Saving New York's North Coast: Conference Executive Summary

Abstract

Restoring the ecological integrity of New York's North Coast -Lake Ontario's 300 miles of southern and eastern shoreline, embayments, river and creek mouths, wetlands and ponds-is key to the region's economic vitality. Remediation will require collaboration among public and private sectors and local, state, and federal agencies and elected officials. Restoration of the Lake Ontario ecosystem will also require broad public commitment, not only for remediation efforts, but also for prevention of adverse impacts and impairments that are now requiring corrective measures. The Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative (LOCI) is one response to these needs. The Initiative is a growing partnership which recognizes that current remediation efforts are fragmented, with projects, communities, and counties competing for the attention of state and federal agencies and limited funds. This conference will bring together local, state, tribal, and federal government officials and agencies, members of citizen organizations, representatives of environmental, business, and civic interest, agriculture, educators and researchers. The conference program will provide an opportunity to: learn about the Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative and other efforts of users, agencies and researchers identify issues and challenges not yet addressed network and learn from each other have input into the strategic plan being prepared by the LOCI partners and make a commitment to the restoration, remediation, protection, conservation, and sustainable use of the North Coast