$1.7M Marsh Restoration Project Begins In Brookhaven: State Officials

BROOKHAVEN, NY — A nearly $1.7 million marsh restoration has begun at the 108-acre Fireplace Neck tidal wetland area next to Bellport Bay in Brookhaven to improve marsh stabilization and strengthen resiliency in Suffolk, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said Wednesday.

The project, which will be coordinated with the state's Office of General Services, will improve ecological functions, and create a more resilient marsh prepared for the effects of climate change and global sea level rise.

Construction is expected to be completed by April 2023 and until then, the wetland area will be closed to public access. Waterfowl hunting along the Bellport Bay shoreline will still be allowed provided that any hunting activities are conducted over Bellport Bay only.

Historical marsh development and vegetation degradation in the early 20th century altered the natural flow of water and sediments in the wetland, according to the DEC. Habitat loss and the conversion of dry high-marsh habitat into low-marsh mudflats has contributed to a less resilient coastline that faces increasing threats from extreme weather events and sea level rise, DEC officials said.

The DEC and the Office of General Services are working with the design firm, Henningson, Durham, and Richardson Architecture and Engineering, P.C., on a restoration design plan for Fireplace Neck that will improve the hydrology of the marsh, as well as stabilize, maintain, and improve existing ecological functions, according to DEC officials.

The two will also work to bolster the marsh's resiliency to large storm events and support its ability to adapt to sea level rise, DEC officials said.

The project is supported by the Ocean and Great Lakes Fund and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants program.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said that "restoring native habitats and improving the health and functionality of marine ecosystems is critical to support both the diverse marine life that rely on these areas for spawning, nursery, and foraging grounds, and to help protect our shorelines from effects of climate change."

He went on to say that the DEC is proud to work with its partners at the Office of General Services "on this important South Shore project and help realize long-term and lasting effects that strengthen our shores and support coastal communities."

OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy said the project demonstrates the state's "strong commitment to investing federal and state resources in projects that build resiliency into flood-prone areas adversely affected by climate change."

"The collaborative effort between OGS and DEC will benefit the marsh's vital and diverse wildlife habitats and the visitors who enjoy the recreational opportunities it provides," she said.