Restored wetlands in Jamaica Bay increase coastal buffers, mitigating waves and floods in the bay and reducing the risk of damage to surrounding neighborhoods. This ALS project has been named a top-ten finalist in a nationwide competition. Photo Courtesy of the American Littoral Society.
The Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society has been named a top ten finalist in Solution Search’s “Reducing Our Risk: Innovation for Disaster Preparation” competition.
Founded in 1961, the American Littoral Society is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and protection of coastal environments and communities through education, community engagement, advocacy, and habitat restoration. It is the organization’s Jamaica Bay Marsh Restoration Initiative that has captured the attention of Solution Search, an online effort to identify and champion the varied ways Americans are working to reduce the impact of weather-related disasters on their communities. The innovative contest used expert judges to narrow the finalists to ten and is now holding a nationwide vote until May 15 to pick the winner, who will receive a $25,000 prize.
ALS’ marsh initiative, begun in 2013, increases community resiliency to climate change by restoring salt marsh islands in Jamaica Bay through community collaboration and volunteer work. Restored wetlands increase coastal buffers, mitigating waves, wind, tides and floods in the bay and reduce the risk of damage to surrounding neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens. The Littoral Society recruited over 3,000 volunteers by using their established relationships with groups who have been involved in Jamaica Bay projects including the Sierra Club, Audubon, NYC Parks Green Teens, and other organizations and community members.
“Jamaica Bay is one of the country’s premier urban bay ecosystems”, said Don Riepe, Chair of the Northeast Chapter of ALS. “Enhancing and restoring its marshes will protect the homes of thousands of people living along its borders as well as provide critical habitat for hundreds of species of fish, marine invertebrates and birds.”
To vote for ALS, visit the Solution Search website at http://www.solutionsearch.org/contest/reducing-our-risk. You can also vote by texting SOLUTIONSEARCH to 22333, followed by ALS to vote for that specific solution.
By Forum Staff
