Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan

The Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) was prepared pursuant to the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Act (Article 46 of the Executive Law), to establish a consensus-based blueprint for the protection and restoration of the estuary's natural, cultural and economic-related resources.

The CMP contains recommended actions focused on improving water quality, restoring and protecting living resources, expanding public use and enjoyment of the estuary, sustaining and expanding the estuary-related economy and increasing education, outreach and stewardship in the Reserve.

Development of the CMP followed a process in which diverse individuals and organizations participated. In 1994, the Reserve Council held a series of scoping meetings during which public views and concerns about the estuary and its management were received. Monthly meetings, open to the public, allowed interested parties to learn about and participate in Council activities and those of its Techincal Advisory Committee, Citizens Advisory Committee, and topic-based subcommittees and workgroups.

To assist the Council, the New York State Department of State Division of Coastal Resources, working through partnerships with local governments and federal agencies, gathered and analyzed information on land and embayment uses, the estuarine economy, water quality, living resources, and other aspects of the Reserve. Much of this information was analyzed by the Department of State through geographic information systems technology, and the analyses have served as a basis for the implementation actions offered in the CMP. Important data was also supplied by the towns and counties in the Reserve as part of assessments of their nonpoint source management practices conducted in conjuction with the Department of State. All of this information is presented in the series of technical reports and working papers referenced in Appendix A to the CMP.

The CMP was adopted by the Council in April, 2001.

View the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan, including the Executive Summary and technical reports, on the NYS Department of State Division of Coastal Resources website (opens in a new window):


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