South Shore Estuary Reserve Council

St. Lawrence River; Statue of Liberty; World Trade Center Freedom Tower, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP/dbox © SOM 2003; Friends Lake Road; Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay

What's Happening in the South Shore Estuary Reserve?

President Signs Executive Order Stewardship of Oceans, Coasts, and Great Lakes
On Monday, July 19, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the National Ocean Council Executive Order, establishing a National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Coasts, and Great Lakes. The order also creates a National Ocean Council to strengthen ocean governance and coordination and adopts many of the recommendations made by the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force appointed by the President in June 2009. According to the National Oceanic and Atmosperhic Administration, the policy sets the country on a path toward comprehensive planning for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean and provides a foundation for achieving and maintaining clean beaches, abundant seafood and wildlife, a robust economy and jobs and recreational opportunities from our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes areas.
Town of Oyster Bay Massapequa Creek Watershed Management and Corridor Restoration Plan Public Comment Period
	The Town of Oyster Bay held a Town Board meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at the Town of Oyster Bay Town Hall, At the Town of Oyster Bay's Town Board meeting on June 22, 2010, the public had the opportunity to comment on the Massapequa Creek Watershed Management and Corridor Restoration Plan. This plan was prepared for the Town of Oyster Bay and the New York State Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund. "The Plan will serve as a blueprint for actions that government agencies and non-governmental organizations can utilize to protect the natural resources of the Massapequa Creek watershed." "The Massapequa Creek Watershed Management and Corridor Restoration Plan is a key component of the Town of Oyster Bay's commitment to the implementation of the South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan." You may view the plan here. The comment period ends on July 30, 2010. comments should be sent to the attention of the Town Clerk at Town of Oyster Bay, 54 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay New York, 11771.
Town of Hempstead Working to Reestablish Native Oyster Population
Baby oysters, called spat, on shells that will be placed in the bay.	Town staff place bags of shells in the bay to reestablish reefs, increase the oyster population, and prevent marsh erosion.
The Town of Hempstead is conducting a multi-year project to encourage the growth of oyster beds in the Hempstead bays. The goal is to expand shellfishing opportunities, improve water quality, and reduce marsh erosion. As filter feeders, oysters improve water quality by taking in water and filtering it. The water they expel back into the bay is cleaner than the water they take in. Oyster beds prevent marsh erosion by building up around marsh edges, which holds plants and sediment place. The project is supported by a grant awarded to the town by the New York Department of State through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.
Draft Recommendations for Dredged Material Management in the South Shore Estuary Reserve
The New York State Department of State retained the Woods Hole Group, Inc. to compile existing information on dredging in the South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) as a preliminary step to a possible Dredged Material Management Plan. With the assistance of a Project Advisory Committee representing SSER stakeholders, draft summary reports of this information and recommendations for improving dredging practices have been completed. This information will be available for use by the SSER and others to improve administration of dredging, including coordination of permit information and beneficial use or evaluation of disposal options for dredged material. The public's participation in the review of the information was facilitated by three public meetings held in Brookhaven, West Sayville and Point Lookout in March 2010.
First Fish Ladder in Nassau County Section of Estuary
	The first permanent fish ladder in the Nassau County section of the Estuary has been installed and opened for the 2010 season. Massapequa Creek is part of the alewife monitoring program being coordinated by Brian Kelder of Seatuck Environmental Association. The ladder was installed as a cooperative effort of Nassau County, NOAA, and the Fish and Wildlife Service as a result of a superfund site settlement agreement. It is designed to facilitate the movement upstream of diadromous fish such as alewives, trout and eels. Join our alewife monitoring efforts. If you would like to take a look at the ladder it is easily accessible just east of Ocean Avenue on Merrick Road in Massapequa.

South Shore Estuary Vessel No Discharge Zone Approved
An application to declare the bays of the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve (Reserve) a Vessel No Discharge Zone (NDZ) under the federal Clean Water Act has been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Planning and preparation for this action, included as recommendations of the Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan Chapter 7 Outcome 1-2 were key steps in the effort to reduce water quality impairments throughout the south shore bays and navigable waters of the Reserve. Led by the Baykeeper organization, the NDZ designation comes as the result of a two year effort. The significant accomplishment to realize the NDZ designation was the result of cooperation and successful partnerships between Reserve local governments state agencies, and diverse estuary stakeholder groups who shared a common goal of improving Reserve water quality. “As chairperson of the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Council, I applaud the work of the state agencies and the Peconic Baykeeper that led to the designation of the estuarine bays in the Reserve as a Vessel Waste No- Discharge Zone. The designation is a significant step towards a healthier ecosystem and cleaner water in the Reserve. It bolsters the investment and efforts of the New York State Department of State and its partners on the Reserve Council to improve the water quality of the South Shore bays and their tributaries, to protect the habitats for the bays’ aquatic species, and to enhance the region’s economy and maritime heritage.” said New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez. The relatively calm waters of the Reserve support many commercial and recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and tourism. Boat wastewater discharges can impair water quality and wildlife habitat. The Reserve NDZ designation will prohibit discharging of any wastes from marine sanitation devices into Reserve waters, and will encourage boater use of land based and/or mobile vessel pump-out facilities. Information about Vessel No Discharge Zones. Reserve pump out facilities
South Shore Estuary Reserve Stewards Honored
The 5th annual Allan Aronoff Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) Council stewardship awards were presented on October 15, 2009, during a tour of Great South Bay aboard the Lauren Kristy captained by Reserve Council member Mike Eagan of South Bay Cruises, Inc. Over 75 Reserve Council partners joined to recognize an individual and an organization that demonstrated outstanding efforts to advance stewardship of the SSER. The 2009 individual award recipient was Cory Weyant, a Freeport-based bayman who generously and consistently has shared his intimate knowledge of marine life and traditional maritime culture with a wide audience through school and community presentations, walking tours, demonstrations and slide shows. The 20009 organizational award recipient was the Seatuck Environmental Association (SEA), a premier community educational resource for awareness and appreciation of the south shore estuary’s living resources and natural systems. Seatuck was recognized for organizing and implementing a volunteer survey that documents diadromous fish in key Reserve tributaries. more

Stewardship award recipients Bayman Cory Weyant (left) and Enrico Nardone and Brian Kelder of Seatuck Environmental Association (right) display awards aboard Lauren Kristy created by nationally known artist and south shore resident Daniel Pollera. The 2009 award recipients were joined by representatives of the NYS Department of State, SSER Citizens Advisory Committee , Reserve Office staff and SEA Board members
Using Nature's Power to Restore Shellfish in the Hempstead Bays

The Town of Hempstead recently dedicated its new "green" Shellfish nursery utilizing the power of the sun and wind to operate its expanded FLUPSY (Floating Upweller System) for the grow out of juvenile shellfish. The Town anticipates the new system will expand annual grow out capacity by 800% enabling accelerated restoration of shellfish populations for conservation purposes and support of the traditional shellfish industry. As filter feeders, shellfish play a critical role in maintaining estuary water quality. The project is the first of its kind in the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve (Reserve) and will serve as an important example for other Reserve partners who are involved in shellfish restoration activities.

The FLUPSY system currently in operation inside the hatchery building which delivers a constant flow of water to the shellfish being held in the circular tanks.	The new, moveable barge showing the array of solar panels and the unique, energy efficient paddlewheel used to move large volumes of water over the clams which are placed in the FLUPSY units below the floor grating.
South Shore Estuary Reserve Organizes Beach Cleanup on National Estuaries Day

Over 75 people participated, collecting 661 pounds of marine debris from Seal Beach adjacent to the fishing piers on the bay side of Jones Beach. The beach is used for both seal and horseshoe crab walks by the general public and our partners at the Roosevelt Nature Center. The volunteers followed a protocol devised by the Ocean Conservancy for the International Coastal Cleanup held each September since 1986. The cleanups are coordinated and debris collection data are compiled by the American Littoral Society. Assisting were members of the Coast Guard Auxilary, the New York State Marine Education Association and the Environmental Resource Management (ERM) Foundation. In addition to stakeholders from the general public, volunteers included local boy and girl scout troops, and high school and college students. To volunteer for one of this years' cleanups contact the American Littoral Society.

Volunteers keep records of all materials collected	All materials which are collected are then weighed

A total of 661 pounds of marine debris was collected by over 75 Reserve stakeholders
New Watershed Plan for Beaver Dam Creek
Mouth of Beaver Dam Creek flowing into Great South Bay	A watershed management plan has been completed for the Beaver Dam Creek in the Town of Brookhaven. The plan was prepared for the New York State Department of State and the Reserve Council with the assistance of an advisory committee of local government, community groups and watershed residents. Beaver Dam Creek is an important tributary flowing into the Great South Bay region of the South Shore Estuary Reserve and has been the focus of successful partnership based efforts to restore tidal wetlands and improve water quality. The new plan will serve as a framework for local governments, state agencies, watershed groups and residents to take specific recommended actions to restore water quality and improve living resource habitat consistent with the South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan. Click to view the full Beaver Dam Creek Watershed Management Plan.


Two New Collection Boats Launched by Operation SPLASH
	Operation SPLASH (Stop Polluting, Littering And Save Harbors) recently launched two new marine debris collection boats purchased through the 2006 Nassau County Environmental Bond Act. The boats will be used by SPLASH volunteers to patrol local waterways and clean up the bays and wetlands in the western portion of the Reserve. For more information: www.operationsplash.org . SPLASH now has five vessels docked in Freeport, Wantagh and Massapequa, out on the waters of the SSER helping to keep our bays clean!
Watershed Planning Multimedia Informational Packages Available
	The New York Department of State, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation, has prepared a watershed planning multimedia informational package to meet the growing demand for assistance in watershed planning. It represents an integrated, comprehensive approach to watershed planning that relies on sound science and community consensus to set a shared vision for the future, identify problems, find solutions, and create an action strategy to improve water quality. Watershed Plans: Protecting and Restoring Water Quality summarizes this approach to help characterize watersheds, assess water quality and natural resources, evaluate local controls and practices, develop actions and recommendations, and create implementation strategies. The guidebook builds on a shared approach to watershed management as a means to reduce nonpoint source pollution and protect water resources. It presents a flexible step-wise approach to watershed planning and implementation that highlights local and regional successes in a series of case studies across New York State. The video was designed to encourage local governments and groups to form networks and strengthen partnerships with agencies and educational institutions, to benefit from the wealth of expertise available to protect and restore shared water resources. For more information contact the Department of State website, www.nyswaterfronts.com or 518-474-6000.

More Reserve News...
Citizens Advisory Committee Member Linda Freilich has been named as the Sierran of the Year by the Long Island Chapter of Sierra Club for her work monitoring the environment with the Water Sentinels Program.
Here's something else to keep an eye out for when you're out in the field, or your backyard, this year. Cornell University is conducting the Lost Ladybug Project, focusing on documenting the distributions of all ladybugs, but especially our rare natives. All this project requires is for you to take photos of ladybugs you encounter, record some simple information, and upload the photos. Visit www.lostladybug.org to learn more.
The ospreys have returned! Many communities have encouraged the nesting of these beautiful fish hawks by constructing platforms which attract breeding pairs. Several nests are found along route 27A in Oakdale, one is just south of Cedar Beach along the State boat channel and a third can be found at the Town of Hempstead, Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area. Many birds still prefer to select their own site such as the pair that has been nesting in one of the chimneys at Dowling College and another pair that chose a more natural location at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum along the Connetquot River. More about ospreys.
*New* The Long Island River Otter Project has recently completed a report titled "The Status and Distribution of River Otter (Lontra canadensis) on Long Island, New York". The report documents otter sightings and signs of otter populations on Long Island and discusses possibilities for improving species recovery. Despite its common name, the River Otter inhabits lakes, ponds, swamps and marshes as well as rivers. It is also found in coastal areas, including the saline waters of tidal estuaries such as the bays of the South Shore Estuary Reserve. For more information about otters, view this flyer (.pdf) or contact Mike Bottini via email or by calling 631-267-5228.
The New York Ocean and Great Lakes Atlas provides a wide variety of environmental, social, and economic data for New York State and the South Shore Estuary Reserve! More
Have you or your group participated in a stewardship activity that helps to further the SSER Comprehensive Management Plan? See past recipients of our Preserve the Reserve Stewardship Certificates and application procedures. More
The Michael S. Lawton Environmental Scholarship presented by The Foundation for Long Island State Parks will accept applications for the 2011 summer season in the Fall of 2010. Undergraduate college students studying environmental sciences, environmental education, or related fields are eligible for this scholarship, which includes an environmental studies internship in central Long Island. Directions and an application will be posted in the Fall, when they are released by the sponsor.
Looking for fun and interesting things to see and do on the South Shore? Check out the new Explore the South Shore website. Its time to get out there!
Long Island Traditions has announced the launch of the "South Shore portal" web site. The site examines the cultural history and contemporary traditions of Long Island's south shore estuary, stretching from Atlantic Beach to Hampton Bays. Learn about the maritime architecture, ranging from bay houses and bungalows to boatyards and hotels. See what is in your home town. Listen to stories of hurricanes and rum runners. Learn how to document your community's cultural resources. Add your own story to the memories page. And learn what baymen do for a living. All this and more! Just click here And share your thoughts.
The most recent issue of Seagrass.LI is available here. The newsletter describes recent efforts to restore eelgrass in the waters surrounding Long Island, including the Reserve. Check it out!
The New York State Marine Education Association (NYSMEA,) under a grant from the Environmental Resource Management (ERM) Group Foundation would like to assist classes or groups in getting started with stewardship activities in the reserve. More

Learn about rivers and streams in the Reserve: Visit the Reserve Tributaries page!

We would like to help you reach more people!
If you are an historic or environmental resource relevant to the South Shore Estuary, add your name to our Directory of Educational Resources! More

Looking for a chance to get involved in the Reserve? Want to let others know of ways to get involved?
Check out the Stewardship Opportunities page!

UPCOMING
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
in the
ESTUARY

Freeport Bay House Tours
July 17 & Aug. 14
Details

ACTIVITES FOR
TOTS, CHILDREN, FAMILIES, ADULTS
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center
Jones Beach State Park
516-679-7254

ACITIVITES FOR CHILDREN, ADULTS
I Fish NY
631-444-0283

NATURE AND HISTORY PROGRAMS
Fire Island National Seashore
Details

BOATING SAFETY COURSES
South Shore Bays
Safe Boating America
and
Association of Marine Trade Industries

South Shore Estuary Reserve Office
300 Woodcleft Avenue • Freeport, New York 11520 • Phone: (516) 470-BAYS • Fax: (516) 378-2879 • sser@dos.state.ny.us