New York’s Great Lakes Shoreline
Stretching over 700 miles from Lake Erie through the St. Lawrence River, New York’s Great Lakes shoreline features scenic bluffs, sandy beaches, dune complexes, and thriving freshwater wetlands that support vibrant ecosystems, recreational and tourism opportunities, and local economies. These natural coastal features also play a critical role in flood and erosion protection.
However, many natural shorelines and coastal features in the Great Lakes have been lost or fundamentally altered due to shoreline development and hardening, incompatible land use, altered hydrology, increased runoff, the spread of non-native species, and unnatural flow management.
Additionally, changing storm patterns, extreme water level fluctuations, reduced winter ice cover, and increased development are expected to place even greater stress on these sensitive coastal areas.
Problems with Hardened Shorelines
Hard structural barriers dominate much of New York’s Great Lakes shorelines. About 40% of Lake Ontario and 37% of Lake Erie shorelines are hardened. Traditional shoreline protection methods like break walls, bulkheads, and rip-rap may offer short-term stability but are often associated with long-term impacts:
- Disrupt sediment transport
- Degrade habitat and water quality
- Increase erosion on adjacent properties
- Reduce natural shoreline resilience
Alternatives to Shoreline Hardening
Natural and nature-based shorelines use native vegetation and natural materials to absorb wave energy, stabilize banks, and support wildlife. They work with nature, not against it, helping communities adapt to changing conditions.
Conserving wetlands, dunes, beaches, and bluffs reduces flood and erosion risks. Setbacks and careful siting of new structures help maintain natural shoreline movement and sediment flow sustain these protective features.
Learn more in Living Shorelines Find Balance by Working with Nature (NYSDEC Conservationist. April/May 2022. pp. 20-23.)
