South Shore Estuary News
Fall 2003

Report Documents CMP Implementation

by Dennis Mildner
NYS Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources

Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels, SSER Council Chair, recently submitted to Governor George E. Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver the South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan Implementation Status Report. The report documents the first two years of progress made by Council members and their implementation partners to improve the estuary's water quality, restore its living resources, protect the Reserve's rich maritime heritage and expand the region's economy.

Council efforts have been significant. Twenty-eight resource improvement projects have been advanced since adoption of the comprehensive management plan in April 2001, representing over $5.2 million of State and local investment. These projects include: the restoration of over 2,200 acres of tidal wetlands in the Reserve; seventeen capital storm water projects that have been completed or initiated; and seven comprehensive watershed management plans that are being developed for priority tributaries. The report goes on to document many other actions toward achieving the major outcomes identified in the comprehensive management plan.

Successful implementation of the Reserve's comprehensive management plan relies on strong partnerships and a knowledgeable and supportive public. The Council, its partners, and the South Shore Estuary Reserve office look forward to continuing the implementation of the CMP and ensuring the long-term health of Long Island's South Shore Estuary.