Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Program RFP: Ecological Monitoring and Data Collection. Appendix 1: Ecological Metrics and Associated Projects

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1 Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Program RFP: Ecological Monitoring and Data Collection Appendix 1: Ecological Metrics and Associated Projects This Appendix identifies the core ecological metrics for each of the priority resilience activities, identifies which projects are implementing specific activities, and provides a description of each project. The projects are organized by the priority resilience activities being implemented, and then by state within those categories. The priority resilience activities include: Marsh restoration (hydrology and thin layer dredge) - pages 2-13 *Updated p4 Living shoreline restoration pages Beach and/or dune restoration pages of aquatic connectivity pages *Updated p31 Proposals may monitor all or a subset of the projects listed below. If a proposal includes monitoring for a subset of projects that are implementing the same resilience activity, the proposal must include monitoring for all of the metrics associated with that activity. If a proposal includes monitoring for a subset of projects based on geography or another factor, monitoring must include all of the metrics associated with each project based on the resilience activity or activities being implemented.

2 Marsh (Hyrdrology and Thin Layer Dredge) Ecological Resilience Metrics Nekton abundance, species richness Salt marsh plant community monitoring (e.g., species composition, percent cover, areal coverage) Water quality: temperature, salinity, ph, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, nutrients, chlorophyll a Water temperature, salinity Marsh surface elevation change trend - long-term 3+ years Marsh accretion and erosion Groundwater dynamics Marsh Projects DELAWARE Title: Repairing Infrastructure and Designing Wetland and Beach Plans along the Central Delaware Bayshore (NFWF 44157) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Kent County, DE Grantee organization name: Delaware Department of Natural Resources Project Description: Design restoration plans for Delaware Bay's wetlands and beaches. Project will enhance community and ecosystem resiliency by generating restoration plans and replacing critical water control structures. Project Abstract: The Delaware Department of Natural Resources will increase the resiliency of natural coastal systems and the human communities that depend upon them through planning, designing, and constructing a suite of restoration strategies within and along the tidal wetlands and sandy beaches of the Delaware Bay shoreline. The natural coastal systems of the central Delaware Bayshore provide invaluable habitat for significant populations of migratory and nesting shorebirds, marsh birds, waterfowl, Neotropical songbirds, and other resident fauna, while also protecting productive farmlands and critical infrastructure such as coastal impoundments. This project will replace critical water control structures at the Mahon and Ted Harvey south impoundments, and restoring tidal marshes and sandy beach habitats. In addition, the hydrodynamics within the project area s tidal marshes will be modeled under current conditions with potential restoration alternatives to identify the response of the wetlands to restoration activities. This research will result in the preparation of a restoration plan that outlines management activities and associated costs based on one or more preferred alternatives. Title: Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Tidal Marsh /Barrier Beach (USFWS- 15) 2

3 Activity: Thin Layer Marsh Location: DE Grantee organization name: USFWS Project Description: This project restores a highly damaged tidal marsh/barrier beach ecosystem covering about 4,000 acres of marsh within the former impounded wetland system on Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This coastal wetland restoration improves the ability of the refuge marshes to withstand future storms and sea level rise through methods such as tidal marsh/barrier beach/dune restoration using thin layer deposition, marsh grass planting, demolition of water control structures, etc. The project also provides natural and economic benefits to several adjacent and nearby communities in Delaware, such as enhanced natural storm barriers, improved wildlife habitat and increased tourism. MASSACHUSETTS Title: Enhancing Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head's Land Resiliency in Martha's Vineyard (MA) (NFWF 43322) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Martha's Vineyard, Grantee organization name: MA Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Project Description: Assess and restore over 230 acres of tribal habitat in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Management plans and multi-jurisdictional partnerships will support marine protection and habitat restoration. Project Abstract: The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head will increase tribal land resiliency to future storms through four assessment, planning, and restoration activities. The first activity will assess Lobsterville Road and its surrounding lands long term viability for critical infrastructure and habitat protection, especially after Hurricane Sandy caused significant dune loss and road damage. The second activity will create management plans and provide restoration activities for 230 acres of contiguous coastal wetland habitat. The third project will address restoration of Herring Creek, which was severely impacted by siltation. Herring Creek is a critically important cultural and ecological waterway because it serves as passage for Blueback herring, Alewife and American eels, and is a spawning area for Atlantic horseshoe crabs. The last project will support a multi-jurisdictional effort with the towns of Aquinnah and Chilmark to restore eelgrass, increase predator control, and provide assessment and training opportunities within the Menemsha Pond area. Title: Muddy Creek Wetland Project, Chatham MA (USFWS-11) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Chatham, MA Grantee organization name: USFWS Project Description: The Muddy Creek project site is a tidally-restricted estuary with fringing degraded tidal marshes. The project enhances coastal natural defenses against storm surge by restoring a mix of estuarine and subtidal wetlands, improving water quality and restoring passage for fish that migrate between fresh and saltwater. actions included the removal of twin undersized stone culverts and replacing them with a 94-foot span bridge and open channelto restore natural tidal flow and restore diadromous fish passage. 3

4 Title: Restoring resiliency to the Great Marsh; Parker River NWR, MA (USFWS- 43) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Parker River NWR, Grantee organization name: USFWS MA Project Description: This project increases the natural defenses of a 27,000 acre tidal marsh system by improving tidal channel hydrology, reducing marsh subsidence or surface collapse, retention of freshwater and controlling large outbreaks of invasive species through traditional and innovative measures such as removing tidal restrictions (e.g., culverts), restoring ditches, and controlling invasive species.. The issue of tidal circulation posed by Plum Island Turnpike will be addressed through modeling to inform appropriate actions to improve tidal function. Title: Round Hill Salt Marsh Project; Dartmouth, MA (USFWS- 10) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Dartmouth, MA Grantee organization name: USFWS Project Description: This project directly restores 11.6 acres of salt marsh functions and values lost for nearly 100 years because of historic filling. It also protects and enhances the natural movement of water of the connected 70-acre Meadow Shores Marsh by enhancing the inlet through which the tidal waters that sustain these marshes flow, and increasing tidal flushing to the existing marsh. This is being accomplished by directly removing up to 75,000 cubic yards of fill material from the marsh, revegetating, and replacing the defunct wooden culvert beneath Ray Peck Drive. The larger, replacement culvert will restore natural tidal exchange within the marsh. MARYLAND Title: Increasing Salt Marsh Acreage and Resiliency for Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (MD) (NFWF 42942) - UPDATED Activity: Thin Layer Marsh Location: Dorchester County, Grantee organization name: The MD Conservation Fund Project Description: Increase salt marsh acreage and enhancing resiliency for Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area in southern Dorchester County, Maryland. Project will create 30 acres of new salt marsh, increase salt marsh productivity, and generate an invasive plant eradication map. Project Abstract: The Conservation Fund and partners will focus on the Chesapeake tidal marsh ecosystem which is threatened by sea level rise combined with coastal storm surge and invasive species taking root in transitioning uplands and disturbed marsh. A previous three year study produced an assessment of sea level rise impacts and recommended strategies to slow marsh loss for Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the adjacent Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area. The project will undertake four strategic actions to help the tidal marsh persist in Blackwater NWR and adjacent areas. Salt marsh acreage will be increased by 30 acres in a key refuge location by supplementing salt marsh elevation with local sediment. A hydrological study in an adjacent marsh will be used in the design of a new tidal exchange network, which will increase native salt marsh grass productivity. Eradication of any remaining non-native nutria populations in five subwatersheds in or near the refuge will also occur. Lastly, the first aerial refuge map of the invasive Phragmites australis will be created. This map will aid the invasives removal across 1500 acres in a key marsh migration 4

5 corridor and newly transitioning areas near Harriet Tubman National Monument. Volunteers, including 90 youth, will also replant cordgrass to revitalize 15 acres of salt marsh. Title: Protecting North Beach's Salt Marsh and Emergency Route (MD) (NFWF 44167) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Town of North Grantee organization name: Town of Beach, Calvert County, MD North Beach, MD Project Description: Remove 75,000 cubic feet of fill material from marsh, revegetate marsh, replace defunct culvert with properly sized culvert. Restore 11.6 acres, benefits to 70 acre marsh. Project Abstract: The Town of North Beach, Maryland will create 670 feet of living shoreline, restore three acres of existing degraded wetland, and improve tidal flushing in a stagnant pond at the Walton Reserve Site (between Maryland Route 261 and Chesapeake Bay). The Walton Reserve Site has a long history of erosion. In the last 20 years alone, feet of shoreline has eroded landward. If the shoreline erosion continues it will disturb the North Beach Salt Marsh, which is a vital Black Duck stopover and is upland of the shoreline. Further erosion will also threaten the road bed for Maryland Route 261, which runs along the western boundary of the property and is the primary road out of the Rose Haven community. This project will protect the easterly edge of the 105-acre North Beach Salt Marsh from further erosion, prevent damage to Maryland Route 261, and provide additional habitat and numerous water quality benefits. Title: Ferry Point, Nanticoke River Pocomoke Sound Marsh Enhancement (USFWS-85) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Ferry Point, MD Grantee organization name: USFWS Project Description: This project enhances and restores 2,600 acres of wetlands in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by treating invasive species and restoring the natural hydrology of impacted wetlands. This will help support continued public hunting and fishing opportunities and an emerging nature tourism industry. MULTI-STATE Title: Protecting Property and Helping Coastal Wildlife: Enhancing Salt marsh and Estuarine Function and Resiliency for Key Habitats on Impacted Wildlife Refuges from Rhode Island to southern Maine (USFWS-65) Activity: Thin Layer and Location: MA, ME, RI Grantee organization name: USFWS Hydrology Project Description: This project enhances natural coastal defenses to buffer effects of a changing climate for eight local communities, economies and wildlife that depend on healthy salt marsh ecosystems. These areas include more than 400 acres in key coastal areas of Rhode Island, 50 acres in coastal Massachusetts, 20 acres in New Hampshire and 50 acres in coastal Maine. Methods used include dredge river channel, use thin layer dredge deposition to raise marsh, living shoreline, creating runnels to help remove ponding on marsh, replace culvert with water control structures, and shrubland restoration. 5

6 NEW JERSEY Title: Preventing Erosion and Restoring Hydrology in the Pine Barrens (NJ) (NFWF 41812) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Burlington County Grantee organization name: New and Ocean County, NJ Jersey Conservation Foundation Project Description: Restore hydrology and prevent erosion in the Pine Barrens in Burlington County and Ocean County, New Jersey. Project will improve stream and wetland resiliency, while protecting important habitat. Project Abstract: The New Jersey Conservation Foundation will complete two critical projects that will prevent erosion, restore hydrology, and enhance resiliency in the core Pine Barrens. Now a diverse Pine Barrens wetland, the Franklin Parker Preserve supports dozens of rare, threatened, and endangered species, while providing floodwater storage capacity that protects resources downstream. In September 2012, record rainfall of up to 15 inches destroyed one major spillway and breached a main dike in the restoration area. Those water control structures will be repaired in order to retain a naturally functioning wetland and ensure its resiliency against future storms. The second project will involve off-road vehicle restrictions and increased restored hydrology and vegetation for the Candace McKee Ashmun Preserve in Ocean County. The Candace McKee Ashmun Preserve features unfragmented forest and wetlands that protect the headwaters of Oyster Creek as well as the pristine North, Middle, and South Branches of the Forked River that feed into Barnegat Bay. Illegal use of offroad vehicles in the region is eroding riparian corridors and causing significant damage to many rare animal and plant species. Vehicular access restrictions will be sought to aid in the restoration of vegetation and hydrology along the eroded stream corridors. Title: Reusing Dredged Material to Restore Salt Marshes and Protect Communities (NJ) (NFWF 43095) Activity: Thin Layer Marsh Location: Avalon, Stone Grantee organization name: NJDEP Harbor, and Fortescue, NJ Project Description: Reuse dredged materials to restore 90 acres of salt marsh for Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Fortescue in New Jersey. Enhanced salt marsh will provide wildlife habitat and reduce flooding and erosion impacts on nearby communities. Project Abstract: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - Office of Natural Resource will restore ninety acres of salt marsh, which will enhance habitat and reduce vulnerability to flooding and erosion in Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Fortescue, New Jersey. Within the Hurricane Sandy affected region, there is great interest to use existing dredging projects for salt marsh restoration and community resiliency opportunities. Re-using dredge materials is a win-win practice for both dredging and wetland restoration projects. Dredging projects can have their costs reduced when materials are reused for wetlands, which is a nice bonus since routine and post-storm dredging is regularly required to maintain navigable waterways. Clean dredged materials also benefit wetland restoration costs and provides a future source of materials with all future dredging in New Jersey's intracoastal waterway devoted to restoration projects. These methods have been proven to be cost efficient, useful for restoring degraded marsh habitat, and will provide a flooding and erosion buffer for adjacent communities and infrastructure. Lessons learned from this project will be disseminated to assist nearby projects, and an in-depth analysis of dredged material re-use effects on the ecosystem and coastal communities will be studied. Also, future project sites on state and federal lands will be 6

7 identified. Title: Creating a Resilient Delaware Bay Shoreline in Cape May and Cumberland Counties (NJ) (NFWF 43429) Activity: Thin Layer and Location: Cumberland County, Grantee organization name: American Hydrology NJ Littoral Society Project Description: Restore 5 acres of Delaware Bay's wetlands and six miles of beach in Cape May and Cumberland Counties, New Jersey. Project will improve horseshoe crab spawning, provide shorebird stopover area, and improve ecological and economic community resilience. Project Abstract: The American Littoral Society will restore 5 acres of wetland within six interrelated Delaware Bayshore sites in Cape May and Cumberland Counties in New Jersey. Sites include both the natural and built communities at Cumberland County s Dyer s Cove, Roadway Beach between Fortescue and Oyster Creek, East Point Lighthouse Beach, and Moores/Thompsons Beach. The Cape May County s natural and built communities include Reeds Beach/Pierces Point, and South Reeds/Cooks/North Pierces Point Beaches. Each site is an integral unit of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, a known spawning beach for horseshoe crabs, and a major stopover point for northbound migrant shorebirds. These natural areas and small rural communities adjacent to them are experiencing the impacts of climate change and sea level rise. This work will improve horseshoe crab spawning in the Delaware Bay, annual stopover areas for northbound migrant shorebirds (especially the red knot), ecological and economic resilience of Delaware Bayshore communities, and sustainability of this work through innovative methods. In addition to restoring almost six miles of beach, there will also be two plans and eight studies generated from this project. Furthermore, twenty jobs will be created with half of them going to local veterans. Additionally, over 2000 youth will be educated on the project s impact and 250 of them will be engaged in data collection. Title: Strengthening Marshes Creek Through Green and Grey Infrastructure (NJ) (NFWF 43931) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Tremley Point, Grantee organization name: Rutgers Marshes Creek, Linden, NJ University Project Description: Use green and grey infrastructure to strengthen Marshes Creek and the local community in Linden, New Jersey. Project will provide community protection while strengthening ecosystem resiliency from floods and run-off impacts. Project Abstract: Rutgers University will work with the city of Linden, New Jersey to increase stormwater capacity and ecological resiliency to reduce the impacts from flooding, storm surge and stormwater runoff. The storm surge from Hurricane Sandy caused extensive flooding in Linden s Tremley Point. Tremley Point s working class community of 275 homes is located at the saltmarsh headwaters of Marshes Creek and is regularly prone to flooding from rainfall due to Marshes Creek s degraded state. Rutgers University will work with the city of Linden to install additional water conveyance capacity under the railway line, and install new sluice gates on existing and proposed culverts. Additionally, green infrastructure solutions will restore the saltmarsh s hydrological balance and increase its conveyance capacity by dredging sediment. Overall, these steps will reduce stormwater runoff and flooding experienced by Tremley Point, while also restoring storm surge and flood protection provided by Marshes Creek. Furtherer, the New Jersey turnpike may have reduced impacts from potential erosion. 7

8 Title: Restoring Newark Bay's Wetlands (NJ) (NFWF 43939) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Newark, NJ Grantee organization name: City of Newark, NJ Project Description: Restore Newark Bay's wetlands in New Jersey. The 12-acre restoration will buffer against shoreline erosion, improve flood control, and remove invasive plants. Project Abstract: The City of Newark, New Jersey will carry out restoration efforts on a 12 acre are located along the Newark Bay, a tidal bay located at the confluence of the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers, to improve wetland resiliency functions and habitat for threatened and endangered species. Due to its proximity to Newark Bay and regular tidal inundation, the restoration site provides an excellent opportunity for wetland restoration, enhancement, and preservation. Much of this site contains degraded wetlands that are being affected by invasive species or severe shoreline erosion along the Newark Bay. If left in its current state, the site will continue to erode thereby exposing itself to the effects of sea level rise and increasingly powerful Atlantic storms. Yellow and black-crowned night herons have been seen and documented within the parcel area. Unfortunately, the invasive species Phragmites australis occupies four acres of the site and continues to encroach upon many areas that would otherwise support native vegetation. Benefits from this restoration project includes the creation of desirable habitat, improvements to flood control, reduction in erosion into Newark Bay, and skilled workers who can become natural resource stewards. Title: Restoring Over One Hundred Wetland Acres in Great Egg Harbor Bay (NJ) (NFWF 44068) Activity: Thin Layer and Location: Great Egg Harbor Grantee organization name: City of Hydrology Bay, NJ Ocean City Project Description: Restore 150 wetland acres in Great Egg Harbor Bay, New Jersey. Project will enhance and raise damaged wetlands to mitigate future storm impacts and provide healthier habitats. Project Abstract: The City of Ocean City, New Jersey will restore over one hundred acres of damaged island wetlands in Great Egg Harbor Bay. Cowpen s Island, Shooting Island, the Rainbow Islands, and other unnamed islands in Great Egg Harbor Bay will have their wetlands restored and enhanced with a thin layer of dredged materials. Meanwhile, 18 acres of previously existing wetlands on the west side of Garret s Island will be reclaimed using sediment traps and beneficial re-use of dredged materials. The major wetlands area will have new installations comprised of sediment traps, hay bales, and straw logs secured with wooden stakes. The sediment traps will allow water to flow past during tide cycles and allow sediment particles to settle out of the water column without interfering with fish passage. Site monitoring for detailed indicators will continue for two years with results supporting similar future projects. Enhancing and raising the elevation of the wetlands will mitigate the impact of future storms for inland communities, fish and wildlife species, and the invaluable wetlands themselves. Title: Replenishing Little Egg Harbor's Marshes and Wetlands (NJ) (NFWF 44109) Activity: Thin Layer and Hydrology Location: Little Egg Harbor and Tuckerton, NJ Grantee organization name: Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ Project Description: Replenish and restore Little Egg Harbor's marshes and wetlands in New Jersey. Project will create a stronger shoreline buffer, provide healthier habitat, and open seven miles of 8

9 stream. Project Abstract: Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey will conduct a marsh restoration and replenishment project to alleviate a silt build-up problem in Little Egg Harbor and Tuckerton that is blocking stormwater outfalls and impeding the passage of wildlife and boats. The project will place erosion controls at three locations and dredge three lagoon communities resulting in the restoration and opening of seven miles of stream area. The dredged materials will be used to restore and replenish six acres of marsh and wetlands, 0.7 acres of beach. The dredging and habitat restoration will directly benefit 1,038 homes and numerous fish, reptile, amphibian, mammal and bird populations including the red knot and the American oystercatcher. It will also indirectly benefit the two towns population of 23,412 citizens, strengthen a natural buffer from storm surges, protect critical infrastructure, and preserve the tax base. The project will also directly create 40 temporary jobs, and indirectly preserve the bayshore economic activities of fishing, crabbing, and oyster farming. NEW YORK Title: Strengthening Sunken Meadow State Park's Resiliency (NY) (NFWF 42442) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park, Suffolk County, Long Island, NY Grantee organization name: Connecticut Fund for the Environment Project Description: Enhance Sunken Meadow State Park's 135 acres of salt marsh and remove run-off in Long Island, New York. Project will strengthen ecosystem resiliency and promote green infrastructure benefits. Project Abstract: The Connecticut Fund for the Environment will carry out restoration and conservation activities at Sunk Meadow State Park to strengthen the park s ecosystem, promote longterm resiliency of the park and surrounding areas, while also enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. The Sunken Meadow State Park has been an important recreational resource for the residents of New York State for nearly a century and receives over two million visitors annually. This project will involve four key actions with the first action improving a twelve acre on-site parking area. The parking area will generate a 3.9 million gallon annual reduction in stormwater run-off once best management practices are put into place such as stormwater quality basins and bio filter wetland swales. A marsh resiliency plan will include enhancing 135 acres of saltmarsh, replanting native cordgrass, and expanding intertidal marsh area by improving degraded land and connecting it with adjacent healthy marsh. Additionally, an analysis and creek improvement design will be created to enhance the freshwater stream discharging to the estuary and include unimpeded access by native alewife and American eels to upstream habitats. Given that Sunken Meadow State Park is an extremely high profile park, there are also public education and outreach initiatives included to improve visitors understanding of restoration efforts and green infrastructure benefits. Title: Restoring Spring Creek Park's Salt Marsh and Upland Habitat (NY)) (NFWF 42958) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Jamaica Bay, NY Grantee organization name: NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Project Description: Restore Spring Creek Park's 11 acres of salt marsh and 16 acres of coastal upland in Queens, New York. Project will reduce flood impacts, capture run-off, and contribute recreational 9

10 space. Project Abstract: The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation will restore and enhance 11 acres of salt marsh and 16 acres of coastal forest and scrubland in Spring Creek Park located in Queens, New York. This park is not in the best condition as its marshland has been filled and remaining marshes are degraded by debris. will significantly increase ecosystem function along one of the few semi-natural tributaries remaining on Jamaica Bay s north shore. The Queens and Brooklyn neighborhoods surrounding the park were severely impacted by flooding during Hurricane Sandy, and proposed improvements will promote the resiliency of these communities in the face of future storms and sea level rise. The plan includes excavation of historical construction debris fill to help re-establish tidal inundation and restore buried salt marsh. Additionally, the fill will be relocated to degraded upland areas, graded, covered with soil, and planted as coastal forest and berms that will help reduce future storm damage. The restored salt marsh and forest will offer open space for passive recreation and environmental educational to nearby underserved neighborhoods and visitors to the Jamaica Bay watershed. Increased stormwater capture in the northern riparian sections of the Spring Creek tributary will also reduce runoff to the combined sewer system. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jamaica Bay Ecosystem Study prioritizes this project and leverages significant federal funding. Title: Wetland in Suffolk County (NY)) (NFWF 43006) Activity: Thin Layer and Hydrology Location: Suffolk County, Long Island, NY Grantee organization name: Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning Project Description: Restore 400 wetland acres and build capacity to rehabilitate 1,500 acres in Suffolk County, New York. Project will strengthen wetland resiliency and provide capacity-building opportunities. Project Abstract: The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning and their partners will perform a variety of wetland, expertise, and capacity building actions to rehabilitate 400 acres of tidal wetlands and build the capacity to rehabilitate a total of 1,500 acres in Suffolk County. Hurricane Sandy caused a significant amount of beach, dune, and marsh erosion and transferred debris onto the salt marshes. The resiliency of the wetlands is also threatened by storm effects and rising sea level. The Integrated Marsh Management (IMM) techniques include wetland recovery through the creation of small ponds for additional habitat and tidal channels to restore tidal flows. Shallow connecting channels will also be developed to prevent marsh waterlogging, grant accessibility to ponds, and provide killifish access to the marsh surface to better control mosquito larvae populations. Excavated material will also be used to fill obsolete grid ditches, increase marsh elevation, and eliminate mosquito larvae habitat. This project also cares for the long term outlook of the marshes as evidenced by the acquirement of expertise and equipment, assessments and action plans for the remaining acreage, and funding securement for various IMM projects beyond this project. A Regional Technical Workgroup (RTW) of technical experts will be created to improve wetland restoration policies and projects, and generate a report with management recommendations and restoration lessons learned. 10

11 Title: Improving Shinnecock Reservation's Shoreline Habitats (NY)) (NFWF 44225) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Shinnecock Indian Reservation and adjacent waters, Shinnecock Bay, Southampton, NY Grantee organization name: Shinnecock Indian Nation Project Description: Restore Shinnecock Reservation's eelgrass, oyster, marsh, and beach habitats in Southampton, New York. Project will reduce erosion, increase habitat, and strengthen shoreline resiliency. Project Abstract: The Shinnecock Indian Nation will restore resiliency, ecological diversity, and improve tidal flushing to a portion of a 3,250 foot of the eastern Shinnecock Bay shoreline. The shoreline is located on the Shinnecock Reservation within Southampton, and experienced drastic landscape alterations and loss of habitat due to Hurricane Sandy. In its current state, the shoreline is extremely degraded and highly susceptible to sea level rise and future storm impacts. Several measures will be put into place to decrease erosion and increase habitat such as new marsh habitat, oyster reef planting, and eelgrass meadow restoration where it historically occurred. Also, the beach and upland plant community will be revived through the planting of diverse native species. Through these steps, the local waters will have increased carrying capacity and a stronger ability to protect the reservation and wildlife habitats. Additionally, the tidal flushing between two wetland systems will be increased, thereby increasing species diversity and acting as a mosquito vector control. Title: Salt Marsh and Enhancement at Seatuck, Wertheim and Lido Beach National Wildlife Refuges, Long Island, New York (USFWS-1) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Seatuck, Wertheim and Lido Beach National Wildlife Refuges, Long Island, NY Grantee organization name: USFWS Project Description: Restore natural functions in damaged and degraded by improving 432 acres of coastal salt marshes on Long Island through an integrated approach that addresses tidal hydrology, surface water habitat, invasive species, living shoreline stabilization and sea level rise. of natural hydrology will increase resilience and decrease long-term vulnerability and risk from storm events. RHODE ISLAND Title: Reusing Dredged Materials to Enhance Salt Marsh in Ninigret Pond (RI) (NFWF 41739) Activity: Thin Layer Marsh Location: Salt Ponds Region, RI Grantee organization name: Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council Project Description: Restore 30 acres of salt marsh and create two additional marsh restoration designs in the Salt Ponds Region in south Rhode Island. Project will strengthen the marsh's resiliency and serve as a model to similar restoration projects throughout the state. Project Abstract: The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council will use dredged materials to restore and enhance 30 acres of degraded salt marsh within the Ninigret Pond barrier and coastal 11

12 lagoon, an area within the Salt Ponds region in Rhode Island that sustained substantial damage from Hurricane Sandy. Using dredged materials to increase the marsh s surface elevation and replant restored areas will enhance salt marsh vegetation, thereby increasing the marsh s lifespan and climate change resiliency. The marsh will continue to provide migratory bird habitat, storm buffering, and flood storage functions, while also preserving the values that support the tourism, recreation, fishing, and boating industries that rely on a healthy marsh. This will be a useful pilot project that will be monitored and have lessons applied to similar projects throughout the state and region. Additionally, Quonochontaug and Winnapaug Pond assessments and designs will be created to implement similar marsh restoration projects. Title: Strengthening Sachuest Bay's Coastal Resiliency (RI) (NFWF 41795) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Middletown, RI Grantee organization name: Town of Middletown, RI Project Description: Enhance over 100 acres of Sachuest Bay's beaches and wetlands in Middletown, Rhode Island. Project will improve water quality, enhance natural infrastructure, and improve existing grey infrastructure. Project Abstract: The Town of Middletown, Rhode Island will carry out activities to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat and natural infrastructure, and green and improve protection for infrastructure in areas that experienced significant damage during Hurricane Sandy. Storm surge and wind from Hurricane Sandy washed out trails, compromised the stability of banks and shoreline access points, and completely destroyed Sachuest Point Road at Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge, leaving it inaccessible for six months. The storm caused downed trees, washed out trails, and significant runoff onto habitats within the 325 acre Norman Bird Sanctuary. This project will improve the coastal resiliency in the areas around Sachuset Bay and the Maidford River through restoration and green infrastructure enhancement. Specifically, 23 acres of beach dune and 100 acres of wetland will be enhanced or restored. A total of 325 acres will also have improved forest management and public access enhancement. These improvements will preserve vital wetland and estuary habitats, and safeguard human resources for drinking water, swimming, fishing, surfing, wildlife watching, and beach-going opportunities. Additionally, there will be field work and monitoring opportunities for youth and volunteers, while also providing a community education component about protecting the ecosystem. VIRGINIA Title: Developing Coastal Resiliency Regional Models (VA) (NFWF 43849) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Norfolk/Hampton Grantee organization name: Wildlife Roads, VA Foundation of Virginia Project Description: Enhance over 3,700 acres of wetlands and forests in the Southern Watersheds Area of Virginia. Project will strengthen coastal resiliency and serve as an adaptation resource for community leaders and decision makers. Project Abstract: The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia will carry out coastal conservation and restoration efforts through an adaptation network of four related coastal resiliency projects totaling over 3,700 acres that will increase flood storage capacity, restore forested wetlands, and exclude tidal flooding in 12

13 Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. The Southern Watersheds area is ranked second behind Miami, Florida for climate risk to an east coast population and includes Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Back Bay, North Landing Basin, and Northwest River Basin. Adjacent to Back Bay estuary are roads, fields, livestock areas, and buildings that are seasonally inundated by wind driven tides. Impacts from tidal flooding have also been exacerbated in magnitude and extent due to wetland ditching and establishment of canals. These projects will build upon two adjacent Hurricane Sandy resiliency funded sites, and together they will serve as regional models for decision makers, with some of the largest rates of sea level rise on the east coast. Overall, 1,650 feet of living shoreline will be established, 3,783 acres of forested wetlands will have restored hydrology, 600 acres of native hardwood forests will be replanted, and 2,956 acres of saturated wetland soil will be excluded from human-induced wind tides. Three of the projects will have new educational displays. Title: Increasing Water Management Capability at Great Dismal Swamp NWR to Enhance its Resiliency for Wildlife and People (USFWS-50) Activity: Marsh Hydrology Location: Great Dismal Swamp Grantee organization name: USFWS NWR Project Description: The project will increase the water storage of drained forested peatlands, making them more resilient to the predicted effects of climate change such as increased storms, wildfires, and drought. Project stages will include planning, implementation and monitoring. When the project is complete, the refuge will have installed or replaced up to 13 water control structures to increase water management capability. 13

14 Ecological Resilience Metrics Living Shoreline Oyster length frequency - growth rates, age structure etc. Oyster coverage & population Vegetation cover Water temperature, salinity Vertical accretion rates Shoreline position Living Shoreline Projects MARYLAND Title: Protecting North Beach's Salt Marsh and Emergency Route (MD) (NFWF 44167) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Town of North Grantee organization name: Town of Beach, Calvert County, MD North Beach, MD Project Description: Create, restore, and improve North Beach's shoreline in Calvert County, Maryland. Project will prevent further erosion to North Beach's 105-acre salt marsh, protect the surrounding communities, and prevent damage to MD Route 261, an emergency vehicle route. Project Abstract: The Town of North Beach, Maryland will create 670 feet of living shoreline, restore three acres of existing degraded wetland, and improve tidal flushing in a stagnant pond at the Walton Reserve Site (between Maryland Route 261 and Chesapeake Bay). The Walton Reserve Site has a long history of erosion. In the last 20 years alone, feet of shoreline has eroded landward. If the shoreline erosion continues it will disturb the North Beach Salt Marsh, which is a vital Black Duck stopover and is upland of the shoreline. Further erosion will also threaten the road bed for Maryland Route 261, which runs along the western boundary of the property and is the primary road out of the Rose Haven community. This project will protect the easterly edge of the 105-acre North Beach Salt Marsh from further erosion, prevent damage to Maryland Route 261, and provide additional habitat and numerous water quality benefits. Title: Fog Point Living Shoreline, Martin NWR (USFWS-31) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Martin NWR Grantee organization name: USFWS Project Description: Construction of 20,950 feet of living shoreline that will stabilize a highly vulnerable shoreline at Martin National Wildlife Refuge and directly protect over 1,200 acres of high quality tidal high marsh, submerged aquatic vegetation, and clam beds. It directly contributes to the Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative with federal accountability enacted by Executive Order

15 Title: Hail Cove Living Shoreline, Eastern Neck NWR (USFWS-57) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Eastern Neck NWR Grantee organization name: USFWS Project Description: This project constructs 3,500 feet of "living shoreline" that will stabilize a highly vulnerable shoreline at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge and directly protect more than 400 acres of high quality tidal marsh and submerged aquatic vegetation in the Chester River. It ensures that these habitats continue to provide natural benefits to the human communities of the Chesapeake Bay. MASSACHUSETTS Title: Enhancing Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head's Land Resiliency in Martha's Vineyard (MA) (NFWF 43322) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Martha's Vineyard, Grantee organization name: MA Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Project Description: Assess and restore over 230 acres of tribal habitat in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Management plans and multi-jurisdictional partnerships will support marine protection and habitat restoration. Project Abstract: The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head will increase tribal land resiliency to future storms through four assessment, planning, and restoration activities. The first activity will assess Lobsterville Road and its surrounding lands long term viability for critical infrastructure and habitat protection, especially after Hurricane Sandy caused significant dune loss and road damage. The second activity will create management plans and provide restoration activities for 230 acres of contiguous coastal wetland habitat. The third project will address restoration of Herring Creek, which was severely impacted by siltation. Herring Creek is a critically important cultural and ecological waterway because it serves as passage for Blueback herring, Alewife and American eels, and is a spawning area for Atlantic horseshoe crabs. The last project will support a multi-jurisdictional effort with the towns of Aquinnah and Chilmark to restore eelgrass, increase predator control, and provide assessment and training opportunities within the Menemsha Pond area. NEW JERSEY Title: Building Ecological Solutions to Coastal Community Hazards (NJ) (NFWF 42279) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Multiple towns, NJ Grantee organization name: NJDEP Project Description: Develop, design, and deliver green infrastructure techniques that add ecological value and enhance community resiliency. Project will benefit New Jersey coastal communities. Project Abstract: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will convene an experienced team of public and private stakeholders to address the need for community resiliency strategies and preventive actions for New Jersey s many ecologically significant coastal areas that are threatened by dense coastal development and climate change impacts. Hurricane Sandy emphasized the need for community resiliency strategies and preventative actions to minimize future impacts. Ecosystem-based infrastructure approaches can provide a cost effective solution that will protect 15

16 critical habitat and people. However, there is no systematic approach for developing or providing green infrastructure nor is there a current system that can determine which communities would make good candidates for green infrastructure. The NJDEP will work with partners to systemically identify ecological resiliency strategies and develop them into successful, ready to use local actions. Twenty municipalities will receive green infrastructure viability assessments through this project. Nine pilot communities will then complete specific resiliency projects with project team assistance and be used as green infrastructure success models. Project partners include Sustainable Jersey, National Wildlife Federation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium. Title: Gandy's Beach Shoreline Protection Project, NJ (USFWS-77) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Gandy's Beach, NJ Grantee organization name: USFWS Project Description: Construct 3,000 feet of living shoreline and breakwater to restore 337 acres of salt marsh and adjacent uplands. This project will substantially improve the ability of the site to withstand storm surges and coastal erosion. NEW YORK Title: Restoring Bronx River Shoreline at Starlight Park (NY) (NFWF 42019) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Bronx, NY Grantee organization name: NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Project Description: Restore ecosystem function and habitat for Bronx River in New York City. Project will re-naturalize the shoreline, restore habitat function, and remove contaminated soil. Project Abstract: The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation will carry out shoreline restoration efforts on the Bronx River, New York City s only freshwater river, to improve the river s recovery and increase community resiliency. Since the late 1990 s, there has been a collaborative community and government effort to transform the Bronx River from an abandoned dumping ground into an ecological, economic, recreational, and educational resource. The restoration area is located in the South Bronx between Westchester Avenue and 172nd Street in the tidal estuary of the river. The project will revitalize floodplain functions for 1.7 acres, re-naturalize 740 feet of armored shoreline, and restore native saltmarsh grasses on half an acre of new wetland habitat. Furtherer, eleven acres of parkland will be enhanced using stormwater best management practices and have reduced toxic substance exposure through the removal of contaminated fill. Title: Rejuvenating Sunset Cove's Salt Marsh and Upland Habitat (NY) (NFWF 42959) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Jamaica Bay, NY Grantee organization name: NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Project Description: Restore three acres of Sunset Cove's wetland and seven acres of upland habitat in Queens, New York. Project will enhance water quality, provide shellfish habitat, and increase public recreation access. Project Abstract: The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation will restore three acres of salt marsh and seven acres of upland habitat on Sunset Cove, a 12 acre parcel located on a former 16

17 abandoned and derelict marina in Broad Channel, Queens and is the only populated community within the Jamaica Bay islands. The area consists largely of construction fill, debris, and invasive vegetation with limited coastal protection and ecological function. According to New York City s Special Initiative on Rebuilding and Resiliency (SIRR), nearly the entire island of Broad Channel was flooded during Hurricane Sandy with inundation ranging from three to ten feet in some locations. The New York City Office of Housing Recovery Operations reports that an estimated 1,390 residential buildings, equivalent to $26 million in total damages, were affected by the storm in the Broad Channel and nearby Rockaway Beach communities. The restored salt marsh will connect to adjacent wetland complexes within Jamaica Bay. The existing hardened shoreline will be rehabilitated and enhanced to improve water quality and provide oyster and shellfish habitat. Public access amenities such as walking trails will be installed. Underserved communities will also have opportunities for increased passive recreation, education, engagement, and empowerment. Overall, the project will restore a vital ecosystem, protect Broad Channel and the larger Jamaica Bay human and ecological community. Title: Improving Shinnecock Reservation's Shoreline Habitats (NY)) (NFWF 44225) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Shinnecock Indian Reservation and adjacent waters, Shinnecock Bay, Southampton, NY Grantee organization name: Shinnecock Indian Nation Project Description: Restore Shinnecock Reservation's eelgrass, oyster, marsh, and beach habitats in Southampton, New York. Project will reduce erosion, increase habitat, and strengthen shoreline resiliency. Project Abstract: The Shinnecock Indian Nation will restore resiliency, ecological diversity, and improve tidal flushing to a portion of a 3,250 foot of the eastern Shinnecock Bay shoreline. The shoreline is located on the Shinnecock Reservation within Southampton, and experienced drastic landscape alterations and loss of habitat due to Hurricane Sandy. In its current state, the shoreline is extremely degraded and highly susceptible to sea level rise and future storm impacts. Several measures will be put into place to decrease erosion and increase habitat such as new marsh habitat, oyster reef planting, and eelgrass meadow restoration where it historically occurred. Also, the beach and upland plant community will be revived through the planting of diverse native species. Through these steps, the local waters will have increased carrying capacity and a stronger ability to protect the reservation and wildlife habitats. Additionally, the tidal flushing between two wetland systems will be increased, thereby increasing species diversity and acting as a mosquito vector control. VIRGINIA Title: Developing a Green Infrastructure Plan and Network for the Lafayette River Watershed (VA) (NFWF 43308) Activity: Living Shoreline Location: Lafayette River Grantee organization name: City of Watershed, Norfolk, VA Norfolk, VA Project Description: Implement eight shoreline restoration projects and develop a green infrastructure plan and framework for the Lafayette River watershed in Norfolk, Virginia. Project will strengthen the watershed's resiliency, engage 40 veterans in a green infrastructure training course, and involve