Lake Erie Eastern Basin is already experiencing the effects of climate change—trending warmer weather, less ice cover, more erratic weather events, and more frequent and bigger storm events. These conditions lead to increased stormwater runoff, which results in erosion, flooding, damaged infrastructure and more sewage overflow into our lakes and rivers. Toxic algae blooms are on the rise, due in part to excessive run-off of nutrient-rich stormwater, and ecosystems and habitats may be permanently altered. New York State is responding to the Climate Crisis with a series of legislative actions such as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and the Environmental Bond Act to name a few.
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is working with local government and community partners to build resiliency to the impacts of climate change, like flooding and erosion, within the WNY and Great Lakes regions. As guardians of New York’s freshwater coast, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper works to identify opportunities to enhance community and ecosystem resilience through policy, partnerships, and nature-based solutions.
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is working to enhance understanding and public awareness of Western New York’s Lake Erie coastline and nearshore environments and foster stewardship in WNY’s Lake Erie watershed through our project titled, “Ecosystem Assessment towards the Prioritization of Coastal Resiliency Projects in Lake Erie’s Eastern Basin Communities”. Data gathered through this project is contributing to a greater understanding of the state of WNY’s recreational waters to protect human health, inform pollution prevention, and identify potential priority areas for coastal and climate resiliency investments.
Through this project, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper undertook a detailed literature review of data and research focused on the Eastern Basin of Lake Erie water quality. The literature review has informed opportunities to expand and develop a more robust water quality and ecosystem monitoring program through additional water quality sampling sites, including offshore water sampling via boat. Coupled with this additional water quality data, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper implemented a shoreline visual assessment tool (using the NYS Department of State Coastal Visual Assessment Tool as a model) to identify opportunities for increased coastal resilience efforts. Data gathered through our water quality monitoring program and visual shoreline assessments will guide our municipal engagement. Collaboratively, with municipal officials, we will identify potential priority areas for shoreline and coastal resiliency projects based on municipal priorities and identified opportunities to increase resiliency, mitigate flooding, improve water quality and create valuable habitat.
