lost, but unbelievably rich, maritime heritage. The Bronx, lying in the far northern reaches of the NY - NJ Harbor Estuary, has often been the least accessible all of our region's waterfronts. In 2005, Mayor Bloomberg made a large first step in the right direction, providing a 600 foot-long stretch of access in Riverdale. Now we must continue to push forward until the entire coastline is accessible to all...JB

Photo: Bronx Waterfront/The CMRC

By Thomas J. Lueck
Published: December 5, 2006

I'm not sure how many people know how to get here, said Lisa San Felice, an amateur photographer, speaking last Thursday afternoon to the only other visitor to the Riverdale Waterfront Promenade and Fishing Access Site, one of New York City's least likely parks.

A tiny ribbon of land, the Riverdale park in the Bronx is 20 feet wide and 600 feet long, providing benches and a place to fish or take a stroll between Metro-North train tracks and the Hudson shoreline. Getting there involves stairs or elevators, crossing the railroad tracks on an elevated walkway and finding the gate to the park.

Since it was dedicated in 2005 by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the Riverdale retreat has been hailed as an important step, or at least a symbolic gesture, toward providing more public access to the city's underutilized waterfront. But there has also been the awkward question of who would actually use such a minuscule stretch of river frontage.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/05/nyregion/05ink.html

Bronx Borough Presidents Waterfront Plan
http://bronxboropres.nyc.gov/en/gv/president/waterfront.htm

In the News: The Coastline Is Retreating. Should the Montauk Lighthouse Stand Its Ground?

2006-11-21T11:30:00.000-05:00

The debate rages on in Montauk regarding its charismatic lighthouse and how to address the ever-encroaching coastline below. Since the structure was built in 1796 (commissioned by George Washington no less!) the buffer between the sea and the towering lighthouse has shrunk from a generous 300 feet to a precarious 75. Now coastal managers, fisherman, surfers and local residents are left to decide whether to retreat or stand their ground...JB

Photo: Anders Brownworth (www.anders.com)

By Cornelia Dean
November 21, 2006

Lighthouses speak to the imagination. They illuminate the darkness, remind us of a vanishing maritime heritage and embody what it means to make it safely home.

So when erosion threatens to send a lighthouse toppling into the sea, people want to save it. But how? The way we answer that question involves more than engineering. It can become a statement about how we intend to live with our eroding coasts.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/21/science/earth/21comm.html

Video:
http://nytimes.feedroom.com/?fr_story=4db4f0511aac94767acc5b17838c7ab8d2600bfe

More on the Lighthouse Debate
http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/11/14/nyregion/14light.html

Google Map of Montauk Lighthouse
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=montauk&sll=40.694038,-73.999283&sspn=0.013796,0.019226&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;z=12&ll=41.058903,-71.899338&spn=0.109764,0.21492&t=h&om=1

Montauk Lighthouse
http://www.montauklighthouse.com/home.htm

Wikipedia - Montauk Lighthouse
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montauk_Point_Lighthouse

CMRC Winter Waterfront Luau - Tuesday, December 19th

2006-11-16T18:20:00.000-05:00

CMRC WINTER WATERFRONT LUAU ~~~ SAVE THE DATE!!!

Join the CMRC in celebrating a “superfine” year in coastal conservation. Drinks, food and some waterfront cheer.

CMRC WINTER WATERFRONT LUAU* Tuesday , December 19th ~~~ 6:00 – 8:00 PM* Superfine, Dumbo, Brooklyn (Map Link Below) * RSVP To: info@thecmrc.org

Details to follow. For more information please visit us at http://www.thecmrc.org/

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=superfine&sll=40.694038,-73.999283&sspn=0.013796,0.021157&ie=UTF8&z=14&ll=40.70797,-73.993778&spn=0.027587,0.042315&amp;amp;t=h&om=1&iwloc=A

CMRC Virtual Estuary Project Now Online!!!

2006-11-15T11:32:00.000-05:00

The CMRC's Virtual Estuary Project is an effort that aims to bring the experience of our coasts and waterfronts to residents throughout the NY-NJ region by using technology and media to convey the story of our coastal habitat, species and communities. We are proud to unveil the Virtual Estuary for the first time today at www.virtualestuary.org!

Please stay tuned for frequent updates and feel free to contact us at virtual.estuary@thecmrc.org with ideas, links or questions.
JB

Virtual Estuary Project Overview
The Virtual Estuary Project is an initiative that uses cutting-edge technology and interactive media to create an educational tool that explores the natural resources found within the coastal environment of the New York – New Jersey Harbor Bight.

Project Background
The Harbor Bight is home to one of the largest metropolitan regions in the world. It includes a population of 22 million residents, thousands of academic institutions and an international business community. Unfortunately, the extent of the region’s development puts tremendous stress on the health of the estuary's natural systems. The Virtual Estuary aims to reconnect residents with the coastal ecosystem through a variety of interactive educational tools that increase awareness regarding aquatic species and habitats while simultaneously conveying important conservation lessons to individuals and entire classrooms.

Virtual Estuary Overview
The Virtual Estuary Project is a partnership between the CMRC, Key East Consulting and Fallout Pictures that allow users to experience the Harbor Bight ecosystem through the use of computers and media players. Located at www.virtualestuary.org, the website offers access to web-based media via multiple gateways. The primary interface will resemble Google’s mapping program (www.maps.google.com) and will include highlighted links to site specific media that showcases a variety of coastal features and topics such as: aquatic species, coastal habitat, waterfront communities and maritime history. It will be accessible first online where information will be downloadable to desktop computers and portable devices and then in a DVD format that will be distributed to after-school programs.

The Virtual Estuary Project includes the following components:

Online Map and Searchable Content Interfaces
Interactive Species and Habitat Modules
Downloadable “Flash” Videos and Podcasts
Web-Based Educational Games

By allowing residents to learn about the different species, habitats and coastal communities users will gain a better understanding of the resources and challenges facing our coastlines. Students and teachers will be able use the information to discover the ecology and maritime history of our region. Local residents will be able to experience the Harbor Bight in a new way by exploring our ecosystem and gaining knowledge through easily accessible cutting-edge technologies.

For more information please email virtual.estuary@thecmrc.org

In the News: LI's wetlands are key to marine health

2006-11-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest changes to our coastal landscape has been the significant loss of marine habitat to shoreline alteration. Historic maps of the region clearly show that thousands of acres of marshes and submerged lands have been lost (Health of the Harbor, pg 10). The end result, as reported in a recent issue of Science Magazine, is greatly reduced fisheries abundance and species diversity. In order to allow these species to recover, we must begin the costly process of restoring the miles of bulkheaded, filled and hardened shorelines to their natural state...JB

By Jennifer Smith
November 2, 2006

From the crash of the Great South Bay's once-abundant hard clam population to the near disappearance of eelgrass from the bottom of Long Island Sound, Long Island's coastal waters are no strangers to species loss.

This week a study in the journal Science took a larger look at how the loss of aquatic biodiversity -- the total number of fish and plant species in a habitat -- affects the ecosystems that nourish marine species.

In coastal areas, the study linked the regional loss of biodiversity with a decline of viable fisheries and impaired "nursery" habitats such as wetlands and seagrass beds, which shelter young fish.

Read more:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-hsloca1103,0,76050.story?coll=ny-longisland-homepage

Additional Coverage in Newsday - "Stability of marine life in severe danger"
http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hssea1103,0,4706897.story?coll=ny-leadhealthnews-headlines

Op-Ed in NY Times - "The fishing industry lobbies Congress for the right to overfish. "
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/05/opinion/nyregionopinions/05LI-mcmurray.html

Image A - Crab Meadow, LI
Image B - RPA Map of Wetland Losses

In the News: Two More Ladies in the Harbor, a Floating Pool and the Woman Who Had the Idea for It

2006-10-31T12:06:00.000-05:00

NYC Department of Parks introduced its new floating pool yesterday as it sailed into the Harbor (all the way from Louisiana!). The project is the vision of Ann Buttenwieser who, like many of us, is interested in attracting residents back to the waterfront. We here at the CMRC hope that this is just the first of many floating parks along our shores and also that one day we will actually be able to swim in, as opposed to on, our local waters again...JB

By James Barron
October 31, 2006

So yesterday the floating pool lady finally got to watch the Floating Pool Lady arrive in New York. The floating pool lady is Ann L. Buttenwieser, a former Parks Department official who had a brainstorm 25 years ago: Why not put a swimming pool on a barge and moor it somewhere along the city’s 578 miles of waterfront?

The Floating Pool Lady is the barge. Standing in a terrace garden in Lower Manhattan yesterday, Ms. Buttenwieser watched the Floating Lady float by after it glided under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and past Governors Island. It is now more pool than cargo hauler, but it is still not quite ready for its next life as a destination for dog-paddling, backstroking New Yorkers.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/nyregion/31pool.html

NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Pools
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/facilities/af_pools.html

Swim NYC - Manhattan Island Foundation
http://www.swimnyc.org/

Image:Floating Pool Arrives in NYC. Tyler Hicks/NYTimes

Business Stewardship Speaker Series - November 7th 2006

2006-10-26T09:43:00.000-04:00

BUSINESS STEWARDSHIP SPEAKER SERIES NOVEMBER 2006

RETAIL BUSINESSES AND RESOURCES FOR COASTAL CONSERVATION

Hudson River Foundation
17 Battery Place, Suite 915
November 7th, 2006
9:00 – 10:15 AM

Agenda for Business Stewardship Speaker Series

9:00 AM Introduction to Business Stewardship Speaker Series
Joel Banslaben – Executive Director, CMRC

9:10 AM Building the Sustainable Retail Business Model
Mark Caserta – Owner, 3R Living

9:20 AM Street Sweeping Program in SoHo & Tribeca Business Districts
James Martin – Coordinator, Soho & Tribeca Street Sweeping Services
Eric Klapper – Director of Development, Soho & Tribeca Partnerships

9:30 AM Automotive Service Stations & Used Oil Recycling
Shino Tanikawa – District Manager, NYC Soil & Water Cons. District

9:40 AM Creating Solutions for Business Stewardship
Working session to formulate basic principles on retail business stewardship. Concepts will be incorporated directly into outreach materials to be circulated to local businesses. Topics will include:
· Waste Reduction
· Energy & Water Conservation
· Volunteerism

10:15 AM Adjourn:
The Speaker Series will be followed by an open meeting of the New York Chapter of the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership (NY-CWRP) from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. For more information please visit: http://www.cwrp.org/newyork.html

To RSVP please email business.stewardship@thecmrc.org or for more information please visit www.thecmrc.org!

In the News: The Biologist and the Sea, Lessons in Marine-Life Restoration

2006-10-24T10:50:00.000-04:00

It is easy to forget, in today's day and age, that the marine life on our dinner tables comes from the waters around us. This disconnect and consequent decades of unsustainable fishing practices have led to the demise of several aquatic species. Today, with protection measures in place, many species are rebounding. But, as Biologist and Blue Ocean Institute Founder Carl Safina claims, we need to stay connected to our local coastal ecosystem and develop a "Sea Ethic" to ensure a sustainable balance between nature and our species. JB

Fishing With Carl Safina. The Biologist and the Sea: Lessons in Marine-Life Restoration
By Andrew C. Revkin

MONTAUK, N.Y. For Carl Safina, a biologist, conservationist and prize-winning author, passions and intellectual pursuits are deeply entwined.

The best place to observe this fusion is aboard his 24-foot powerboat First Light at the time of day for which it is named, when Dr. Safina is scanning flocks of terns hovering over the tide-roiled waters between Montauk, the tip of Long Island, and the slate-dark hump of Block Island to the east.

Dr. Safina's doctoral thesis was on the interrelated behaviors and annual rhythms of the common tern and bluefish, which feast on the same bay anchovies and other small prey.
On many days, though, he is carefully tracking the birds not in pursuit of new knowledge, but in hope they will point him to dinner.

On a recent three-hour fishing trip, in snippets of windblown conversation while steering his boat, jigging or casting, then fighting, landing and cleaning fish, Dr. Safina reflected on two decades of work revealing the enormous disruption of ocean ecosystems by industrial-scale fishing and other human activities.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/24/science/24conv.html

Video
http://nytimes.feedroom.com/?fr_story=9edb7d48436db6048d7c7b7d0a5560a316f848cc

Blue Ocean Institute
http://www.blueocean.org/

Image: Fishing in Jamaica Bay
Courtesy - One More Cast

CMRC to Host Business Stewardship Speaker Series with Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership November 7

2006-10-18T13:09:00.000-04:00

BUSINESS STEWARDSHIP SPEAKER SERIES – TUESDAY NOVEMBER 7th - SAVE THE DATE!!!

Retail Businesses Leveraging Resources for Conservation

What: CMRC Business Stewardship Speaker Series

When: Tuesday, November 7th from 9:00 – 10:15 AM

Where: Hudson River Foundation, 17 Battery Place, NY, NY

The event will be followed by a kick-off meeting of the New York Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership from 10:30 – 12:30. For more details about the NY CWRP please visit (http://www.coastalamerica.gov/text/cwrp.html).

Agenda and details to follow. For more information about the Speaker Series and Business Stewardship Initiative please visit: http://www.thecmrc.org/prog-hbp-bsp.asp.

Minutes from the most recent Business Stewardship Speaker Series can be found at: http://thecmrc.blogspot.com/2006/07/business-stewardship-speaker-series.html

RSVP to: business.stewardship@thecmrc.org. Space is limited!

In the News: A Riverfront Oasis Replaces a Bleak Lot in a Bleak Area

2006-10-17T10:28:00.000-04:00

Far upstream from the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, communities are working to improve the environmental quality of, and access to, their waterfronts. The impacts of these efforts are not inconsequential to the overall health of the ecosystem, as what happens in the Westchester, Mahwah and even Albany eventually trickles down to the shores of our estuary. A recent waterfront park opening at Hunt's Point in the Bronx highlighted that strides are being made throughout the watershed to improve water quality and access to coastal resources. JB

By Michelle O'Donnell
Published: October 4, 2006

For years, the contaminated land at the end of Tiffany Street in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx jutted into the East River like nothing more than a mean and bony elbow.

On weekends, hardy neighborhood revelers planted the Puerto Rican flag there and danced and partied at the river's edge, transforming it into a happy outcropping known as La Playita, or the Little Beach. But mostly the lot lay barren amid a stretch of waste-treatment plants and factories.

So the unveiling yesterday of its transformation into Barretto Point Park, a lush five-acre waterfront spot complete with a sandy cove, a small boat ramp, sea grasses and a paved path along the river, was understandably met with glee and no shortage of wonder.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/04/nyregion/04park.html

Google Map of Hunt's Point
http://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&z=12&ll=40.811341,-73.882198&spn=0.112774,0.180931&t=h&om=1

Wikipedia - Hunts Point
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunts_Point,_Bronx

In the News: Hungry Critters Attack NYC Ships, Piers

2006-10-13T13:24:00.000-04:00

Shipworms and gribbles may sound like good costumes for Halloween, but in reality they are a serious threat to vessels, piers and other waterborne structures. As it turns out, the waters of our estuary have become clean enough to support almost ALL of the species that inhabited the region on the 19th century, some of which aren't as welcomed as others. JB

October 09, 2006
By Samanth Gross, Associated Press

NEW YORK — The city's waterfront is getting cleaner, and bothersome river critters not seen in hundreds of years are once again attacking wooden ships and piers.

The waters were once so filthy that early 20th-century sailors could be sure their boats would be safe from such threats because organisms simply couldn't survive in the muck. But scientists are now seeing a resurgence in gribbles, shrimp-like crustaceans that grow to about one-17th of an inch in length and attack wood from the outside, and shipworms, which latch onto the outside of wood and burrow inward, growing up to several feet long as they devour the material.

"As the river gets cleaner, it's easier for things to live in it," Chris Martin of the Hudson River Park Trust said of the return of the tiny mollusks and crustaceans. "We don't make the piers out of wood anymore because of them."

Read more:
http://enn.com/today.html?id=11403

Shipworms on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipworm

Picture A: Shipworm
Picture B : Gribble

Conserving our Coasts and Waterfronts: New Jersey DEP's Coastal Management Program

2006-10-10T12:42:00.000-04:00

As part of the CMRC's Harbor Bight Policy Initiative we examine the people and programs involved in the conservation and restoration our coasts and waterfronts. These "keepers" of our shore include a variety of government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, businesses and individuals. This installation of Conserving our Coasts and Waterfronts explores New Jersey DEP's Coastal Management Program. JB

Note: The CMRC is currently preparing a report entitled "Minding the Shore: Who is Responsible" to create a catalog of the entities involved with conserving and restoring our coasts. Stay tuned to www.thecmrc.org for its upcoming release!

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is home to the State's Coastal Management Program (CMP), a collaborative effort that brings together many state agencies and departments to regulate and protect the coasts and waters of the region. Through the CMP, DEP manages the state's diverse coastal area that includes portions of eight counties and 126 municipalities.

The CMP began its efforts in earnest in 1972 following the passage of the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act and was formally approved in 1978. Thirty years later the Program continues to conserve the region's shores and waterfronts, most recently releasing a status report on their efforts called New Jersey's Coast 2005 (PDF).

In addition to CMP's management efforts, the Program also plays a large role in collecting and organizing New Jersey's scientific data on a wide range of topics including:

Historical Shoreline and Bathymetric Data
Historical Surveys, Maps and Aerial Photography
Beach Profile Data
Recreational Beach Water Quality

Finally, the CMP is active in ensuring that NJ's residents have ample access to the coastlines and estuaries of the State. They provide and map public access points and also work on waterfront revitalization initiatives such as the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.

For more information:

NJDEP's Coastal Management Program
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/cmp/

Map of NJ's Coastal Zone
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/cmp/czm_map.html

NJ Department of Environmental Protection
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/

Google Map of the NJ's Atlantic Coast
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&amp;amp;om=1&z=8&ll=39.669142,-74.190674&spn=1.835069,3.702393

Wikipedia - "Jersey Shore"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_Shore

Picture A. Blue Heron in Hackensack Meadowlands
Picture B. Asbury Park Waterfront

In the News: Scientists Map Canyon Below Atlantic

2006-10-02T12:39:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder what the coast of the Harbor Bight looked like 10,000 years ago? Today, with the help of scientists from Rutgers' Institute of Marine & Coastal Sciences, we know exactly what it looks like (even if it is hundreds of feet below sea-level).

The mapping of the "Hudson Canyon," an area over one-hundred miles offshore that acted as a coastlal zone during times of lower sea levels, was completed recently by Peter Rona and other oceanographers. Using a multi-beam sonar system, Rona and his team collected data over a four-year period. The resulting guide to the ocean floor provides some insight into the "last exploration frontier" of our metropolitan region, writes the Environmental News Service. JB

Scientists Map Canyon Below Atlantic
September 05, 2006
By Jeffrey Gold, Associated Press

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Although just 100 miles off the New Jersey-New York coast, the features of the Hudson Canyon have been largely hidden beneath hundreds of feet of water. Created by the Hudson River centuries ago, parts of the massive, undersea region rival the Grand Canyon in scale. Now, for the first time, scientists have a vivid picture of what the mysterious region looks like.

A four-year study using high-tech tools has produced maps that will allow scientists to study many things, including whether methane gas trapped in frozen sediment below the sea floor is escaping and exacerbating global warming.

Also of interest is whether gas releases could spark undersea landslides that produce tsunamis. Such landslides could also cleave the undersea phone cables that handle much of the nation's overseas communications, said Peter A. Rona, a Rutgers University professor who led the team that produced the maps.

"This region, the Hudson Canyon, is on the doorstep of one of the largest metropolitan areas of the world, and it is an exploration frontier," Rona said as he examined the 3 1/2-by-5-foot maps at the Institute of Marine & Coastal Sciences at Rutgers' Cook College campus.

Read more...
http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=11195

Associated Press Article
http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/scientists-map-new-frontier-deep-within/20060903102009990001?cid=2449

USGS Maps
http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2004/1441/index.html

Rutgers Institute of Marine & Coastal Sciences
http://marine.rutgers.edu/

In the News: Mayor Bloomberg Announces Creation of Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability

2006-09-25T12:08:00.000-04:00

Mayor Bloomberg announced this past Friday that the City will create a new office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability to focus on reducing greenhouse gases and developing "environmentally sound" policies and practices for the region. The Press Conference took place in California with Governor Schwarzenegger after touring a sustainable energy facility that highlighted the potential for green economic development. In his presentation the Mayor took a moment to highlight the value of our coasts and waterways stating, "The water along our shoreline is cleaner than it has been in generations – but we want it cleaner still, so that we can fish, swim, and enjoy the rivers that have always been the City’s most distinctive feature." JB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 2006

MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES CREATION OF OFFICE OF LONG-TERM PLANNING AND SUSTAINABILITY

New Office and Advisory Board to Create Agenda to Make New York City an Environmental Leader and Guide City Efforts Towards Environmentally Sound Future

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced a series of initiatives to move forward the Administration’s plans to create an ambitious environmental agenda for New York City and its municipal government. The key components of the plan include the creation of the Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability within the Mayor’s Office of Operations; the undertaking of a major greenhouse gas inventory for City government and the City overall; the appointment of a Sustainability Advisory Board to advise the City on environmentally sound policies and practices; that Douglas I. Foy, former Massachusetts Secretary for Commonwealth Development, will serve as a special advisor on sustainability; and the creation of a new partnership with the Earth Institute of Columbia University to provide the City with scientific research and advice on environmental and climate change-related issues.

The announcement took place during a visit with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to Bloom Energy in Sunnyvale, California, where the Mayor and Governor talked about the State of California’s groundbreaking sustainability initiatives. Prior to the announcement, the Mayor and Governor toured the facility, which manufactures fuel cells that generate power by converting hydrogen into electricity and produce only water as exhaust.

“Sustainability is all about ensuring that economic growth and development today is compatible with the ability of our children and grandchildren to meet their needs in the future,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “To that end, in May I made a pledge to the New York League of Conservation Voters to establish the Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability, and create an advisory board comprised of New York’s leading experts, activists, and businesspeople in this field to set goals, and help shape and guide the City’s sustainability agenda.

“Like California, New York City has a long tradition of leadership in environmental protection - from creating the largest municipal park system in the nation, to pioneering water conservation, to banning second-hand smoke in public places. Now, we intend to make New York City a national leader in meeting the challenge of making ours an environmentally sustainable city. To make New York a truly sustainable city, we need a bold plan to use our land in the smartest way possible – not only by developing areas ripe for growth, but also by cleaning up brownfields so that no piece of New York City is too contaminated to be used for employment, housing, or recreation. The water along our shoreline is cleaner than it has been in generations – but we want it cleaner still, so that we can fish, swim, and enjoy the rivers that have always been the City’s most distinctive feature. We’ve made great strides in cleaning up our air but we still have too much pollution. And the constant threat of global warming means that we have to think about the urban heat island effect that makes our summer days even hotter than the greener areas around our City.”

Read more:
http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.c0935b9a57bb4ef3daf2f1c701c789a0/index.jsp?pageID=mayor_press_release&catID=1194&doc_name=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fhtml%2Fom%2Fhtml%2F2006b%2Fpr335-06.html&cc=unused1978&rc=1194&ndi=1

Watch Video of Announcement with Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Schwarzenegger
http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2006b/media/pc092106-la300k.asx

Columbia University's Earth Institute
http://www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/news/2006/story09-22-06.php

In the News: Storm damage estimates at Shore being compiled

2006-09-08T14:42:00.000-04:00

With the recent passing of the remnants of hurricane Ernesto and tropical storm Florence churning in the Atlantic it has become apparent that this is going to be another active tropical season for the east coast. The question seems not if but when the next major system will arrive in the Harbor Bight ecosystem. Are we ready? The article below from the Asbury Park Press shows that we have good risk management programs in place, but our overall coastal planning approach still needs significant improvement to limit the impacts of these storms on our economy and the environment. JB

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 09/6/06
By Bob Jordan and Brian Prince

The bill from Ernesto's damage is expected to exceed $500,000 in Monmouth County, but Ocean County officials are still calculating the amount of damage inflicted by the one-time hurricane when it struck the Shore on Friday and Saturday.

Municipal officials said the tropical depression's impact also will be felt if local services or projects are delayed because of storm cleanup work.

"We may have to have a special brush and limb pickup because of the storm, and if so, it will mean taking our Public Works employees off other projects for about two weeks so they can do it," said Thomas Antus, Freehold Township administrator. "In terms of actual additional costs for cleanup, it's not much, outside of Police Department overtime during the storm event, but it will delay what Public Works can do for two weeks."

Cleanup continued Tuesday from the storm, in which gusts of up to about 60 mph felled trees and knocked down about 500 Jersey Central Power & Light Co. wires in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Read more...
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006609060339

National Hurricane Center:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Hurricane Preparedness
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml

Exploring Coasts & Waterfronts: Scandinavia

2006-09-05T14:18:00.000-04:00

As part of the CMRC's Sustainable Coasts Program we often explore the coasts and waterfronts around the world to learn from their environmental challenges and management and policy solutions. This week's Blog post examines the Scandinavian countries of Sweden and Norway and takes a deeper look at two nations with a long maritime history and deep respect for their coastal environment. JB

With the Artic Circle cutting straight across the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden like the many glaciers that slice throughout their deep majestic fjords, these Nordic nations located in the far northern reaches of Europe are rich in coastal life and maritime communities. A long-standing relationship between the people of this region and the water that surrounds it have led to a healthy balance between development, access and conservation that supports the archipelago economically, socially and culturally.

Sweden's coastline is 7,600 km long (about 4000 miles) and it made up of hundreds-of-thousands of islands that are low-lying in nature. The biggest city and capital, Stockholm, has a population of about 1 million inhabitants and is located on a series of 30,000 islands that are connected by bridges and ferries. Many species and habitats are found along the Swedish coasts including rocky shorelines, sandy beaches and developed waterfronts. The Swedish people have long lived in close connection with the nearby Baltic Sea and its many tributaries that snake along the archipelago by living off the abundant fisheries of herring and salmon and crayfish that inhabit its waters.

The coast of Norway on the other hand consists of less low-lying islands and sandy beaches and more glacially influenced features such as fjords and rocky coastal outcroppings that are located adjacent to the powerful (and very cold) North Sea. Oslo, the nation's capital and largest city is located in the protected bays of of southeastern Norway and acts a major port for most of central Scandinavia. Meanwhile, Bergen the second largest city and maritime capital is located on the west coast with direct access to the North Sea. The entire region is home to fjords shaped by glaciers (the remnants of some which still exist today) and many small fishing communities up and down the coasts.

For Norway and Sweden the ocean and coasts are a significant part of daily living. The number of ferries located in the two countries number in the thousands as many communities and islands are connected only by boat. The cost of ferries in Scandinavia are incredibly low, and reflects the need (and support) for inexpensive water-based transportation. Swimming and fishing are a activity practiced by many inhabitants of the region and it is possible to fish and swim in the city center of Stockholm and almost the entire remainder of both coasts due to very good water quality. Greenroofs are common both in urban and rural settings and appear to contribute heavily to the health of the coastal waters due to decreased polluted runoff. Wind power is also widespread in both countries and appears to limit the need for powerplants on coastal waters.

However, all is not well in Scandinavia's coastal waters. Centuries of fishing and increasing populations have led to a serious decline in many aquatic populations. Eutrophication and toxic pollutants have had serious impacts on biodiveristy with more and more people moving into coastal areas. Eutrophication, or algae blooms due to nutrient inputs have depleted benthic fauna. In addition, increased boat usage with increasing population has led to shore erosion on many islands.

Luckily, some coordinated action has been taken to conserve and manage the region's coastal habitats and communities. Sweden, which is part of the European Union, has created a comprehensive Integrated Coastal Management Plan that focuses on the protection of its local habitats and species. In Stockholm, the County creates an annual report on its environmental objectives and their progress, one of which is "A Balanced Marine Environment." Norway, an independent nation, focuses most of their conservation at the country level. With the recent development of the oil and gas industry most management has focused on limiting the impacts of these industries. In addition, Norway has placed a major emphasis on protecting communities and historical coastal locations such as the Hanseatic Village in Bergen.

For more information:

Coastal Guide to Sweden
http://www.coastalguide.org/icm/baltic/index.html

State of the Norway Coastal Environment
http://www.environment.no/templates/themepage____2489.aspx

State of the North Sea
http://www.environment.no/templates/PageWithRightListing____2695.aspx

More Photos From Norway and Sweden
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92848001@N00/sets/72157594274909899/detail/

Google Map of Southern Norway and Sweden
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=sweden&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;om=1&z=5&ll=59.778522,13.31543&spn=9.774292,36.166992

Moby Discusses the Importance of Coastal Conservation in Recent Interview

2006-08-17T11:25:00.000-04:00

International recording artist and CMRC Benefit performer Moby recently spoke to the need for the increased conservation and restoration of our coastal resources in the New York - New Jersey Harbor Bight during an interview with the Artisan News Service. The interview, conducted at East River Park on the lower east side of Manhattan, highlighted the pressing issues surrounding our natural coastlines and urban waterfronts.
JB

In Moby's own words:

"The issue of cleaning up our waterways is incredibly important."

He also added:

"People are now just rediscovering that New York is a coastal city. Manhattan is an island and one of the things that makes it so special is that it is surrounded by water."

To see the interview in its entirety please visit:
http://www.rootv.com/?channel=Music+News&clipid=81577

Additional Coverage of the Benefit
http://3rliving.blogspot.com/2006/07/late-post-pictures-from-cmrc.html

Photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72353731@N00/189544163/in/set-72157594199116395/

In the News: Walking on the City’s Wild Side

2006-08-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

For some, getting away from it all means a flight from JFK and a week at a remote beach in the tropics. For others, it simply means taking a ferry from Manhattan and hiking around Staten Island's shoreline for 6 days. Reporter Andy Newman of the NY Times recently did just that and explored the 57-mile coast of Staten Island, finding some amazing natural resources and equally interesting characters along the way. JB

August 13, 2006
By Andy Newman

There is a place in this city where teenagers go crabbing from the old railroad bridge, where people consider themselves residents of a town of half a dozen rather than of a metropolis of eight million, where the waterfront still harbors ancient secrets along with the inevitable clash of development interests.

It’s called Staten Island. It is the fastest growing county in New York State, yet it remains, in pockets, and in its peculiar way, the Alaska of New York City.

That is, a place where nature, however debased, still plays a role in daily life and where there is room to pursue a dream, whether that means amassing a mansion-full of musty antiques or a yard full of cars up on blocks patrolled by roosters, or building an artwork along a quarter mile of beachfront, or simply drinking a beer outside the corner store without having to hide it in a paper bag.

This Staten Island, somehow urban, rural and suburban at once, is hard to spot from the typical perspective of the nonislander taking a sight-seeing round-trip ferry from Manhattan or driving through to New Jersey and points west. But on a leisurely journey by foot, the island blossoms.

A recent six-day trek along the roads and trails and beaches that trace and skirt Staten Island’s 57-mile coastline turned up endless surprises, along with sufficient blackberries and sassafras leaves to sustain a hiker from one pizza place to the next.

Such a journey around Staten Island, the sixth-largest island in the continental United States, was not unprecedented. In 1679, two Dutch missionaries, Jasper Dankers and Peter Sluyter, rowed over from Brooklyn. They found the island aswarm with tasty wildlife — “well provided with wild turkeys, geese, snipe and woodhens” — but otherwise fairly inhospitable. After getting lost, they came upon an Englishwoman’s farmstead. They asked “for something to drink, and also for someone to show us the road, but she refused the last, although we were willing to pay for it,” they wrote. “She was a cross woman.”

Three hundred and twenty-seven years later, the same flinty pioneer spirit can still be found on the island. And while snipe and woodhens are not so common, there are still plenty of geese, and wild turkeys, too.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/nyregion/13staten.html

Google Map of Staten Island
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&amp;q=&ie=UTF8&ll=40.573805,-74.182434&spn=0.230005,0.462799&t=k&om=1

Business Stewardship Speaker Series Kicks-Off With Presentations From Credit Suisse, 1% For the Planet and NYC Audubon

2006-08-10T12:18:00.000-04:00

BUSINESS STEWARDSHIP SPEAKER SERIES
MINUTES FOR JULY, 25th 2006

CORPORATIONS LEVERAGING RESOURCES FOR COASTAL CONSERVATION

Business Stewardship Panel

CMRC Executive Director Joel Banslaben welcomed all to the kick-off of the Business Stewardship Speaker Series at 8:30 AM on July 25th. The topic for the event, Corporations Leveraging Resources for Coastal Conservation was introduced. The seminar was hosted by the Hudson River Foundation at 17 Battery Place, Manhattan, NY.

Yigal Gelb – Program Director, NYC Audubon
Mr. Gelb discussed the Harbor Herons Monitoring partnership and how the collaboration between Fuji Film and NYC Audubon allowed the organization to overcome the challenge of determining nesting and feeding routes of several wading birds. The partnership provided NYC Audubon with airtime in the Fuji Film blimp to track four species while in flight.

Yigal provided background on the Harbor Herons project and the need for aerial monitoring. The Harbor Herons consist of several species including the Black Crown Night Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret and Glossy Ibis. NYC Audubon is trying to determine if birds from other areas are using different feeding grounds and are feeding sites equally important?

The results of the partnership provided Audubon with important information about nesting and feeding grounds. They found that four separate nesting/feeding systems exist in Pelham Bay Park, NJ Meadowlands, Jamaica Bay and Staten Island. Furthermore they found that feeding grounds are necessary and birds cannot use other wetlands.

Yigal also provided insight into how the partnership with Fuji Film came about. The idea came from an Audubon member and staff then followed up with a contact that could arrange conversation between the two organizations. NYC Audubon provided details of their monitoring plans and the need for the aerial resources and Fuji Film agreed to assist with the project.

Alison Johnson – Credit Suisse Foundation
Ms. Johnson described recent trends in corporate philanthropy and volunteerism. Credit Suisse is a large company with 5000 employees locally that provide human resources for volunteer projects in their local communities. Larger corporations are often looking to donate resources to an effort to enhance public image and provide workers with connection to their local community.

Alison discussed how Credit Suisse recently revisited its corporate philanthropy strategic plan. After evaluation, Credit Suisse decided to direct their corporate philanthropy toward community participation and volunteerism. Credit Suisse now only works with organizations that can provide volunteer opportunities for their employees and fit within the three tenets of Credit Suisse’s corporate giving strategy:

o Internal Culture Building - Focus on building relationships between employees and community giving where employees initiate the relationship with local organizations.
o Team Building - more money is given when teams of employees are involved, as opposed to old system of individual donation matching.
o Social Responsibility and Community Development - focus on local communities.

Credit Suisse also has a Mini Grant Program that provides “Dollars for Doers,” where the work of an employee is rewarded with a donation. Ms. Johnson also mentioned that Credit Suisse is looking into involvement with local environmental issues and suggested that organizations look into Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), the Foundation Center, New York Regional Association of Grantmakers (NYRAG) and the Corporate Volunteer Network of NY (CVNY).

Terry Kellogg – Executive Director, One Percent for the Planet
Mr. Kellogg described One Percent’s effort to create partnerships for sustainable business and healthy ecosystems and discussed the trends in our society where individuals and companies that are outsiders to policy-making often effect the greatest change. One Percent is working to address how business can change their model from “how can we be the most sustainable company” to “how can we effect the greatest change while also protecting business interests.”

Terry provided some background on the organization which was started by Yvon Chouinard and Craig Matthews when they realized their companies were thriving because of their conservation focus. Member companies give one percent of their sales revenues to environmental organizations and enter into a license agreement to use logo and promote business stewardship. One Percent certifies member’s donations and maintains a database of approved recipients while assisting to maintain relationships between member organizations and businesses.

One Percent has grown from around 100 members to nearly 400 in the past year and includes companies from 36 states and 16 nations. Mr. Kellogg highlighted that each business provides one percent of gross revenues and that this is a very significant contribution for most companies. However, more often than not businesses are benefiting as a result due to consumers being increasingly aware of corporate practices before investing financially.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 AM. The next Business Stewardship Speaker Series event on Retail Business and Conservation Opportunities will take place in October 2006.

Read more about the Business Stewardship Initiative:
http://www.thecmrc.org/prog-hbp-bsp.asp

In the News: Massive Manatee Is Spotted in Hudson River

2006-08-07T13:16:00.000-04:00

Sea life continues to thrive in the NY - NJ Harbor Estuary and with greater frequency large aquatic species are found within the waters of the inner Harbor and Hudson River. This past week a 1,000 pound manatee was observed swimming northward along the waterfront of Manhattan to the disbelief of many boaters and eyewitnesses. While the manatee does not frequently inhabit waters this far away from its tropical home, they have been sited in Long Island and Rhode Island in the past states the NY Times. JB

August 7, 2006
By Jennifer Lee

Added to the chronicles of great beasts that have descended upon New York City in the year 2006 is one that is arguably the greatest of them all. A beast, upwards of 1,000 pounds and a cousin to the elephant, which dwarfs the coyote, the deer and the dolphin that preceded it. A beast that, at hundreds of miles north of its natural habitat, has most likely made the longest and most arduous journey among them. A beast, with a pudgy-nosed face and a sweet-potato-shaped body, that could even be considered cute: a manatee.

Over the past week, boaters and bloggers have been energetically tracking a manatee in its lumbering expedition along the Atlantic Coast and up the Hudson River.

John H. Vargo, the publisher of Boating on the Hudson magazine, put out an alert last week, much to the incredulity of some boaters.

ÂSome were laughing about it, because it couldnÂt possibly be true,Â Mr. Vargo said.

The manatee has been spotted at 23rd Street near Chelsea Piers, West 125th Street, and later in Westchester County. It appeared to be healthy.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/07/nyregion/07manatee.html

Manatee Facts
http://www.savethemanatee.org/manfcts.htm

In the News: New bill aims to keep ocean between N.Y. and Jersey clean

2006-08-04T07:59:00.000-04:00

After decades of being literally "dumped" on, the NY-NJ Bight may be finally receiving the protection it rightly deserves. New legislation introduced by two members of Congress would create a Clean Ocean Zone for 19,000 square miles of valuable marine habitat located offshore of New Jersey and New York. The Act, fostered by the conservation organization Clean Ocean Action, would significantly limit future dumping of waste materials into the coastal waters of our region and would also prevent the mining of non-renewable natural resources from the Bight. This would be a great step forward for our coasts and oceans writes the Star-Ledger. JB

Sunday, July 23, 2006
By Claire Heininger

Once notorious for washing syringes, poisoned fish, raw sewage and worse onto New Jersey's beaches, ocean water along the coastline has come a long way since its polluted height in the 1980s. A bill to be introduced in Congress tomorrow aims to keep it that way.

The New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone Act would permanently ban construction of new dumpsites, extracting of national resources, building of new pipelines and other damaging measures within the NY/NJ Bight, a 19,000-square-mile area wedged between the coasts of New Jersey and New York.

Formerly home to eight ocean dumpsites, the Bight remains vulnerable despite decades of temporary clean-up regulations, said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-6th Dist.), a co-sponsor of the bill.

"After 20, 30 years of success and having the oceans being clean, we don't want to backtrack," Pallone said yesterday at a ceremony in Seaside Park to announce the legislation. "If we're going to have permanent success, we need a permanent solution."

Recent policy shifts away from coastline protection -- particularly the House of Representatives' vote last month to lift a quarter century-old ban on offshore gas and oil drilling -- have increased the urgency to create a clean ocean zone, said Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action.

Read more:
http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-4/115362961174340.xml?starledger?nnj&coll=1

Clean Ocean Action Website
www.cleanoceanaction.org

Google Map of the NY-NJ Bight
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.103286,-73.135986&spn=1.861243,3.702393&t=h&om=1

In the News: Debate Rages on Housing at Planned Brooklyn Park

2006-08-02T10:01:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn Bridge Park has the potential to be one of the greatest waterfront parks in the world someday. The only problem is that it has yet to be created. In 2002, the Port Authority and other local, State and Federal agencies agreed to develop an 85-acre park on old maritime piers located just south of the Brooklyn Bridge. However, with construction costs at $150 million and maintenance at $15 million a year the plan included private development within the boundaries of the park in order to generate a revenue stream. Now government agencies, non-profits, developers and local residents are continuing to debate "When is a park not a park?" writes the NY Times. JB

By Sam Roberts
July 23, 2006

If 1,200 or so high-rise apartments, a hotel and other private buildings occupy about one-tenth of the land reserved for a park project, is it still a park?

The city and state are poised to transform a 1.3-mile stretch of derelict docks and warehouses in Brooklyn Heights into a ribbon of recreation. The 85-acre site, which offers breathtaking views of Manhattan, would include lawns, rolling hills, ball fields, bikeways, a marina, a restaurant, a hotel and, to the dismay of some neighborhood residents, three new luxury apartment towers ranging in height from 95 to 315 feet, along with parking.

The debate over the Brooklyn Bridge Park reprises controversies over the West Side of Manhattan and raises fundamental urban planning questions: When is a park not a park? And how far should government go in granting concessions to developers — in this case, allowing profitmaking housing on public land — to subsidize nonessential public services?

Both sides in the debate, which is also being played out in court, ascribe dark motives to their opponents.

Last week, the Sierra Club weighed in, declaring that “the park had been co-opted by the interests of real estate developers” and warning that “for the very first time, private housing, parking and what might also be a private marina” were being planned inside a park.

Supporters of the plan say that the critics would go to any lengths — even no park — to discourage people from driving into the neighborhood or traipsing through from subways and buses.

“The opposition is people who may have their views blocked, people who on principle oppose commercial development of any kind within the context of creation of a park, and people who may feel they agreed to the concept but now that they know what it is they oppose it,” said Adrian Benepe, the city’s parks commissioner. “Some of the opponents like the neighborhood the way it is and don’t want outsiders,” he continued.

As a park, the site presents challenges — it sits isolated below the Heights and much of it is cut off by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Still, until recently, the project seemed a paradigm of cooperative, if prolonged, planning.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/23/nyregion/23bridge.html

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/

Brooklyn Bridge Development Corporation
http://www.empire.state.ny.us/BBPDC/

Google Map of Future Site of Brooklyn Bridge Park
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.698568,-73.994508&spn=0.014414,0.028925&t=h&om=1

In the News: Strong comeback for a local crop

2006-08-01T11:33:00.000-04:00

Restoring the once-great shellfisheries of the Harbor Bight is no simple task, but with the assistance of local law-makers, scientists and conservation organizations some bivalves are on their way to returning to a healthy equilibrium in the Great South Bay and Peconic Estuary. For decades, shellfishing was a way of life in many coastal communities. However, with excessive coastal development and overharvesting of the fishery, the stocks plummeted leaving many without jobs and an ecosystem without several key species. Now conservation plans are beginning to take root, but it will be many years until bivalves like the scallop return to abundance writes Newsday. JB

By T.W. Farnam
July 25, 2006

Long Island baymen caught 6,000 pounds of scallops last year, triple the haul of the previous year and more than for any year since 1997, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Last year's harvest was also particularly widespread, with some areas producing that haven't had scallops in decades.

"What's interesting and intriguing about this is that we're not just seeing scallops in one area," said Gordon Colvin, head of marine resources for the department. "It's exactly what you need -- you need to have as much of the available habitat range being occupied.

"Baymen found scallops in areas of the Great South Bay and Flanders Bay farther west than they have been since 1985, the year that a "brown tide" -- a fast-spreading algae bloom -- decimated the shellfish and much of the submerged eel grass that sheltered them, scientists said.

"Yeah, there were a few more scallops last year," said Kenny Clark, 46, of Shelter Island. He was able to catch scallops into the beginning of January last season. "We'll just see about next year," he said.

Colvin cautioned that the results of one year's scallop harvest do not mean a permanent resurgence, as the shellfish must re-create their entire population each year and scallop reproduction is dependent on a number of environmental factors.

Even with last year's big harvest, Long Island's bay scallops are a long way from their former bounty; last year's catch was less than 2 percent of the average for the two decades before the first brown tide, according to the department.

Peconic Bay scallops were once the prize catch of East End baymen. From 1964 through 1985, baymen harvested an average 338,463 pounds of scallops annually, with a dockside value of $3.3 million, in 2005 dollars; last year, they caught 6,070 pounds, with a value of $153,258.

To bring back the scallops, regulators and scientists created two new spawning grounds in Orient Harbor and Northwest Harbor, in hopes that a dense spawning area -- with lots of scallops dropped in the water there -- will mean more successful mating and that large numbers of larvae will be able to outlast predators' attacks. He was able to catch scallops into the beginning of January last season. "We'll just see about next year," he said.

Read more:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-liscal0725,0,7093010.story?coll=ny-longisland-homepage

Additional Coverage: Health of bays gets iffy grade
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-libay254828551jul25,0,1904139.story?coll=ny-longisland-homepage

Peconic Estuary Program
http://www.peconicestuary.org/

South Shore Estuary Program
http://www.estuary.cog.ny.us/

Google Map of Great South Bay and Peconic Estuary
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=40.819006,-72.832489&spn=0.460396,0.925598

Business Stewardship Speaker Series: Tuesday, July 25!

2006-07-18T11:12:00.000-04:00

BUSINESS STEWARDSHIP SPEAKER SERIES KICK-OFF
TUESDAY, JULY 25th

The CMRC will kick-off its Business Stewardship Speaker Series on Tuesday, July 25th from 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM at the Hudson River Foundation. The Speaker Series will showcase the experiences of businesses and conservation organizations working together to implement conservation initiatives in the NY – NJ Harbor Bight. The topic of the first panel event will be: Business Stewardship in the Harbor Estuary: Corporations Leveraging Resources for Coastal Conservation.

The event will include presentations by:

Zipcar – Profitable Business Model that Increases Environmental Quality

NYC Audubon – Fuji Film Harbor Herons Monitoring Project

And more experiences from businesses and conservation organizations!

A 45-minute panel session will be followed by a Q&A with coffee and a light breakfast provided by the CMRC and Hudson River Foundation.

What: Business Stewardship Speaker Series
Where: Hudson River Foundation, lower Manhattan (http://www.hudsonriver.org/)
Date: Tuesday, July 25th
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Space is limited! RSVP to business.stewardship@thecmrc.org to reserve your seat now!!!

For more information on the Business Stewardship Initiative: http://www.thecmrc.org/prog-hbp-bsp.asp

BUSINESS STEWARDSHIP WORKGROUP MEETING MINUTES MAY 18th, 2006

Workgroup Members in Attendance:
Mark Caserta - 3R Living
Porter-Ann Gaines - Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance
Alison Johnson - Credit Suisse
Blake Nicolazzo - Patagonia
Joel Banslaben - Coastal Marine Resource Center

Business Stewardship Initiative
The Business Stewardship Workgroup convened its kick-off meeting on Thursday, May 18, 2006 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the offices of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance (457 Madison Avenue). An agenda and powerpoint overview of the Business Stewardship Initiative were provided to the attendees by Joel Banslaben.

Attendees discussed the success and challenges of the Business Stewardship Workgroup held on February 16th at the Hudson River Foundation. Most thought it was an excellent first step toward creating a dialog on business stewardship in the Harbor Estuary but all acknowledged that the final session on creating the program was less productive than initially envisioned. One of the major successes noted by attendees was the sharing of stewardship experiences between businesses, environmental organizations and government agencies during the various panel discussions.

Alison Johnson (Credit Suisse) presented briefly on the state of philanthropy in corporations in the region. She stated that many of the investment banks were leaning away from simply providing financial contributions and were instead promoting active involvement by employees in different volunteer projects. Some of the larger corporations have developed programs that provide employees with a paid day off work to participate in community service projects.

Blake Nicolazzo (Patagonia) added that at the retail level many companies were actively supporting on-the-ground environmental initiatives with relatively small grants for action-oriented projects. In addition, some retailers are providing their staff with the opportunity to participate in volunteer projects with compensation. Patagonia also provides meeting space for non-profit organizations at its retail locations

Workgroup Objectives and Timeline
Attendees then discussed the development of a Business Stewardship Program for the New York – New Jersey Harbor Estuary and surrounding Bight that leverages financial, operational and human resources for coastal conservation efforts. Major conclusions included focusing on specific coastal issues (habitat, species) and geographic interests (ecosystems, business districts). In addition, a targeted business sector approach was discussed and the following were identified as of interest: corporations, retail, waterfront dependent, real estate development, and restaurants.

The role of the workgroup was then discussed and it was agreed that the workgroup would meet periodically with a goal of defining a Business Stewardship Program by early 2007. The program would include four major activities that include the Business Stewardship Speaker Series, a Business Stewardship Volunteer Network, a “Stewards of the Estuary” recognition program and a business stewardship resource guide. Each workgroup member offered to participate in one or more of the above activities.

Developing the Program
The workgroup decided that the Business Stewardship Speaker Series was the first task to focus on to build on the momentum of the Workshop earlier in the year. Blake Nicolazzo, Emily Farnworth (Environmental Resources Management) and Tony MacDonald (Monmouth University) will all be assisting with the development of the series. Participants suggested that the next event take place in mid July and focus on corporations in the Harbor Estuary. To gather as many attendees as possible a time of 8:30 – 10:00 AM was agreed upon. The session will include presentations of three panel speakers and will be followed by a Q&A afterwards. Future speaker series events were tentatively scheduled for September, November and January and will focus on retail, waterfront dependent, real estate development, and restaurants sectors.

The Business Stewardship Volunteer Network was the next item of discussion. Alison Johnson and Joel Banslaben agreed to work on the development of this component of the Program. The major items of discussion were on how to bring together the resources of the business community with conservation opportunities in the region. Different regions (Gowanus, Hackensack, South Bronx, Queens, Jamaica Bay, Long Island, NJ) were identified as focus areas as were specific habitat/species areas (Harbor Herons, oysters, marshlands). Next steps will be determining how to identify specific businesses and conservation opportunities.

The “Stewards of the Estuary” Recognition Program was discussed briefly and all thought that it was important to provide good press and visibility to make the program work. A goal was set to kick-off the program in early 2007 with first business “Stewards of the Estuary” being identified in fall 2007.

The final activity discussed was the development of the Harbor Estuary Business Stewardship Guide that would be disseminated to local businesses with information about the Harbor Estuary and basic next steps for information about becoming a steward. Mark Caserta (3R Living) and Emily Farnworth will be working to outline the next steps for this effort. Most agreed that it would be best to target the outputs toward specific audiences (i.e. real estate developers, restaurants) and provide the information in a succinct and easy to read format.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 PM and attendees agreed to meet next in early July.

In the News: Monkfish captains may face $100G losses

2006-07-18T10:52:00.000-04:00

As part of the CMRC's Sustainable Coasts Program, we work to create solutions to the environmental and economic challenges of coastal communities. Sometimes the decisions that are made to conserve aquatic natural resources can have a significant financial impact on those who make a living off the ocean. For the monkfishery, declining numbers of the species led to a limit on the number of days that commerical fisherman could be at sea to 12 days a year. The consequent economic impacts to the fishing community could be in the millions of dollars writes the Asbury Park Press. JB

Asbury Park Press
By Kirk Moore

The latest fishing crisis in New England has spilled into New Jersey waters, where monkfish captains are seeing their permitted work days at sea slashed to just 12 a year.

In a business predicated on 40 days at sea, that means individual boat owners will each lose about $100,000 in revenue this year, estimates Barnegat Light monkfish captain Eric Svelling.

"With about 20 monkfish boats in town, those are small businesses that are going to lose $2 million," Svelling said. That's a big hit in the small fishing community of 800 people at the northern tip of Long Beach Island.

Last week, the Borough Council drew up a resolution urging federal officials and New Jersey's congressional delegation to intervene in the monkfish action. The reduction in fishing time, called days at sea, comes amid draconian cutbacks across the board in New England's cod and related fisheries.

Read more:
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006606280401

CMRC Benefit Raises Awareness for Coastal Conservation and Stewardship

2006-07-17T09:44:00.000-04:00

The CMRC Benefit at East River Park on Thursday, July 13th was a huge success! Thank you for your support!!! Congratulations to our "Stewards of the Estuary" Lillian Borrone and Vice Admiral Paul Gaffney (Represented by Urban Coast Institute Director Tony MacDonald).

A Special thanks to our CMRC Benefit Host Moby and Performers Laura Dawn and Daron Murphy!

The CMRC also greatly appreciates the support of our 2006 Benefit Sponsors: Patagonia, Nautica, Brooklyn Beer, Outside Magazine, 3R Living, Leblon Rum, Zipcar, Grant Myrdal Photography, Pure Food and Wine, Jurlique Soho, Rough Guides, Interrupcion, One Lucky Duck Foods and Aveda.

Many thanks to our dedicated volunteers and the event planning firm, Penta Dynamic Solutions. The event raised an amazing amount of awareness for the conservation and restoration issues of the NY - NJ Harbor Bight. The CMRC is dedicated to bringing together the resources necessary for the conservation of our estuaries, oceans, waterfronts and communities for decades to come! JB

More Pictures can be found at:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=8cuy4adr.46tjv7j3&x=0&y=-ugpnso

CMRC Benefit With Moby This Thursday July 13th at East River Park!!!

2006-07-11T14:24:00.000-04:00

The CMRC and Moby are looking forward to a great celebration of our coasts and oceans this Thursday at East River Park honoring “Stewards of the Estuary” Lillian Borrone and Vice Admiral Paul Gaffney!

If you are haven’t already click here to purchase your tickets today and join in the festivities!!!

Each attendee will receive an awesome gift bag with gear from Patagonia, clothing from Nautica and cool stuff from 3R Living, Outside Magazine, Grant Myrdal Photography, Jurlique, Pure Foods and many, many more!

Directions for the event are below. Feel free to contact us at 646-515-9290 or info@thecmrc.org with questions. JB

The CMRC & Moby cordially invite you…
Click here to purchase tickets

CMRC BENEFIT
July 13th East River Park Amphitheater
HOSTED BY MOBY
6:30-9:30PM

The Coastal Marine Resource Center invites you
to a waterfront celebration!

With Stewards of the Estuary
Lillian Borrone & Admiral Paul Gaffney

Cocktails. Dancing. Hors D’oeuvres.
Live acoustic performance by Moby.
Advance tickets are $100/$125 @ the door

CMRC Benefit Sponsors: Patagonia, Nautica, Outside Magazine, 3R Living, Grant Myrdal Photography, Leblon Rum

Gift Bags from our Sponsors are limited to first 100 tickets!
Click here to purchase tickets

CMRC Benefit Hosting Committee: Robert Bailey, Morgan Rae Berk, Rachel Cardone, Tony MacDonald, Blake Nicolazzo, Dorothy Rosciszewski, Christine Santora

www.theCMRC.org

Click here for HOPSTOP.COM directions

Click here to purchase tickets

In the News: Rebuilding Jamaica Bay, One Load of Sand at a Time

2006-07-07T09:45:00.000-04:00

Due to a combination of factors including rising ocean levels, increased boat wakes and navigational dredging our marshes and wetlands are disappearing. In Jamaica Bay, which has historically contained some of the largest salt marshes in the NY - NJ Harbor Bight, the rate of habitat loss has been unprecedented with acres of valuable shoreline being lost every year. Fortunately, a collaboration between local environmental groups, elected officials and government agencies has led to a restoration project that will rebuild some of the salt marshes in Jamaica Bay writes the NY Times. JB

By Nicholas Confessore
July 7, 2006

Over the past few decades, for reasons nobody fully understands, the salt marshes of Jamaica Bay have been washing away. The grasses that anchor the bay's island archipelago have slowly withered, leaving the sand to drift off with the tides, the disintegration accelerating as time went on until nearly 50 acres of marsh disappeared with each passing year.

"It was a war of attrition," said Dan Mundy, the founder of the environmental group Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, as he stood yesterday on Elders Point Island, a marsh island that has shrunk to a fraction of its original size. "Every day, we're losing thousands of square feet."

But during the last month, work began on an ambitious $13 million campaign to rebuild the salt marshes, which would otherwise disappear over the next 15 years if the current rate of attrition were to continue. It is the first major reclamation effort targeted at Jamaica Bay Â a 12,000-acre estuary where numerous clam, crab, fish and bird species can be found Â and one of the largest environmental projects in the city's history.

"We have to make sure the marshlands and the ecosystem they support are around for future generations," Representative Anthony D. Weiner, a Democrat whose Congressional district includes many neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens that ring the bay, said at a news conference and marsh tour yesterday that commemorated the early stages of the reclamation.

Mr. Weiner led efforts to gain financing for the project, a combined effort by the Army Corps of Engineers, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the National Park Service and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/07/nyregion/07bay.html

Google Map of Jamaica Bay:
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.605351,-73.837051&spn=0.115209,0.2314&t=h&om=1

Jamaica Bay Wikipedia Page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica_Bay

Coastal Marine Resource Center To Host Benefit at East River Park With International Recording Artist Moby

2006-06-30T15:51:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

COASTAL MARINE RESOURCE CENTER TO HOST BENEFIT AT EAST RIVER PARK WITH INTERNATIONAL RECORDING ARTIST MOBY

New York, NY, June 30, 2006 – The Coastal Marine Resource Center (CMRC) will hold its Annual Fundraiser at the East River Park Amphitheater on July 13th, 2006 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM to raise awareness for coastal conservation and public waterfront access. The evening will feature a performance by CMRC Benefit Host, V2 Records recording artist Moby and will honor Stewards of the Estuary Lillian Borrone and Vice Admiral Paul Gaffney for their work on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.

East River Park is a truly phenomenal waterfront resource hidden on the far eastern shore of lower Manhattan. The park is one of the biggest in New York and contains miles of waterfront public access and multiple athletic and cultural facilities. However, many amenities including the waterfront walkway and amphitheater have fallen into disrepair. Recent efforts by community groups have started the process of rebuilding, but significant resources are needed to make the Park fully functional and accessible.

The CMRC is proud to partner with sponsors Patagonia, Nautica, Outside Magazine, 3R Living and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. The evening is being produced by Penta Dynamic Solutions and guests will enjoy hor d'oeuvres, cocktails by Leblon Rum and waterfront dancing as Moby performs with vocalist Laura Dawn and guitarist Daron Murphy. For more information please visit www.thecmrc.org.

About Moby: Moby started his musical career in 1982, playing hardcore punk with the Vatican Commandos. Since then he's DJ'ed, written classical music for movies, made dance and rock records, performed at the Winter Olympics and sold 15 million records. He recently wrote music for Richard Kelly's movie “Southland Tales” and will release a greatest hits album this fall. Learn more at www.moby.com.

About The Coastal Marine Resource Center: The Coastal Marine Resource Center is a 501.c.3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the New York – New Jersey Harbor Bight. For additional information and to purchase tickets for the CMRC Benefit, please visit http://www.thecmrc.org/.

###

Contact: Joel Banslaben, MPA
Executive Director, Coastal Marine Resource Center of New York
646-515-9290 or info@thecmrc.org

Business Stewardship Speaker Series Kick-Off: Tuesday, July 25!!!

2006-06-28T13:51:00.000-04:00

BUSINESS STEWARDSHIP SPEAKER SERIES KICK-OFF
TUESDAY, JULY 25 – SAVE THE DATE!

The Coastal Marine Resource Center of New York is pleased to announce that we will be kicking-off our Business Stewardship Speaker Series on Tuesday, July 25 from 8:30 – 10:00 AM at the Hudson River Foundation. Building on the success of the Business Stewardship Workshop earlier this year, the Speaker Series will showcase the experiences of local businesses and conservation organizations working together to implement restoration projects. The topic of the first meeting will be: Business Stewardship in the Harbor Estuary: Corporations Leveraging Resources for Coastal Conservation. Look forward to seeing you there!

What: Business Stewardship Speaker Series
Where: Hudson River Foundation, lower Manhattan (www.hudsonriver.org)
Date: Tuesday, July 25
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM

In addition, we have created a summary of our efforts to date on the Business Stewardship Initiative below. The Business Stewardship Workgroup, composed of members of the business and conservation communities, recently conducted it first meeting in May and is in the process of creating a “volunteer network” that will bring together the business and conservation groups for on-the-ground-restoration projects. Please email business.stewardship@thecmrc.org to find out more.

CMRC Business Stewardship Workshop Summary (PowerPoint)
http://thecmrc.org/docs/BusinessStewardshipWorkshopSummary.ppt

CMRC Business Stewardship Workshop Report
http://thecmrc.org/docs/BusinessStewardshipWorkshopReport.doc

Finally, a special section in the NY Times on “The Business of Green” that provides great insight into the latest trends in business stewardship.
http://www.nytimes.com/business/businessspecial2/index.html

In the News: "Seaweed revolution" needed to stir action to protect the oceans

2006-06-28T13:11:00.000-04:00

Both the US Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Oceans Commission arrived at the same conclusion - our oceans and coasts are in danger and need increased resources to support their protection and restoration. For some members of the commissions, the work does not stop there. In our region, Lillian Borrone (retired PANYNJ) and Vice Admiral Paul Gaffney (President Monmouth University) have continued to speak to the need for increased measures to assure that future generations are able to enjoy our great marine resources. In the op-ed below from the Asbury Park Press they focus on the need for a "seaweed revolution" to continue to build on the momentum of their conservation work. JB

Asbury Park Press
May 3, 2006
By: Lillian Borrone and Paul Gaffney II

The health of the earth is inextricably linked to the health of ocean ecosystems. As a recent speaker at Monmouth University observed, it is past time to start a "seaweed revolution" to raise awareness and spur action to protect the oceans.

Beneath the shimmering surface, our oceans are facing a crisis. As members of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, we had the privilege of traveling across the nation and heard story after story about the threats facing coastal communities and our ocean environment. Ocean currents show signs of shifting patterns; large fish species such as shark, marlin and tuna have declined more than 90 percent; harmful algal blooms and fish kills pock-mark our coasts and the frequency and intensity of hurricanes is predicted to increase, threatening lives and property along the coast.

The commission's final report, An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century, available at www.oceancommission.gov, sent out a call for action and set up a framework for change with more than 200 specific recommendations.

The message: We can and must do something now to avert the collapse of our oceans.

We have a rare opportunity to save one of our most precious natural resources - the oceans and coasts. Commission members have joined with representatives from the Pew Ocean Commission to form the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative to continue to apply pressure in Washington and around the nation on government leaders to act on ocean reform. The initiative has issued a U.S. Ocean Policy Report Card, which evaluates our national progress. The results were discouraging to say the least.

An overall mark of D-plus would put the student on probation at most schools. The report card recognizes that many governors, state agencies and universities have taken some action. In our own back yard, the state Department of Environmental Protection developed the COAST 2005 initiative, a plan to protect the integrity and economic viability of New Jersey's valuable coastal resources. New York Gov. George Pataki, a member of the Pew Oceans Commission, convened an ocean summit and has recommended increased funding for coastal, oceans and Great Lakes initiatives. At Monmouth University, we have started the Urban Coast Institute. Its mission is to bring the best science and information available to support stewardship of coastal ecosystems and communities.

This is a good start. However, much more can be done in this region and across the country.

Some key actions that should be taken at the state and federal levels include:

A doubling of ocean research funding and increased support for ocean research, science and education at the state and community level. How can one make good ocean policy without understanding the processes of the coastal ecosystem?

Place more focus on ocean issues in our school science curricula. We need an ocean-literate public that understands how the earth and ocean are connected.

Develop guidelines and standards for managing offshore waters to address
emerging demands for offshore energy development and wind farms, aquaculture and conservation of fisheries and other living marine resources.

Congress should reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Coastal Zone Management acts and approve the Law of the Sea Treaty.

Provide a sustainable source of funding for key ocean programs by implementing a key Commission on Ocean Policy recommendation to establish an Ocean Policy Trust Fund.

We have an historic opportunity to save our oceans if we act now. There is strong leadership in our region that can be a model to unify our nation around a common goal - protecting and restoring ocean and coastal ecosystems to provide the goods, recreation and services that people can cherish for generations to come.

Lillian Borrone is the former assistant executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Paul Gaffney II is president of Monmouth University, West Long Branch.

Asbury Park Press:
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

CMRC Benefit Postponed Until Thursday July 13th

2006-06-26T16:54:00.000-04:00

Due to the inclement weather that is expected this week the CMRC Benefit is postponed until Thursday, July 13th.

We are looking forward to a great evening with Moby and our Stewards of the Estuary and hope you will be able to join us!

More details to follow soon. Thanks for your continued support!!!
JB

In the News: What Goes Down Drain Eventually Bobs Up Here

2006-06-23T11:25:00.000-04:00

When it rains in our metropolis everything goes down the drain. Literally. Miles upon miles of paved, or impervious, surfaces channel rainwater into street drains where the liquid is mixed with everything that goes down our sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Under normal conditions, this mix of fluids and solids flows towards our wastewater treatment plants which clean the water and return it to our local waterways. However, when it rains the system is overwhelmed and the materials are released, untreated, into our waterways creating dangerous environmental conditions. In the first stage of wastewater treatment waters are "screened" for solids and other materials such as plastic bottles and (sometimes) live animals writes the NY Times in the article below. JB

By Corey Kilgannon

The best places to see the celebrated products of New York - its Broadway talent, its skyscraper architecture - are well known.

But the best place to see Manhattan's byproducts - what is stuffed down its sinks, flushed down its toilets and washed from its gutters - cannot be found in tour guides. There is perhaps no better vantage point than the Manhattan Grit Chamber, which strains solids from much of the borough's sewage as it flows underground to the Wards Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

"This is where it all winds up," said John Ahern, who oversees the chamber, a large building at the eastern end of 110th Street in Manhattan, next to Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive.

The Manhattan chamber handles sewage from much of the Upper East Side and Upper Manhattan, which makes up about a third of the city's total. From the baby's bathwater to the dead rat washed down a curbside storm drain, from a slop sink at Gracie Mansion to a Washington Heights bodega bathroom, it all goes into the street sewers, which, in their intricate latticework, are laid out so that the sewage flows by gravity to one large main bound for a tunnel running under the East River to the plant on Wards Island, surrounded by Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. There it is cleaned of toxins and released as purified water into the river.

To keep the tunnel clear, grit and other solid materials must be strained before the sewage enters. That's where the chamber comes in. It was opened in 1937 along with the Wards Island plant and the city's other grit chamber in the Bronx and strains sewage from the west Bronx. It also feeds the Wards Island plant.

At the Manhattan chamber, sewage enters through a 12-foot-wide main and flows into a basement room, where it is split into four canals, slowing its flow so that solids settle to the bottom. The sediment is collected by an arm that sweeps the bottom of the canal and empties into buckets that automatically rinse the grit and lift it up to the ground floor, where it is deposited in metal bins.

The detritus floating in the channels - yesterday, this included cigarette butts, bottle caps, plastic bottles, candy wrappers and plastic spoons - is skimmed out by a rake and pulled up an incline called a screen climber, which resembles an escalator, and is also deposited into bins.

They sit at the foot of the elegant columns gracing the building's Art Deco lobby, one of the aging Art Deco features in the building that are being restored. The refined architecture is at odds with the omnipresent stench.

The strained waste water proceeds along the canals and through sluice gates, then drops several hundred feet down a shaft into a nine-foot-wide tunnel running as much as 500 feet below the East River to the plant.

The bins of accumulated solids, called "screenings," are frequently dumped by forklift into larger ones for transport to Wards Island and are held there until they are shipped to landfills out of state. The whole process is costly, and might be less so if people paid more attention to what they flush down the drain, city officials say.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/23/nyregion/23garbage.html

In the News: Developing a "Sea Sense" in Long Island

2006-06-19T09:49:00.000-04:00

With recent events like World Oceans Day earlier this month and International Surfing Day on June 21 it appears that people the world over are moving towards creating an awareness of marine ecosystems and the need for conservation. Recent conclusions by both the Pew Oceans Commission and US Commission on Ocean Policy found that our coastal and oceanic resources are still at serious risk from overdevelopment and pollution. In addition, the recommendations of both commissions pointed toward the need for conservation, restoration and public access facilitated by increased coordination between scientists, policy-makers, businesses and the general public. While the conclusions are relatively easy, going forward with implementing the recommendations is an enormous challenge for the conservation community. However, for Long Island, many of the issues can be solved by increased collaboration and awareness writes Newsday in a great five part series. JB

Newsday Five Part Series:
Deep troubles: It's high time that we, as island-dwellers, started paying attention to the failing health of the waters around us.
http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/stories/ny-vpuno044767304jun04,0,211730.story

Our lifestyle kills oceans. Long Island’s water hazards are as ubiquitous as parking lots and fertilizer.
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpoce054769497jun05,0,5218697.story

Habitat Harmony: Science and industry need to work together to conserve fish.
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpoce064770657jun06,0,696705.story

Sea Sense: They're all connected. Building back fish stocks takes an ecosystem-wide approach.
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpoce074771725jun07,0,565632.story

Sea Sense: High-stakes fishing lawNew bill should diversify councils, respect science and set smart standards.
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpoce084772981jun08,0,4301191.story

June 4, 2006
First in a series

This narrow finger of land, our island home, points steadily to the vast ocean that has beaten on its shores for so many millennia. The might of the sea is right there in our faces, but we don't pay a lot of attention.

Yes, we sit on the sand of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and watch the waves roll in. Some of us venture out in small vessels of our own or in large party boats, to test our skills with hook and line against the survival instincts of the fish. We eat what commercial fishermen bring back to Montauk, the state's busiest fishing port - a catch dominated by such species as the Loligo squid, which becomes fried calamari, and the tilefish, which burrows into the ocean floor, consumes crustaceans, and tastes a lot like lobster.

But most of us don't spend much time thinking about the ocean, Long Island Sound, the Great South Bay, or the estuaries where fresh water meets salt in a network of bays, tributaries and tidal marshes that support a rich variety of aquatic life.

As we steer our cars through the crowded asphalt labyrinth of Long Island's roads, it doesn't often occur to us to worry about the rains that carry the gunk from those roads to the ocean, or about the fish who can't get upstream to complete their life cycle because they're unable to get past a dam that's now part of our transportation system.

Now is as good a time as any - and better than most - for all of us to start paying attention to the waters around us. Here are some reasons why:

Washington is changing the key rules.

For the first time in a decade, Congress is working on a significant update of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the law that lays out the rules for managing our fisheries. It balances the short-term economic need for fishing today against controls needed to ensure the health of fish stocks and the future of fishing tomorrow. Court decisions have said the act puts conservation first.

House and Senate reauthorization bills differ sharply in some ways, but agree in others. The debate over them should be viewed in the context of our on-again, off-again effort to make sound ocean policy.

Before 1970, our nation's share of world fish catch had declined sharply, from second to sixth. American fishermen were angry about the vast amounts of fish that foreign factory trawlers were harvesting near our shores. So Congress reacted with corrective legislation in 1976 that came to be known simply as the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

That law expanded national jurisdiction over the ocean from 12 nautical miles off the shore to 200 miles, giving us an "exclusive economic zone" of 4.5 million square miles - larger than the lower 48 states. It set up eight regional fishery management councils to guard against overfishing. But the investment in American fleets that it encouraged also contributed to a situation of too many fishermen chasing too few fish.

The key Senate sponsor for the reauthorization bill is Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). His name is on the original act, which was improved by the 1996 Sustainable Fisheries Act. On another issue, his push to drill for oil in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, this page has compared him to the tough-to-kill Harry Potter villain, Lord Voldemort. Even if he is the Dark Lord of Drilling, he does know the subject of fishing, and his reauthorization bill makes more sense than the House version - though both have good features.

Commissions have sounded an alarm.

Two separate bodies, the independent Pew Oceans Commission and the congressionally appointed U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, have studied the issues and reached remarkably similar conclusions. They say our oceans are suffering from coastal development, from pollution that storm-water runoff and other sources create, and from overfishing in some fisheries.

The broad principles that they have laid out make excellent sense, especially the dry-sounding but vital goal of ecosystem-based management: We can't keep our oceans healthy and our fisheries sustainable by managing them one species at a time. We have to look not only at the species we're trying to conserve, but at the complex interaction among that species, those it eats and those that prey on it, and the habitat that nourishes it.

To keep those reports from sitting untouched on the shelf, the chairmen of the two commissions have formed a Joint Ocean Commission Initiative and begun giving regular grades to government. And last month, the chairmen, Leon Panetta of the Pew Oceans Commission and Admiral James Watkins of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, wasted no time in issuing a sharp analysis of the House bill after it emerged from a markup session.

Read more:
www.newsday.com

Deep troubles: It's high time that we, as island-dwellers, started paying attention to the failing health of the waters around us
http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/stories/ny-vpuno044767304jun04,0,211730.story

Our lifestyle kills oceans. Long Island’s water hazards are as ubiquitous as parking lots and fertilizer
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpoce054769497jun05,0,5218697.story

Habitat Harmony: Science and industry need to work together to conserve fish
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpoce064770657jun06,0,696705.story

Sea Sense: They're all connected. Building back fish stocks takes an ecosystem-wide approach
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpoce074771725jun07,0,565632.story

Sea Sense: High-stakes fishing lawNew bill should diversify councils, respect science and set smart standards
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpoce084772981jun08,0,4301191.story

CMRC to Host Benefit at East River Park with International Recording Artist Moby!!!

2006-06-12T14:04:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

COASTAL MARINE RESOURCE CENTER TO HOST BENEFIT AT EAST RIVER PARK WITH INTERNATIONAL RECORDING ARTIST MOBY

New York, NY, June 12, 2006 – The Coastal Marine Resource Center (CMRC) will hold its Annual Fundraiser at the East River Park Amphitheater on June 28th, 2006 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM to raise awareness for coastal conservation and public waterfront access. The evening will feature a performance by CMRC Benefit Host, V2 Records recording artist Moby and will honor Stewards of the Estuary Lillian Borrone and Admiral Paul Gaffney for their work on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.

East River Park is a truly phenomenal waterfront resource hidden on the far eastern shore of lower Manhattan. The park is one of the biggest in New York and contains miles of waterfront public access and multiple athletic and cultural facilities. However, many amenities including the waterfront walkway and amphitheater have fallen into disrepair. Recent efforts by community groups have started the process of rebuilding, but significant resources are needed to make the Park fully functional and accessible.

The CMRC is proud to partner with sponsors Patagonia, Nautica, Outside Magazine and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The evening is being produced by Penta Dynamic Solutions and guests will enjoy hor d'oeuvres, cocktails by Leblon Rum and waterfront dancing as Moby performs with vocalist Laura Dawn and guitarist Daron Murphy. For more information please visit www.thecmrc.org.

About Moby: Moby started his musical career in 1982, playing hardcore punk with the Vatican Commandos. Since then he's DJ'ed, written classical music for movies, made dance and rock records, performed at the Winter Olympics and sold 15 million records. He recently wrote music for Richard Kelly's movie “Southland Tales” and will release a greatest hits album this fall. Learn more at www.moby.com.

About The Coastal Marine Resource Center: The Coastal Marine Resource Center is a 501.c.3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the New York – New Jersey Harbor Bight. For additional information and to purchase tickets for the CMRC Benefit, please visit www.thecmrc.org.

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Contact: Joel Banslaben, MPA
Executive Director, Coastal Marine Resource Center of New York 646-515-9290 or info@thecmrc.org

CMRC Benefit at East River Park June 28th!!!

2006-06-07T13:10:00.000-04:00

The CMRC will be holding its Annual Fundraiser at East River Park on June 28th from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. We will be honoring as "Stewards of the Estuary" Lillian Borrone and Vice-Admiral Paul Gaffney for their work on the US Commission on Ocean Policy. The evening will include a performance by international recording artist and CMRC Benefit Host Moby. It should be a great evening! JB

For more information on the events and to purchase tickets please see our website at www.thecmrc.org

Exploring Our Coasts & Waterfronts: East River Park, Manhattan

2006-06-06T10:53:00.000-04:00

The CMRC is committed to increasing public access to our urban waterfronts found throughout the New York - New Jersey Harbor Estuary. As part of this effort, the CMRC's Conservation & Access Network periodically explores our coasts and waterfronts in search of areas that either currently provide access or are in need of resources to increase public access to the coastline. Today, we explore a great waterfront asset - East River Park in lower Manhattan - and efforts to revitalize its currently under-utilized coastal resources. The CMRC will be holding its Annual Benefit at East River Park on June 28th! JB

East River Park is a truly phenomenal waterfront resource hidden on the far eastern shore of lower Manhattan. This great park is one of the biggest in all of New York City and contains miles of waterfront public access and multiple facilities for athletic and cultural activities. However, the Park has also faced periods of neglect and as a result many of the amenities, including the waterfront walkway and amphitheater, have fallen into disrepair. More recent efforts by non-profits and community groups have again started the process of rebuilding the park and increasing access, but a lot of work still needs to be undertaken to make this Park fully functional and accessible.

East River Park was created by the "Power Broker" Robert Moses in the early 1930s as a result of the construction of FDR Drive. While Moses was great at building highways he was also adept at creating parkland and during the process he actually added many acres of waterfront property by building an extension of the current shoreline. Today the park is one of the largest in New York City at 57,457 acres. From the Eat River Park Website:

The East River Park runs alongside the Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Drive and the East River from Montgomery Street to East 12th Street. It was conceived in the early 1930s when Robert Moses (1888-1981) was designing the FDR (also known as East River) Drive. Moses knew that the expressway would pass through the Lower East Side, a neighborhood sorely in need of parkland. He was determined not to let the land between the expressway and the river go to waste. Moses envisioned a tree-shaded esplanade with abundant recreational facilities and windswept views of the East River and beyond.

The East River waterfront has played a crucial role in the development of New York City. Before the arrival of Dutch colonists in the 17th century, it was home to the Nechtanc, a subgroup of the Lenapes, Native Americans who once inhabited much of the New York area. After European settlers colonized the area, it formed a vital link in trade with Europe and the West Indies. By 1825, the area was marked by an active shipbuilding industry, boisterous masses of sailors, and a number of active municipal waterfront markets. In the mid-19th century, as sea trade moved to the deeper channels of the Hudson River, docks gave way to factories, and then, in the late 19th century, to tenements. By the time Moses developed his plan for the park, the southern East River waterfront was dotted with slaughterhouses, glass factories, power stations, and railroad yards.

Located in downtown Manhattan the park is really a hidden gem located adjacent to millions of urban residents who are unaware of what lies just across the FDR Drive. Limited access is provided by footbridges that cross the highway at distant intervals. In addition, the residents of the multiple housing projects in the nearby Lower East Side have had difficultly accessing the park and its resources and many physical and socio-economic barries exist for the nearby local communities.

The Park is managed by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The Park is home to miles of waterfront esplanades and many, many athletic facilities including tennis courts, basketball courts, a track, soccer fields, baseball fields and more. In addition, East River Park is home to the Lower East Side Ecology Center which provides environmental education and outreach from the Fireboat House just south of the Williamsburg Bridge. On the far south end of the Park exists a great cultural resource in the East River Park Amphitheater. This amazing facility has a capacity of over 2,500 attendees and provides great waterfront views of the River and Brooklyn. Below is a little history on the Amphitheater from the Parks website:

An amphitheater was built in the park in 1941, along with an adjacent limestone recreational building, as part of an urban renewal project for the Lower East Side. Joseph Papp (1921-1991), founder of Shakespeare in the Park and the Public Theater, staged Julius Caesar there in 1956. During much of that decade, the amphitheater was the site of free Evening-in-the-Park concerts. Local schools held their graduation ceremonies there, and the Group of Ancient Drama performed free productions of Greek classics. In 1973, however, the amphitheater closed due to a budget shortage. Vandals attacked the neglected theater and by 1980 it was unusable.

The size of the Park is so large that simple maintenance activities require a large amount of resources. Unfortunately, unlike places like Central and Bryant Parks, no conservancy exists solely to assist with the parks efforts and consequently resource needs often are not met. Several non-profit organizations have worked tirelessly to advocate for the Park and the need for more resources to maintain the facilities and operate athletic, environmental and cultural programs. Currently, a largescale redevelopment project is underway to revitalize the Parks Esplanade and several of the athletic facilities have been renovate in recent years. Plans are in place to create a waterfront bike and walkway very similar to the current resources on the west side of Manhattan. From the NYC Parks website:

In recent years, the park has been the site of extensive renovations, including 1994 improvements to the basketball court, playground, and picnic area, and seawall. Renovation continued in 1996, when Parks celebrated the opening of the 10th Street comfort station, funded through the efforts of City Council Members Antonio Pagan and Kathryn Freed, with a First Flush ceremony. Commissioner Stern performed a ceremonial flush of the men's room toilet and cut an inaugural toilet paper ribbon. In 2000, ballfield lighting improvements were completed with funding provided by City Council Member Margarita Lopez. A bikeway was completed in 2001 with funding from Mayor Giuliani and Borough President C. Virginia Fields.

East River Park is an amazing waterfront resource that has in recent decades somehowremainedd "hidden" from the millions of residents in the region. The Park serves a large low-income community but due to limited access the Park has been underutilized by those who truly deserve to have complete access to the Park and its waterfront resources. Several largescale capital projects are underway and many local groups are working to increase resources for the Park, however it still remains in need of assistance to really live-up to the unbelievable potential it has. Hopefully, with assistance from the CMRC and the many other organizations and agencies that are involved, East River Park will one day parallell Central Park as one of the great parks in the Harbor Estuary.

Read more:

East River Park Homepage
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=12173

Google Map of East River Park
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en&q=nyc&ll=40.714932,-73.975925&spn=0.014378,0.042915&amp;amp;t=h&om=1

Wikipedia on East River PArk
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_River_Park

NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
http://www.nycgovparks.org/

East River Park Redevelopment Site
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/lmr/html/east_river_park.html

Conserving our Coasts & Waterfronts: NYC Audubon's Harbor Herons Program

2006-06-02T11:57:00.000-04:00

The CMRC's periodically explores the agencies, organizations and individuals who act as "Stewards of the Estuary" to better understand the latest programs and projects affecting our coastlines and waterfronts. One such organization, Audubon NYC, is active in the conservation and monitoring of avian species that exist in our Harbor Estuary region. The article below describes their Harbor Herons Program which works to protect and restore the great wading-bird populations of our region. JB

Millions of birds inhabit our urban estuary and surrounding coastlines, using these areas for nesting, foraging and migratory routes. Recently, scientists have observed a significant increase in the amount of birds found on the most developed portions of our landscape. One organization, New York City Audubon, works to protect, monitor and raise awareness of all birds species found in the region's ecosystem.

One of the more important grouping of species from a coastal marine perspective, is that of the Harbor Herons, a group of wading birds that can be found in, on and around the waters of the New York - New Jersey Harbor Estuary. NYC Audubon has develop a program known as the Harbor Heron Project, that works exclusively to monitor and protect these species.

Harbor Herons include a wide range of birds that live near the water. This includes some very charismatic species like the Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron and Black-Crowned Night Heron. These birds can often be seen along the waterways of the Harbor Estuary in the extensive mudflats, tidal marshes and shallow pools looking for prey in the water or hiding out in the reeds and nearby trees waiting for dusk, and feeding time, to arrive.

Many of these species have at some point been on the endangered species lists at both the State and Federal levels but now due to the great conservation work of groups like NYC Audubon their populations are now rebounding. Below is a brief description of the changing population numbers from the Harbor Herons site:

New York City, the Audubon, and egrets have a common history going back more than a hundred years. At the end of the Nineteenth Century, a New York City resident, George Bird Grinnell, started the first Audubon. He brought together like-minded people who hoped to stop the slaughter of egrets, which were being killed by the hundreds of thousands so that their plumes could be shipped to New York and used to decorate hats.

The millinery trade brought egrets, and several other bird species, to the brink of extinction. Grinnell's Audubon and the organizations that followed it brought protection to the egrets and scores of other beleaguered species with the enactment of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1914. With new protection, egret and heron populations recovered and spread beyond their historical southern ranges. By 1960, egrets were nesting as far north as New Hampshire. There were, however, no egret colonies in New York City.

Imagine the delight of New York birders when Scotty Jenkins found egrets nesting on Pralls Island in the Arthur Kill on the western border of Staten Island! The Clean Water Act of 1972 had allowed water quality to improve enough to support prey species for the egrets. Following Jenkin's discovery, New York City Audubon began efforts to protect the nesting site, and started an annual census of breeding herons, egrets and ibises in the city. Eighteen years later, the censuses continue and the birds are prospering.

Today the Harbor Herons Project runs many great programs of interest that support the continued conservation of these bird species. One fo their most successful efforts is an extensive volunteer monitoring network that collects data on the numbers and whereabouts of birds in the region. In addition, the Harbor Herons Project runs several outreach and education programs, most notably their Sunset Journey Eco-Island Tours that visits North and South Brother Islands and also passes by a newly found colony at Mill Rock. These tours are provided with assistance from the NY Water Taxi every Saturday throughout the summer and provide great views of the birds and the harbor and leave from South Street Seaport.

Although the Harbor Herons are coming back in droves there are certainly several threats, like development and chemical releases, that will continue to pose a threat to the different species. With the continued hard work of conservation organization like NYC Audubon and many others, we hope to see a rebound in the many birds population that inhabit the coastal waters of the New York - New Jersey Harbor Bight. The amazing success of these efforts will only continue to solidify the region as a truly urban estuary.

More info:

NYC Audubon Harbor Herons Project
http://www.nycaudubon.org/projects/harborherons/

Harbor Heron Tour Schedule
http://www.nycaudubon.org/home/SBTrip.shtml

NY Water Taxi
http://www.nywatertaxi.com/Default.aspx

In the News: In the Works, Another Park for a Bit of the Waterfront

2006-05-30T12:30:00.000-04:00

A defunct segment of the industrial Sunset Park waterfront in Brooklyn will now be turned into a park and recreation facility with fishing and an environmental education center according to the City of New York. The plan will convert an area from 43rd to 51st Streets, also known as the "Bush Terminal," from contaminated brownfields into productive coastal access with the assistance of large grants from New York State and the City via the Economic Development Corporation. Creating the Park will add a great asset to the community of Sunset Park and continue the trend of increased access and parks on the waterfront states the NY Times. JB

May 30, 2006
By Joseph P. Fried

In its latest effort to reclaim waterfront land for recreation, New York City plans to turn a half-mile stretch of contaminated landfill and crumbled piers in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn into a park with panoramic views of the harbor and the Manhattan skyline.

The landfill was created in the 1970's, when the city planned to convert the site, which it owns, into a cargo terminal. The city halted the landfill work in 1978, though, when it learned that the private contractor had allowed questionable material to be used.

Investigators later found that elevated levels of arsenic, lead and other hazardous material were in the oil sludge, industrial waste water and other substances put in the landfill.

There has been no activity since the landfill work was stopped, and the entire half-mile stretch has been fenced off since at least the early 1980's.

The $36 million plan to correct the environmental hazards and remove the collapsing piers — and to create ball fields, picnic and fishing areas and possibly an environmental education center — was welcomed by Sunset Park residents interviewed last week.

"It's only going to help the neighborhood," Alex Plasencia, who has lived in Sunset Park for 59 of his 63 years, said near his home on Fourth Avenue and 44th Street, four blocks away. The site runs from 43rd to 51st Streets, between the waterfront and a large complex of buildings and warehouses known as Bush Terminal.

Mr. Plasencia, a retired truck driver, recalled his boyhood in the neighborhood in the 1950's. "I used to swim off the pier on 53rd Street," he said.

Candida Villanueva, 56, standing in front of her home of two decades on 43rd Street between Second and Third Avenues, said, "It will be better for it to be a park instead of all that mess."
Once completed, the park could cost her some of the quiet atmosphere she has now. The plan calls for 43rd Street to be one of two access streets to the park. "Nobody comes down here now," she said.

That is because the side streets between the water and Third Avenue have more industrial and commercial tenants than residents. There is much less pedestrian traffic on those side streets than on the streets east of Third Avenue, where most of Sunset Park's working-class population lives. The elevated Gowanus Expressway travels above Third Avenue.

Jeremy Laufer, district manager of Community Board 7, which includes Sunset Park, said the public's only access to the two miles of waterfront in Sunset Park now is a pier at 58th Street, which serves as a terminal for a ferry to Lower Manhattan.

The plan for more waterfront access here follows projects in recent years that have created a ribbon of new parkland along the Hudson River in Manhattan, and plans for parks in other largely inaccessible shoreline areas of Brooklyn, near the Brooklyn Bridge and in Williamsburg and Greenpoint.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/30/nyregion/30sunset.html

New York State DEC Information on Site:
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/der/projects/bush/

In the News: The W2O Marks International Day of the Ocean With A New Sustainability Perspective

2006-05-30T11:23:00.000-04:00

International Day of the Ocean falls on Thursday, June 8 of this year and comes at a very important time in our coastal and ocean conservation efforts. With nearly half of our world's 6 billion living near the coast and the numbers only continuing to rise it is critical that we take action at the local level to protect our marine resources and create an example for developing communities around the world. The World Ocean Observatory is one example of an organization that is building on local conservation efforts at a global scale writes ENN in the article below. JB

May 22, 2006

According to the United Nations, approximately three billion people - half of the world's population - live within 125 miles of a coastline. With these numbers on the rise, it is increasingly imperative to understand the connection between humanity and the waters that cover 71 percent of the earth's surface. June 8 has been declared the International Day of the Ocean, providing a time for the media to deliberate on the state of ocean affairs, and one organization - the World Ocean Observatory - is providing a new perspective on how to approach ocean sustainability in a changing world.

"The world's oceans are an integrated global social system," states World Ocean Observatory founder and director Peter Neill. "In order to develop a sustainable relationship with the world's oceans, we need to recognize that humans around the globe are not separate from the international waters that link them. The sea connects us all."

The World Ocean Observatory, dedicated to public education on all levels about the world's oceans, reaches beyond the conventional and isolated approach of marine species and habitats to address the ocean in relation to humanity: how the health of the oceans and the laws of the sea affect climate, fresh water, energy, food production, public health, trade, transportation, international finance, recreation, culture, and governance.

"In half a century, humans have transformed the ecosystems they are dependent upon for survival," said Neill. "Declaring an International Day of the Ocean is an important first step, but understanding the ocean's impact on human survival must become a daily concern. Katrina, the tsunami, and climate change are all indicators that we need to change our perspective and relate to the ocean in a new way."

The World Observatory is a direct response to a recommendation by the 1998 Independent Commission on the Future of the Oceans for a global clearinghouse of ocean information. The World Ocean Observatory website - www.thew2o.net - serves as an online point of exchange for ocean information and educational services, comprising four elements: The Physical Ocean, an encyclopedic survey incorporating the United Nations Atlas of the Oceans and other repositories of ocean information; The World Ocean Directory, a theme-indexed listing of over 10,000 ocean-related organizations worldwide; The World Ocean Forum, a news and media service, monthly electronic newsletter on ocean subjects, publications, meetings, and on-line exhibits; and The World Ocean Classroom, an education center and outreach program. The Cultural Ocean, a demonstration of the incontrovertible impact of maritime enterprise and history on world culture, will be added shortly.

Read more:
http://enn.com/net.html?id=1511

In the News: NOAA Predicts Very Active 2006 North Atlantic Hurricane Season

2006-05-25T11:29:00.000-04:00

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its predictions for the upcoming hurricane season that begins on June 1 with expectations that the north Atlantic region will be "very active" in terms of tropical storm events. This news comes on the heels of the record breaking 2005 tropical season that saw 28 storms and many powerful hurricanes that decimated the Gulf Coast. NOAA continues to focus on preparedness as the best way to limit the impacts of these storms and the real threat exists that the mid-Atlantic and northeast may see a significant storm this year. JB

May 22, 2006

NOAA today announced to America and its neighbors throughout the north Atlantic region that a very active hurricane season is looming, and encouraged individuals to make preparations to better protect their lives and livelihoods. May 21-27 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

During a news conference at the NOAA National Hurricane Center, Deputy Secretary of Commerce David A. Sampson noted, "Preparation is the key message that President Bush wants to convey during National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The impact from these storms extends well beyond coastal areas so it is vital that residents in hurricane prone areas get ready in advance of the hurricane season."

"For the 2006 north Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA is predicting 13 to 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which four to six could become 'major' hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher," added retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.

On average, the north Atlantic hurricane season produces 11 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes, including two major hurricanes. In 2005, the Atlantic hurricane season contained a record 28 storms, including 15 hurricanes. Seven of these hurricanes were considered "major," of which a record four hit the United States. "Although NOAA is not forecasting a repeat of last year's season, the potential for hurricanes striking the U.S. is high," added Lautenbacher.

Warmer ocean water combined with lower wind shear, weaker easterly trade winds, and a more favorable wind pattern in the mid-levels of the atmosphere are the factors that collectively will favor the development of storms in greater numbers and to greater intensity. Warm water is the energy source for storms while favorable wind patterns limit the wind shear that can tear apart a storm's building cloud structure.

This confluence of conditions in the ocean and atmosphere is strongly related to a climate pattern known as the multi-decadal signal, which has been in place since 1995. Since then, nine of the last 11 hurricane seasons have been above normal, with only two below-normal seasons during the El Nino years of 1997 and 2002.

Read more:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2634.htm

NOAA National Hurricane Center
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

In the News: After Almost 50 Years, New Harlem Piers Are Rising

2006-05-25T11:06:00.000-04:00

Public access continues to improve along our region's urban waterfronts and natural coastlines. These areas provide recreational opportunities and create places for waterborne transportation to connect the "blue link" system. Some areas have taken longer to benefit from increases in improved access, especially those adjacent to low-income communities. Recently, New York City unveiled its plans for Harlem Piers that will bring fishing and other recreational opportunities to the local community writes the NY Times in the article below. JB

By Timothy Williams
Published: May 12, 2006

Maritta Dunn remembers, as a child in the 1950's, walking with her family to the Harlem Piers to watch ferries travel across the Hudson to Palisades Amusement Park. Although her family was not allowed into the amusement park because they were black, they liked to go to the piers to watch people board the boats.

The Harlem Piers, once a bustling transportation center and recreation attraction at the western end of 125th Street, were demolished nearly 50 years ago. But after years of plans to revitalize the area, construction is under way on a new set of piers on the Harlem waterfront scheduled to be completed next spring.

For Ms. Dunn, restoring the piers has been a lifelong campaign.

''I've been waiting 45 years for this to happen and I wasn't going to die without seeing this through,'' said Ms. Dunn, the former chairwoman of the local community board and one of the project's chief advocates.

The $18.7 million publicly financed project calls for two piers to be built on the Hudson River between St. Clair Place and West 135th Street. One will be used as a dock for excursion boats and water taxis, while the second will be reserved for recreation, like sunbathing, and for fishing.
In time, regular ferry service, a kayak launching area and a small restaurant may be added, officials said.

Read more:
http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F7061EF93C5A0C718DDDAC0894DE404482

Press Release: New York Ocean & Coastal Protection Bill Sails Through State Assembly

2006-05-22T12:48:00.000-04:00

Major progress in the conservation of our oceans and coasts was recently achieved when the "New York Ocean and Bays Protection Act" was passed through the Environmental Conservation Committee. The Bill now proceed to the State Senate for its next vote and continues to build on the momentum initiaed by the recommendations of the Pew and US Commissions on Ocean Policy. JB

NEW YORK OCEAN & COASTAL PROTECTION BILL SAILS THROUGH STATE ASSEMBLY
Lawmakers Clear Measure Protecting Saltwater Fisheries and Habitat

ALBANY (May 10, 2006) -- Landmark legislation to protect and revitalize New York's ocean and coastal waters won swift approval today from the full State Assembly. The New York Ocean and Bays Protection Act (A-10584), which had quickly passed through both the Environmental Conservation and Ways & Means Committees, now moves to the State Senate.

"Lawmakers in Albany realize that vital ocean and coastal habitats are in trouble, and need protection," said Sarah Chasis, Ocean Initiative Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "This legislation brings a new era of ocean protection with coordinated and directed marine management, and will help reestablish healthy and vibrant ocean life."

The legislation aims to improve the health of New York's coastal areas by creating a New York Ocean and Bays Protection Council, which will coordinate state marine resources decisions, encourage ecosystem-based management approaches, and ensure that accurate information about the state of coastal fisheries is widely available. It will also establish a comprehensive ocean management plan by the fall of 2008.

"An interagency Council and comprehensive New York ocean and bays plan will bring about the kind of coordinated approaches we need to save our marine life," said Robert S. DeLuca, President of Group for the South Fork. "The benefits created by this legislation will be seen at all levels of government -- from increased clarity in federal government requests to improved information for coastal communities."

"We applaud Assemblyman DiNapoli's leadership in sponsoring this important environmental legislation, and thank the Assembly for passing this bill," said Marcia Bystryn, Executive Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters. More than 40 percent of New York's coastal estuary and bay waters are impaired or threatened, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and nearly 30 percent of the state's most important commercial and recreational saltwater fisheries are depleted or being harvested at unsustainable rates. The total weight of seafood landed in New York State today is just a quarter of what it was 50 years ago.

"Enacting the New York Ocean and Bays Protection Act will make the state a trailblazer in ocean protection," said Kyle Rabin, Executive Director of Friends of the Bay. "Oceans worldwide are languishing from neglect and quickly approaching a point of no return. A-10584 could help turn the tide."

Provisions of the bill implement key recommendations made recently by a pair of national ocean commissions -- the congressionally-established U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the independent Pew Ocean Commission of scientists and other leaders from fisheries, business, and government. Both commissions urged immediate action by government to save our oceans, and encouraged a move toward ecosystem-based management.

"We need to move away from a piecemeal approach to managing coastal and marine resources toward one that ensures sustainable fishing, improves water quality, protects critical habitats, and preserves food webs," said Environmental Defense marine scientist Jake Kritzer. "Integrated ecosystem-based management will require integrated action by state agencies, and this bill will provide that needed coordination." "Our ocean, bays, estuaries and coastal resources represent critical habitats for hundreds of different bird species," said David J. Miller, Executive Director of Audubon New York. "Encouraging ecosystem-based management approaches will ensure that important bird species as well as fish are protected."

Last year, the New York Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee held a hearing on New York's marine resources and Governor Pataki hosted the New York State Ocean and Great Lakes Symposium to explore how the state could address its gaps in marine protection, and become a strong leader in ocean policy. Governor Pataki was also a participant in the national Pew Ocean Commission.

"This bill is consistent with two of the major recommendations made in my testimony at the Legislative hearing, namely that New York should create its own ocean commission to evaluate the status of our marine environment and to create strategic plans for restoration and protection of its resources, and place great emphasis on ecosystem-based management of its bays and estuaries," said David O. Conover, Dean and Director of the Marine Sciences Research Center at Stony Brook University.

"New York has demonstrated strong leadership by passing the New York Ocean and Bays Protection Act," said Andrea Geiger, The Ocean Conservancy's Legislative Program Manager. "This bill will bring better coordination between agencies and stewardship of our coastal environment. It is a model of the type of responsible action we must have at the national level for our oceans."

"New York's coast features a unique combination of dense population, famously beautiful beaches and bays, and important fisheries," said Carl Safina, an award-winning nature writer and President of Blue Ocean Institute. " The New York Ocean and Bays Protection Act is a crucial step toward safeguarding and maintaining our stunning natural coastal areas, for the millions of people who love and depend on our coasts."

Read more...
http://www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/060425.asp

Conserving our Coasts & Waterfronts: New York State Division of Coastal Resources

2006-05-15T09:49:00.000-04:00

As part of the CMRC's Harbor Bight Policy Initiative, we periodically explore the agencies, organizations and institutions that act as the "stewards of our estuary." Over time, this information will be compiled into an interactive guide for coastal resources in our region that will available online early 2007. Our vision is to make this "guide" a tool for decision-makers, conservation organizations and academic institutions to assist in the policy-making process and to enhance the communications on restoration and scientific research activities. Today, we explore the New York State Department of State's (DOS) Division of Coastal Resources. JB

New York State's DOS Division of Coastal Resources is responsible for the management and conservation of New York State's natural coastlines and urban waterfronts. The Division of Coastal Resources works in partnership with community groups, non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and local governments to make communities better places to live, work and visit.

The Division is involved in many activities related to the coastal environment. This includes supporting the conservation of coasts by providing technical assistance and the restoration of urban waterfronts through financing and planning guidance. Additional activities include:

Implementing the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act in New York State
Implementing the State's Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways Act - how the Division goes about this is outlined in the State's implementing regulations
Developing Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs and Harbor Management Plans with over 200 municipalities
Planning and technical assistance for redevelopment of brownfields, abandoned buildings and deteriorated urban waterfronts

Conserving natural coastlines and revitalizing urban waterfronts are the two top priorities of the Division of Coastal Resources. They have developed several programs to assist with the planning and funding of these efforts. For natural coastlines the focus is on preserving habitat and improving water quality through outreach, education and regulatory means. For developed waterfronts the focus shifts to land use planning, the redevelopment of brownfields and increasing public access.

The Division of Coastal Resources is also a great resource of information on funding opportunities and scientific data. Their website highlights grant opportunities for non-profit organizations and government agencies that include the Environmental Protection Fund, Quality Communities Program and Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. In addition, the Division is a great resource for scientific research and mapping information.

For more information on the New York State DOS Division of Coastal Resources: http://nyswaterfronts.com/index.asp

In the News: Ships That Pass in the Morn: One Is Huge, the Other Just Scrappy

2006-05-11T11:15:00.000-04:00

The cruise ship industry is expanding by leaps and bounds. Literally. Yesterday, the "Freedom of the Seas" oceanliner, the largest passenger vessel in the world with a price tag of over one billion dollars, made its way into New York Harbor and was greeted by the John J. Harvey, a much smaller boat with a much longer history. As the cruise industry continues to grow in our region residents will increasingly see these large ships entering our waters. The impact to our local ecosystem and waterfront communities are yet to be determined, but for now the owners at Royal Caribbean are excited about bringing this great ship to to NY in a celebration of our maritime history writes the NY Times. JB

May 11, 2006

By Aalan Feuer

If, for whatever reason, you had risen early yesterday and loitered at the bottom of Manhattan, you might have seen, among the garbage scows and the Staten Island ferries, a nautical publicity stunt coming in from sea.

The stunt involved two ships or, actually, a ship and a boat: the Freedom of the Seas, a billion-dollar, 160,000-ton behemoth, which is owned by Royal Caribbean and holds the title of the Biggest Cruise Ship in the World; and the John J. Harvey, a snub-nosed, 268-ton fireboat, which is owned by a cast of local mariners and has been chugging through the waterways around New York for more than 70 years.

The idea here was to lend a sheen of history and working-class appeal to the arrival of Leviathan, which was on its maiden voyage. The scrappy Harvey led the gleaming Freedom through the narrows, into the harbor and around the Statue of Liberty, not unlike a hound dog bounding out before a hunting expedition for the king.

"It's a great nod to New York to bring in the biggest ship in the world with all the coolest stuff on board and to fire up literally the Harvey, which very few people know about," said Rene Mack, the publicist who planned the event. "I see it as a salute to New York's maritime history, which is hard to find these days."

It is axiomatic that New York's maritime history is not only hard to find these days, but also has pretty much sunk which is one reason the Harvey's owners took the escort gig. Their boat is old, prone to floods, drinks diesel like an 18-wheeler and survives on a diet of matching grants and deductible donations. Publicity, as much as its hull, keeps the boat afloat.

Read more...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/11/nyregion/11fireboat.html

In the News: $15M plan to help fish swim to South Shore habitat

2006-05-10T10:55:00.000-04:00

Extending far beyond our immediate coast and waterfront, the NY - NJ Harbor Bight's watershed includes the rivers, bays and waterways that exist far upstream of our estaury. In the Hudson River, salty estuarine waters extend all the way to the Tappan Zee Bridge and the Atlantic Ocean's tidal effects can be experienced as far north as Albany. Conversely, the impacts of development upstream can strongly affect natural resources downriver. In many cases, the waterways of our region have been altered by the construction of dams and bridges that in turn limit the ability of many fish species to forage and reproduce. Fortunately, a new program in New York's South Shore Estuary is working to create bypasses to these impediments, allowing fish to move freely and thrive once again both upstream and in the bays and open ocean writes Newsday today. JB

By Jennifer Smith
May 10, 2006

Some of Long Island's dams have been here so long they've become part of the landscape.

Built to power mills or create ice ponds in the days before refrigeration, the dams also hampered age-old migratory patterns of fish such as alewives and eels that once headed upstream from the sea to mature or spawn.

Yesterday, environmental advocates and local officials announced an ambitious 10-year plan to return those fish to 30 miles of river habitat along Suffolk's South Shore. They propose building fish ladders to help fish over barriers and, where possible, removing some of the 30 dams the group has deemed obsolete."

To make this dream happen, we need to open up the rivers," said actress Isabella Rossellini, a Bellport resident and member of Environmental Defense, the national non-profit group backing the proposal.

Read more...
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-lirive0510,0,6433060.story?coll=ny-main-tabheads2

Long Island's South Shore Estuary Reserve
http://www.estuary.cog.ny.us/

In the News: As Waterfront Smolders, Attention Turns to a Failed Deal

2006-05-04T11:26:00.000-04:00

The 10-alarm fire that broke out in the waterfront of Greenpoint, Brooklyn devastated the historic Terminal Market and decimated some of the most productive industrial property in the area. However, multiple articles are now focusing on the development history of the tract and several real estate deals that have criss-crossed its history. As with most waterfront real estate, the value has skyrocketed in recent years and developers have attempted to revitalize the property with plans for residential development. This eventually led to a tug-of-war between developers, conservationists, residents, elected officials and agency representatives over the best uses of our waterfront and who should decide whether these properties remain industrial or are converted to residential. This is indicative of many areas on our waterfront today writes the NY Times in the following piece. JB

May 4, 2006

By Michael Wilson

The 15 buildings at the Greenpoint Terminal Market in Brooklyn that were gutted in a spectacular 10-alarm fire on Tuesday were at the center of a complex real estate deal gone wrong between established and, at times, controversial developers. They were tangling over property that was itself the target of neighborhood preservationists hoping to secure the district's legacy as a landmark.

Firefighters continued dousing the smoldering blocks along West Street and Noble Street on the Greenpoint waterfront yesterday. Officials suspect arson, and investigators were waiting for a chance to search for evidence.

The buildings are now in ruins and may be a crime scene, and even before the fire, they did not look like much to a passer-by, just relics from a bygone time when they produced bales of rope for the shipyards along the East River.

But the property's value skyrocketed last year, when a prospective buyer placed a $42 million down payment, a tenth of the entire $420 million deal, and by itself almost twice what the owner had paid for the property five years earlier. Now a lawsuit seeks the return of the $42 million and describes how the deal fell apart.

Preservationists, who had failed in recent efforts to secure landmark status for other Brooklyn buildings, started a campaign to keep the Greenpoint Terminal Market from being knocked down, seeking the support of the local city councilman, David Yassky.

Whether the site's value, its status as a landmark and the continuing legal battle have anything do with the inferno on Tuesday is unknown. Fire marshals have been unable to enter the site.
Other aspects of the investigation are already under way, however, including background checks and interviews with people connected to the warehouse complex. Nearby surveillance cameras are being examined, and investigators are checking neighbors' reports that squatters frequently used the buildings.

The buildings were owned by Joshua Guttman, 58, of Lawrence, in Nassau County, a longtime developer of industrial sites in Brooklyn, who bought the buildings in 2001 for about $25 million with an eye toward flattening them. He applied for demolition permits with the city's Department of Buildings in March 2001, but for the most part the buildings stood dormant.
That changed last year when the neighborhood zoning was revised from commercial to residential, sending brokers and prospective buyers hurrying to Mr. Guttman's door.

"Offers were being made daily on this piece," Joseph Kosofsky, a lawyer for Mr. Guttman, said yesterday. "Everybody wants to be your partner." One prospective buyer stood out: Baruch Singer, 52, a veteran developer. His offer did not have the sort of restrictive clauses and riders that Mr. Guttman found in the others, Mr. Kosofsky said.

"It was all cash," Mr. Kosofsky said. "It looked like a slam-dunk, in terms of a simple deal. They were going to buy it without any conditions or anything else."

Mr. Singer was involved in a dispute in 2000 with tenant groups and the federal Housing and Urban Development Department. The department blocked Mr. Singer from bidding on a Harlem property the department owned after it was alerted to a long record of complaints against him. Over the years, city housing officials have cited Mr. Singer's buildings for thousands of code violations.

Read more...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/04/nyregion/04blaze.html?th&emc=th

Multi-media of Fire
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/03/nyregion/03fire.html?fta=y

In the News: Panel recommends building wind turbines off New Jersey coast

2006-05-03T12:50:00.000-04:00

The issue of offshore energy is dominating our headlines more than ever as the high prices of petroleum-based products push the market towards a sustainable means for generating power. Two major alternatives - liquefied natural gas (LNG) and wind power - could potentially affect our local energy markets and coastal environment simultaneously. Several LNG facilities are being planned along the eastern seaboard, with one proposed directly outside the mouth of the NY - NJ Harbor Estuary. In addition, several projects have proposed placing wind farms adjacent to the our coastlines to supplement current energy production in the region. Wind farms have been a controversial issue for conservationists and decision-makers alike, as the potential costs and benefits of this type of energy production are just now being discovered. In New Jersey, a Blue Ribbon Panel was asked to determine the potential impacts to the coastal environment and local energy markets and their findings suggested that the State go forward with a "test project" of 80 turbines offshore, potentially opening the door for wind power throughout the region states the Asbury Park Press in the article below. JB

Asbury Park Press 05/3/06

By Todd B. Bates and Kirk Moore

A "test project" with up to 80 wind turbines should be built off New Jersey's coast to learn more about the potential impact and benefits of offshore wind power, a state panel recommended.

But the potential impact may be significant and New Jersey must stress conservation before pursuing energy facilities in the ocean, according to a minority report included in the package.

"I will closely review the panel's findings and recommendations and consider them while working to shape New Jersey's energy and coastal policies," Gov. Corzine said in a state Department of Environmental Protection statement e-mailed Tuesday.

Tony Bogan of Bogan's Deep Sea Fishing Center in Brielle said "it's hard to react without knowing specifically where (the test project) would go."

"I'm encouraged by the fact that they're taking a step-by-step approach," Bogan said of the report.

The final report to Corzine of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Development of Wind Turbine Facilities in Coastal Waters is the culmination of months of work.

Then-Gov. Richard J. Codey created the nine-member panel in December 2004 and established a 15-month moratorium on the development of offshore wind turbines. The panel was to consider the environmental and economic costs and benefits of turbines and make recommendations on their appropriateness.

The report recommends studies before, during and after the construction of an offshore wind turbine test project. The project would generate as much as 350 megawatts of electricity and have as many as 80 wind turbines.

Read more...
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060503/NEWS/605030479

NJ Wind Panel Report
http://www.njwindpanel.org/

In the News: Sewage Beach - Summer’s almost here, and things are getting excrementally worse with our water.

2006-05-01T12:02:00.000-04:00

CSOs, or combined sewage outfalls, are a hot button topic in the New York - New Jersey Harbor Estuary right now and many news articles and events have been researching and reporting on the issue. CSOs are outfall pipes that release a mix of stormwater runoff and raw sewage when rains of approximately one-tenth of an inch or greater fall in our region. The end result is that the waters the Harbor Estuary become polluted with bacteria and chemicals, making for unswimmable and unfishable conditions. State Senator Velmanette Montgomery recently held a public forum on CSO's and the Gowanus Canal that explored the impacts and potential solutions to the problem of wastewater and our coastal environmental. The major solutions as of now appears to be billion dollar infrastructure improvements, however some hope that these "end-of-the-pipe" resolutions are complemented by other forms of conservation and restoration like green roofs on new developments writes New York Magazine. JB

By Eric Wolff
May 1, 2006 issue of New York Magazine

Is New York flushing away its summer fun? Our century-old sewer system is already so overburdened that it overflows 70 days a year dumping 27 billion gallons of waste into the city's waterways, just as high-rises are going up on their banks. (Even the ever-fetid Gowanus Canal is being lined with housing.) Last summer, two city beaches were closed because of high bacterial levels; experts say all this building is going to make the problem worse. And while it's still pretty safe to kayak on the Hudson this summer, within ten years, I could easily see beaches closing for much of the summer season, says biophysicist Paul Mankiewicz of the Gaia Institute.

All it takes is a tenth of an inch of rain falling in an hour a tenth! for the sewer system to start emptying into the rivers. It's partly a problem of neglect: In 1992, the city's treatment plants were in such disrepair that the state's Department of Environmental Conservation sued under the Clean Water Act; the city has never allayed the DEC's concerns, and the State Supreme Court upheld a $13.9 million fine against the city last April.

Meanwhile, the city's population has edged over 8 million, and the Department of Planning is expecting at least 37,000 new apartments citywide in the next ten years. We're operating under the assumption the sewers can handle it, says a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Environmental Protection. If we didn't think so, developers wouldn't get a permit to connect to the system. And that's all we have to say.

Read more...
http://www.nymetro.com/news/intelligencer/16805/

Gowanus CSO Forum
http://www.brooklyncb6.org/calendar/?current=01-Apr-06

Apr 27 Gowanus Canal CSO Public Forum
State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Brooklyn Community Board 6 and local elected officials are co-sponsoring a Public Forum on Combined Sewage Outfalls (CSO's) flowing into the Gowanus Canal. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the City's Department of Environmental Protection will be on hand to report on their efforts to improve the environmental condition of the Gowanus Canal and answer questions from the public. Also participating will be representatives for Friends and Residents of the Greater Gowanus (FROGG), Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation (GCCDC), and Urban Divers.

Exploring Our Coasts & Waterfronts: St. George, Staten Island

2006-04-25T10:21:00.000-04:00

As part of the CMRC's Sustainable Coasts Program, we periodically explore the coastal communities that play a large role in the Harbor Estuary's socio-economic and ecological well-being. Today we look at the community of St. George on Staten Island and its rich maritime history and current revitalization. The area has long been a very active part of New York City's maritime culture and is most popular for the Staten Island Ferry, which moves passengers between St. George and downtown Manhattan. The region was heavily affected by the development of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in 1964 that shifted Staten Island's economy to the center of the island. However in recent years St. George has undergone a major revitalization with residents finding a very livable community (with a new baseball park) and easy access to downtown Manhattan. The article below from Newsday explores the community of St. George and its recent revitalization in more depth. JB

By Alan Krawitz
April 20, 2006

Located at the northeastern tip of Staten Island where the Kill Van Kull enters Upper New York Bay, St. George, also known as "Downtown Staten Island," has seen its share of ups and downs since the early 20th century.

Once dominated by 19th-century Victorian homes and mansions, the area now offers trendy housing options such as the upscale Bay Street Landing condo complex, newly constructed high-rises and Manhattan-style townhouses. Actor Paul Newman is said to have lived in the area during the mid-1960s.

Richmond Terrace in St. George is not only the administrative center of the borough but also a transportation and entertainment hub with its ferry/bus/railway terminal, the Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the New York Yankees minor league ball club and the St. George Theatre.

The area, once considered part of the New Brighton neighborhood, reportedly was renamed after George Law, a local investor who was involved in the consolidation of ferry and rail service.
The neighborhood grew rapidly in the early 20th century as municipal ferry service to Manhattan commenced in 1905.

Downtown Staten Island experienced a downturn in 1964 following the construction of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge that shifted development and commerce to the interior of the island.
Today, the consensus is that the area is in the midst of a resurgence fueled by a combination of rising property values due to new construction, redevelopment of the waterfront and an easy commute to Manhattan.

Read more...
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/am-city0420,0,3188505,print.story?coll=ny-nycnews-mezz

St. George Civic Association
http://www.preserve.org/stgeorge/

Google Map of St. George
http://maps.google.com/?ll=40.642354,-74.077635&spn=0.028526,0.05785&t=h&om=1

Wikipedia - St. George
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._George,_Staten_Island

CMRC Participates in Planning and Redevelopment of Piers 7-12

2006-04-20T15:16:00.000-04:00

The CMRC recently took part in a planning workshop to create a detailed vision for the redevelopment of Brooklyn Piers 7-12. Facilitated by the New York Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the event brought together many of the region's stakeholders to comment and brainstorm ideas for integrating a variety of uses on the waterfront. Historically the area has been an industrial area and many hope to retain that aspect of Red Hook's history while adding residential, commercial and open space opportunities to the landscape. Currently, the cruise terminals are occupying the spaces at the southern end of the Piers and the EDC is determining how to connect these uses with public access and community interaction. Below is an excerpt from the EDC website with presentations from the workshop. JB

Brooklyn Piers 7-12

NYCEDC is undertaking a planning and redevelopment initiative to help guide the future of Brooklyn Piers 7-12.

The guiding principles for redevelopment would include:
Sustaining and enhancing Red Hook's maritime identity;
Creating new economic development opportunities and jobs;
Providing waterfront access;
Improving transportation (on water and land); and
Strengthening connections between upland neighborhoods and the water's edge.

As we progress with this initiative, we will be posting additional information on this site. We look forward to your input.

Presentations and Public Documents:
Community Board 6 Presentation (April 3rd, 2006)
http://www.nycedc.com/Library/Studies/Piers7-12workshop20060403.pdf

Community Board 6 Presentation (November 28th, 2005) (pdf)
http://www.nycedc.com/Library/Studies/7-12PlanningNov28Revised.pdf

Community Board 6 Waterfront Committee
http://www.brooklyncb6.org/committees/?a=detail&content_id=45

Google Map of Brooklyn Piers 7-12
http://maps.google.com/?ll=40.685552,-74.008627&spn=0.014124,0.028582&t=h&om=0

Multimedia: The New York City Waterfront

2006-04-17T15:14:00.000-04:00

As our waterfront becomes more and more accessible, it is increasingly being exposed to the millions of residents in the New York metropolitan region. One group that has recently taken a strong interest in the Harbor Estuary is the artist community. Recently, many great photos and paintings have appeared in local magazines and art galleries, showing that conservation and public access influence a world beyond what lies in the immediate foreground of science and policy. The following article and multimedia piece by the NY Times explores the journey of two photographers as they explore our coast. JB

April 16, 2006
By Ben Gibberd

EVERY New Yorker knows that something's afoot. Bike paths and benches have sprouted along the Hudson like tender shoots. Formerly obscure waterfront neighborhoods such as Red Hook and Dumbo are spoken of with that peculiar ardor reserved for the perfect nexus of hipness and real estate value. And everywhere, in every borough, there are plans to rezone and rebuild, to tear down and to preserve along the city's edges.

That strange and melancholy frontier where the human-made fizzles out and Nature begins (a state both longed for and innately distrusted by every New Yorker) is once again being rediscovered as a source of energy and life.

Into the scrum of preservationists, developers, maritime interests, politicians and ordinary New Yorkers, each fighting for a particular vision of the waterfront, come Diane Cook and Len Jenshel, a husband-and-wife photography team who have spent the past three years documenting the city's infinitely convoluted 578 miles of shoreline. The aim of their project, which has received funding from the Design Trust for Public Space and the New York State Council on the Arts, is not to take sides but simply to show what is there.

Read more...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/16/nyregion/thecity/16feat.html

In the News: The Oceans Resurface

2006-04-14T11:45:00.000-04:00

How to best balance scientific information with industry and community needs in the creation of effective coastal management policies is again at the forefront of decision-makers agenda in our Nation's Capital. Building on the momentum of the Pew Oceans Commission and US Commission on Ocean Policy, multiple bills in Congress are attempting to solve this challenging question. However, to date very little has actually been done at the Federal level and as a result many are calling for immediate action. Two new bills are looking to rework the current fisheries management law, known as the Magnuson - Steven Fishery Conservation Act, but both are still struggling with determining the correct balance of science and community-based information from industry and others for creating legislation that provides for both economic and environmental security writes the NY Times in the Editorial below. JB

Published: April 14, 2006

Despite extensive studies demonstrating the poor health of America's coastal waters as well as its major fisheries and offering blueprints for recovery, Congress has done nothing. Now, at last, the matter is getting some traction. This is good news. But the important thing is to get it right.

At issue is the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens fishery conservation act, the basic law governing federal fisheries policy. The act does not address many issues that need attention. But strengthening it would help fish populations in American coastal waters, which extend 200 miles off shore, and that is no small thing. Many of those populations for which there is reliable data — among them Alaskan pollock, Pacific rockfish, redfish in the Gulf of Mexico — are struggling. Some, like North Atlantic codfish, have essentially crashed.

A Senate committee has reported its version of the bill. It retains all of the good elements of the act, which requires the country's eight regional policy-making councils to identify declining fish stocks and create plans to rebuild them. But it largely ignores two excellent ideas for improving it that were advanced by the privately financed Pew Oceans Commission and the Congressionally chartered United States Commission on Ocean Policy.

One was to give scientists much greater influence in the regional councils, which are now dominated by industry representatives whose short-term interest lies in catching more fish than is healthy for the species' long-term survival. The other was to require the councils to set annual, enforceable catch limits. Partly because of opposition from Northeastern senators politically beholden to local fishing interests, the committee abandoned the idea of hard targets and gave the scientists no more than an advisory role.

Read more...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/14/opinion/14fri2.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

In the News: A ray of sunshine in state's renewable energy picture

2006-04-12T13:39:00.000-04:00

Located just a stone's throw west of Manhattan lies one of the largest natural ecosystems found in our region - the New Jersey Meadowlands. This great expanse of estuary habitat, once a major dumping ground for the City's trash and then home to large-scale development projects, is currently thriving as a result of increased protection and restoration efforts to conserve its many acres of marsh and adjacent uplands and the many species that inhabit the region. A new plan introduced recently by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission will build upon the great successes of the environmental community and attempt to create one of the largest renewable energy networks in the world by 2020. The plan calls for solar, wind, geothermal and tidal energy to replace current modes of energy production, and offers potential economic and environmental benefits that will include improved air and water quality states the following article from the Star-Ledger. JB

Tuesday, April 11, 2006
BY Ana M. Alaya Star-Ledger Staff

Plans outline massive solar, wind and tidal network in the Meadowlands

Harnessing energy from the sun, wind and tides, the Meadowlands region could become home to one of the largest renewable energy networks in the world in the coming years, state officials said yesterday.

Plans unveiled yesterday call for a 5-megawatt solar energy system in the next few years, and a 20-megawatt system of alternative energy power by 2020 that could produce electricity for thousands of homes in the Bergen-Hudson county region, said officials of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission.

The commission's board approved measures yesterday to seek private companies to build the energy systems. At the same time, the agency will try to attract cutting-edge technology companies to the region's obsolete warehouse districts.

"This project will provide enormous environmental and economic benefits for the Meadowlands District, as well as set a precedent for the state's commitment to renewable energy," said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner and NJMC Chair Susan Bass Levin. "The Meadowlands District has the infrastructure and recent history of regional cooperation needed to implement this renewable energy initiative."

A commission study done over the past several months concluded that the district can offer much of the 1.3 million square feet of space that a 5-megawatt system would need for silicon solar panels that turn the sun's energy into electricity.

Much of that space may already be available on NJMC properties, including roofs, parking lots, garages and cleaned landfills in the 32-square-mile region, officials said.

The NJMC also will create a Renewable Energy Task Force for the Meadowlands District that will be responsible for developing a master plan for the region over the next year. This renewable energy plan will develop a strategy for the creation of 20 megawatts of renewable energy in the region by 2020. The panel will examine solar, tidal, wind, geothermal and other sources of renewable energy.

Read more...
http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-3/114473746894780.xml?starledger?nnj&coll=1