Response from LES Ecology Center

I got an email back from the Lower East Side Ecology Center just now. They answered a bunch of questions pertaining to our project:

Hi Tara and Carey,

I know you guys are the experts on all things having to do with the East River, so I thought I'd ask you for some help in some research. I am taking a class at the New School where we are making a design project for the East River waterfront between piers 35 and 17. My group was thinking about doing something with wetland habitat restoration and I was wondering if you knew the answers to a couple questions, or if you could guide me to some useful resources.

• Would the water's edge at this area be an apt place to put a wetland habitat?

Yes, anywhere would be good. There is a good example of the beach under the brooklyn bridge on the manhattan side where there is a soft edge. It would be great for us to be able to develop, within our infrastructure, more soft edges and access points to the water for people.

• What would be the necessary elements to include in a wetland habitat (on the East River) in order to encourage animal life?

Soft edge, hearty plants, enforcement of boat traffic speed limits and periodic "no wake zones". Local plants.

• What kinds of effects would erosion have on the structure of the waterfront? (For example, if the concrete barrier was taken away, what would happen?)

Beaches adn soft edges always shift with time. So, they either have to shift or be refilled, which happens with many beaches. The same thing happens to hard edges (built environment), however, the time scale is much different. In other words, nature wears away at everything. You can certainly help prevent erosion in with plant coverage, decrease in wakes, etc. The east river doesn't have waves, except for from boats, so this helps reduce erosion.

• How would one go about building a wetland in a sustainable and effective way?

I'm not sure. I have never built one, but it is inherently what happens to an area that has some sort of soft edge. Plants begin to grow, etc. I don't think it's realistic to rip away the wharf all along this area, so some sort of access points, built-up areas that have soft edges and stairways down to the river would be great. Additionally, keeping it local in terms of native species of marsh/wetland plants and helping to develop some of the structures that help reduce erosion (oyster beds, etc can help). It would be great, particularly in areas that are being redeveloped, that they include access to the water and promote estuary ecosystems.

• What kinds of plants and animals would belong in a wetland on the East River?

Some of the native plants are in the guide attached.