New York's eastern Lake Ontario sand dunes resources, problems and management guidelines

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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New York s Coastal Program Ne Ykr s
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Eastern Lake
Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization astern ae
Ontario Sand
Dunes
Resources Problems and Management Guidelines

MarioM Cuomo Gover nor
Gail S Shaffer Secretary of State

The New York State Department
of State is a diverse agency which
combines modern activities with
historic responsibilities. Twelve
different program areas reflect the
growing role of the agency and its
unique ability to act as liaison
between state government and the
public, and provide a variety of
services to New Yorkers. The
Department of State's Coastal
Management Program oversees
the state's 3,200 miles of coast,
balancing protection of coastal
resources with careful waterfront
development.

If you would like additional
information on the Department of
State's Coastal Program, please
write:

Secretary of State Gail S. Shaffer
NYS Department of State
162 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231

NEW YORK'S EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO SAND DUNES
Resources, Problems and Management Guidelines

New York State Department of State
Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization

Prepared By:

LR. Johnston Associates
U. f. ~ jT~ f:'Kt: n fCM[ERCE NOAA Westport, Connecticut
CCOA ! " : ( , , [:NTER
223k ,r .4 ,-'.n X4VENUE
CHAL $ >''lt~ .t <d5-2413 ~June 1989

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71~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Let us accept the proposition that nature is process, that it is interacting, that it responds
to laws, representing values and opportunities for human use with certain limitations and
even prohibitions to certain of these."

Ian L. McHarg in
Design with Nature

"Since this land was bought with my tax money, I can do whatever I want to here."

"The State bought this land to protect it, and I'm furious that they are not protecting it."

Differing opinions expressed during summer of 1988
by visitors to the State wildlife management areas
in the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system.

This report was prepared for the New York State Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources
and Waterfront Revitalization, with financial assistance from the Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, provided under the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.

FOREWORD

This report presents the results of a special study of the sand dunes and coastal barrier environment
found along the eastern shoreline of Lake Ontario in New York State. The purpose of the report is
twofold. First, it is hoped that the information it contains will highlight the unique character of the
coastal barrier system and increase the reader's awareness and understanding of the important natural
resource values provided by the system. Secondly, it is hoped that those individuals and the various
government agencies and private organizations concerned with future use and protection of the barrier
system will take note of the management objectives, guidelines and recommendations contained in the
report. These objectives, guidelines and recommendations are presented as examples of the types of
management actions that can be undertaken to ensure the future protection of the barrier system's
natural values while providing opportunities for public access and recreational use.

The report relies heavily on previously completed documents, studies and maps as well as field
observations based on a number of visits to the barrier system and several reconnaissance flights.
Most importantly, it incorporates the insight of many individuals intimately familiar with the barrier
system. These individuals are perhaps the greatest source of information on barrier system resources
and uses as well as the important problems that affect and may threaten the system's resources.
One of the most significant findings to emerge from the study concerns the surprisingly high level of
awareness on the part of local residents as well as government agencies and private organizations as
to the uniqueness and importance of the eastern Lake Ontario sand dunes and barrier system. As
a result, there is a tremendous opportunity to translate this concern and awareness into specific
actions and measures that will serve to protect this resource for the use and enjoyment of future
generations.

This report is the first of several natural resource studies that have been initiated by the New York
State Department of State through its Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization.
As the agency responsible for administering the State's Coastal Management Program, the
Department of State is actively involved in the protection of New York's coastal resources from the
marine environment of Long Island Sound to the freshwaters of lakes Erie and Ontario.

Winner of the 1989
OUTSTANDING PLANNING PROJECT AWARD
Upstate New York Chapter
American Planning Association

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many individuals, including private citizens and representatives of local, State and federal government
agencies, have contributed to the preparation of this report.

While there is not space here to name all of the individuals who contributed to the study, the
following groups and agencies are among those that provided important information and insights
throughout our work:

� Local officials from the towns of Richland, Sandy Creek and Ellisburg.

� Private Organizations: The Nature Conservancy and the Onondaga Audubon Society.

� County Agencies: Oswego County Environmental Management Council; Oswego County Planning
Department; Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District; and the Jefferson County
Planning Department.

* New York State Agencies: Department of Environmental Conservation, Regions 6 and 7; Office
of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission; and
New York Sea Grant Extension.

* Federal Agencies: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Ontario Dune Coalition, consisting of local citizens, members of environmental groups and
representatives of town, county, State and federal agencies concerned with the future use and
protection of the unique sand dune resources of eastern Lake Ontario, provided valuable support
and information throughout the study. Several members of the Dune Coalition also reviewed and
commented on various interim documents prepared during the course of the work.

The report was funded by the New York State Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources
and Waterfront Revitalization. Important leadership and direction were provided by Tom Hart and
Nancy Nugent, the Department of State's Project Managers who also collaborated with L.R. Johnston
Associates in the preparation of all sections of the report.

The report was prepared by L.R. Johnson Associates of Westport, Connecticut. From L.R. Johnston '
Associates, the following individuals participated in the study and contributed to the report: Larry
Johnston; Geoff Steadman (Project Manager) and Louise Sklenka (word processing). Consultants to
L.R. Johnston Associates were Stephen P. Leatherman (coastal geomorphologist) and Jon A. Kusler
(legal and regulatory advisor). Photographs included in the report were taken by Larry Johnston
and Geoff Steadman unless otherwise noted in the text.

CONTENTS

Page

Foreword .................................iii
Acknowledgments..............................iv
Contents................................. v
L~ist of Figures ...............................vii

Introduction ..1.............................

Chapter One: Background for Resource Management............... 5

Background Information on Coastal Barrier Environments.............6
Overview of Existing Conditions in the Eastern Lake Ontario
Coastal Barrier System .........................11
Historical and Current Conditions Affecting Sand Dune Formation..........15

Chapter Two: Current Roles and Responsibilities for Resource Management .......19

Federal Agencies.............................21
State Agencies..............................22
County Agencies.............................26
Town Boards and Departments .......................27
Conservation Groups ...........................30

Chapter Three: Black Pond Resource Area....................33

Existing Conditions............................34
Guidelines for Resource Management.....................46

Chapter Four: Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area.................49

Existing Conditions............................50
Guidelines for Resource Management.....................62

ExsigConditions............................67
Gudlie frResource Management.....................87
Chaper ix- eerCreek Resource Area.....................91

ExsigConditions............................92
Gudlie frResource Management.....................104

-vi-

CONTENTS (CONTINUED)

Page

Chapter Seven: System-Wide Issues and Management Objectives ..................... 109

Understanding Barrier System Dynamics and Values ............................ 110
Reducing Human Impacts on the Barrier System ............................... 114
Managing the Coastal Barrier System ....................................... 121

Chapter Eight: Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management
Guidelines and Objectives ....................................... 127

Private Landowners and Concerned Citizens .................................. 128
Conservation Groups .................................................... 130
Town Boards and Departments ............................................ 132
County Agencies ....................................................... 134
State Agencies ......................................................... 136
Federal Agencies ....................................................... 142

APPENDIX: SOURCES OF INFORMATION .................................. A-1

References Listed According to Subject ...................................... A-1
References Listed According to Source ...................................... A-12

-vii-

LIST OF FIGURES

Pag

Figure 1: Location within New York State................... 1
Figure 2: Location within Lake Ontario Region..................2
Figure 3: Eastern Lake Ontario Region.....................3
Figure 4: Basic Types of Coastal Barriers ....................6
Figure 5: Beach Components.........................7
Figure 6: Typical Barrier Cross Section.....................7
Figure 7: Beach Grass on Low Foredune in the Lakeview Wildlife Management
Area.............................. 8
0 Figure 8: Dune Building Vegetation...................... 8
Figure 9: Some Typical Barrier Environments ..................9
Figure 10: Barrier Migration Processes .....................9
Figure 11: Major Resource Areas .......................14
Figure 12: Eastern Lake Ontario Shorelines Associated with Historical Lake Stages ....16
Figure 13: Lake Ontario Water Levels......................18
Figure 14: Summary of Roles and Responsibilities for Resource Management.......20
Figure 15: Towns of Ellisburg, Sandy Creek and Richland ..............28
Figure 16: Black Pond Resource Area......................35
Figure 17: Black Pond, Blocked Outlet, Sandy Beach and High Dunes
at The Nature Conservancy's El Dorado Beach Preserve ..........36
Figure IS: Beach at The Nature Conservancy's Preserve South of Black Pond Outlet . ..37
Figure 19: Snowfencing on an Eroded Dune Face .................39
Figure 20: Interdunal Area at TNC Preserve ...................39
F ~~ Figure 21: Northern Boundary of Black Pond WMA (Southern Boundary of

TNC Preserve) Looking South ....................41
Figure 22: Sand Dune Subject to "Notching" and Rapid Erosion Caused by
Figure 23: Southern Boundary of Black Pond WMA Looking North ..........42
Figure 24: Beach and Embryo Dunes at North Jefferson Park Residential Area
Looking South ..........................44
Figure 25: Beach at Town Right-of-Way Looking North...............45
Figure 26: Northern Boundary of Southwick Beach State Park Looking North ......45
Figure 27: Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area . .................51
Figure 28: Day-Use Swimming Beach Looking North................52
Figure 29: BeampadLo uers Beach SouthenBudr of Beach Parkiliokng................5
Figure 30: BchandLwpuers Neach SouthenBudr of Stach ParkiLooiong5
South Toward Lakeview WMA ....................53
Figure 31: Southwick-Lakeview Trail System...................54
Figure 32: Combined Outlet of Sandy Creek and South Sandy Creek..........56
Figure 33: Pedestrian Pathway Through the Dunes at Lakeview WMA .........57
Figure 34: Dune Walkover Structure at Lakeview WMA ...............58
Figure 35: South Colwell Pond and Coastal Barrier at Lakeview WMA (South Section) . 60
Figure 36: "Closed" Outlet at South Colwell Pond .................60
Figure 37: Relatively Undisturbed Beach at Lakeview WMvA (South Section).......61

LIST OF FIGURES (CONTINUED)

Page
Figure 38: South Sandy Creek, Small Boat Access Point and Pedestrian Pathway
Through the Dunes on Coastal Barrier at Lakeview WMLA (South Section) .... 61
Figure 39: South Sandy Pond, North Sandy Pond and the Coastal Barrier
Looking to the North........................66
Figure 40: North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area ..............68
Figure 41: Profile of Barrier Spits .......................69
Figure 42: North Pond Inlet; North Pond in the Foreground .............70
Figure 43: Past and Present Inlets .......................71
Figure 44: Rocky Shoreline North of Montario Point Road..............72
Figure 45: Cranberry Pond and Coastal Barrier ..................73
Figure 46: High Dunes Stabilized by Beach Grass on the North Spit ..........74
Figure 47: High, Exposed Dune Subject to Accelerated Erosion on the North Spit.....74
Figure 48: Dune "Blowout" on the North Spit...................75
Figure 49: Overwash Sand Flat on the North Spit .................76
Figure 50: Inlet Changes...........................77
Figure 51: South Spit Beach Used for Vehicle Access to Seasonal Cottages,
Looking North ..........................78
Figure 52: High, Exposed Dune Subject to Accelerated Erosion on the South Spit.....78
Figure 53: Gabion Structures and Rip Rap at the Toe of Eroding Dune
on the South Spit .........................79
Figure 54: New Home Construction in Low Dune Area on the South Spit........80
Figure 55: The "Boat Beach" on the South Spit with North Sandy Pond
in the Foreground .........................80
Figure 56: Town Right-of-Way to Lake Ontario at Sandy Island Beach .........81
Figure 57: Parking Area for South Spit Residents at Base of Advancing Sand Mound
Near Sandy Island Beach ......................82
Figure 58: Dune Blowout at Sandy Island Beach Looking Toward Lake Ontario......83
Figure 59: Cobbles on the Beach at Sandy Island Beach...............83
Figure 60: South Pond Barrier; Northern Part of South Pond in the Background .....84
Figure 61: Cobble Beach and Eroding Dune on South Pond Barrier ..........85
Figure 62: South Pond Barrier.........................86
Figure 63: South Pond Wetland and Private Beach Looking Inland (East) Near
Rainbow Shores Road .......................86
Figure 64: Deer Creek Resource Area......................93
Figure 65: Shoreline North of Deer Creek WMA .................94
Figure 66: Northern Boundary of Deer Creek WMA Near Parking Area, Looking South 96
Figure 67: Pedestrian Pathway Leading into Dune Swale and Toward High Dune Area,
Looking South ..........................97
Figure 68 Sand Dunes on Both Sides of Deer Creek Channel near Channel Outlet Just
North of Brennan Beach.......................97
Figure 69: Snowfencing in Disturbed Dune Area at Deer Creek WMA .........98
Figure 70: Cobble Beach at Deer Creek WMA, Looking South ............99
Figure 71: Graded Campsite on Former High Dune Area ..............100
Figure 72: Brennan Beach, Retaining Wall and Concrete Walkway, Looking South.....101

-ix-

LIST OF FIGURES (CONTINUED)

Page

Figure 73: Marshy Embayment Near Salmon River Mouth ......................... 102
Figure 74: Salmon River Mouth and Corps of Engineers' Jetty ...................... 103
Figure 75: Exposed Beach at Low Water Conditions Near the Black Pond WMA ........ 111
Figure 76: Relict Dune on North Spit Subject to Accelerated Erosion During
Periods of High Lake Levels ........................................ 112
Figure 77: Remnants of Past Development on the Overwash Flat of the North Spit ...... 113
Figure 78: Trespassing ATV Trails on Private Land on the North Part of the
South Spit at North Sandy Pond .................................... 114
Figure 79: Remnants of Vandalized Snowfencing Used for Firewood at the
Deer Creek WMA ............................................... 115
Figure 80: Guidelines for Dune Walkover Structures .............................. 116
Figure 81: Dune Walkover and Beach Observation Structure at Brennan Beach ......... 117
Figure 82: Trees Felled by Previous High Water Conditions on the North Spit
at North Sandy Pond ............................................. 118
Figure 83: Erosion Control Structure in the Southern Part of the Coastal
Barrier System .................................................. 118
Figure 84: Snowfencing in the Foredune Area at The Nature Conservancy's
El Dorado Beach Preserve ..........................1.............. 119
Figure 85: Site of Demonstration Dune Stabilization Project Using American
Beachgrass at the Deer Creek WMA ................................. 120
Figure 86: Summary of Major Opportunities and Options for Implementing
Management Guidelines and Objectives ............................... 146

JNTODUCI'ON

The sand dunes on the eastern shore of Lake north, by Black Pond and the El Dorado Beach area.
Ontario are an integral part of a coastal barrier (See Figure 3.) New York Route 3 (part of the New
environment that consists of beaches, sand dunes, York State Seaway Trail and the nationally-
embayments and wetlands. This barrier system, which designated recreational highway system) generally
extends for roughly 16.5 miles, contains the largest follows the shoreline a short distance inland from the
and most extensive fresh water sand dune formations marshes and embayments which are sheltered from
in New York State. In fact, the only higher dunes Lake Ontario by the beaches and sand dunes of the
in the entire northeastern United States are on Cape coastal barrier.
Cod in Massachusetts.
Land and water resources within the barrier system
The barrier system is located in a relatively remote have historically not been subject to the same sorts
area of the State and is a zone of harsh winter of commercial and residential development pressures
climate. The southern boundary of the barrier system that exist in other coastal regions of New York State.
is approximately 35 miles north of the Syracuse The barrier system is in fact one of the last relatively
metropolitan area and the northern boundary is undisturbed sections of New York's coast. In
about 20 miles south of Watertown, New York. (See response to increasing development pressures and
Figures I and 2.) The southern half of the system a growing recognition of the uniqueness of the
is located within the towns of Richland and Sandy barrier system, the Division of Coastal Resources and
Creek in Oswego County; the northern half lies Waterfront Revitalization of the New York State
within the Town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County. Department of State initiated a special study of the
(See Figure 3.) Richland, Sandy Creek and Ellisburg barrier system in 1987. Major goals of the study
are rural communities with respective 1980 popula- have been to assemble information on existing
tions of 5,594, 3,256 and 3,312. conditions in the system and to develop management
I' ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~objectives and guidelines that will balance competing
On the south, the barrier system is physically objectives of natural resource protection and public
bounded by the mouth of the Salmon River; on the access and recreational use.

This special study reflects the increased concern
over land and water resource management that is
accompanying the increase in development pressures
in the barrier system. Concerns over the future of
EASTERN LAKE ~ ~~ ~~~the barrier system, and of the sand dunes in parti-
ONTARIO COASA AETW cular, are underscored by the fact that the environ-
LBARRIER SYSTEM mental conditions which formed the dunes thousands
of years ago no longer exist. If significantly altered,
the dunes are unlikely to ever regain their current
SYRACUSE natural values.

The barrier system is currently subject to develop-
ment pressures associated with:

* Growth of the Lake Ontario sport fishery, en-
K ~~~~ hanced by salmonid stocking and promotional
CITY ~~~~efforts which have led to the establishment of a
C ~~~~~multimillion dollar sport fishing industry;

Figure 1: Location Within New York State.

2 Introduction

E ~~ ~~~~~~~~S. LAWRENE RIVE
-N

H/'G ENDERSON
8AY

OSWEGO

EASTERN LAKE
H ul~raN ONTARIO COASTAL
BARRIER SYSTEM
NI*~RA F&LL.
NEW YORK AL
5C ALE.
20 0 20WM

Figure 2: Location within Lake Ontario Region.

* The Army's ongoing Fort Drum expansion plans � Chapter One: Background for ResourceManage-
in Jefferson County (see Figure 3) which are ex- ment. The first chapter contains background
pected to result in an influx of nearly 30,000 information pertinent to resource management,
additional county residents, almost doubling the including general information and terminology
population within a half hour drive of the barrier related to coastal barriers, sand dunes and
system; beaches, a review of historical and current
conditions affecting sand dune formation in the
� Promotion of the region to visitors and tourists area and a description of four major barrier
through the New York State Seaway Trail system resource areas.
development program; and
� Chapter Two: Current Roles and Responsibilities
� Increased second home development and for Resource Management. Chapter Two
recreational uses in the coastal area, especially provides an overview of the existing roles and
those uses related to boating and other water- responsibilities of the agencies and organizations
based activities. that are concerned with resource management in
the barrier system.
This report summarizes the results of the special
State-sponsored study of the barrier system and is � Chapters Three through Six: Special Resource
intended to: (a) promote public awareness of the Areas. Chapters Three through Six contain more
importance of this unique natural resource; and (b) in depth descriptions of existing conditions in the
provide guidance to private citizens, local officials, barrier system's four major resource areas. These
State agencies and others with regard to future use, areas are: 1) Black Pond Resource Area; 2)
management and protection of barrier system Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area; 3) North
resources. The report has eight chapters. and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area; and 4)
Deer Creek Resource Area. Each resource area

New York's Eastern take Ontario Sand Dunes 3

10~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~, StttMie;

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K \ Go~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~cccs~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~n~~I I
A~~~~~~~~~~i~
.....~~~~~~~ .~ ....L

/ lPION
0 5 10 Statute Miles ~~~~~~~~~~ Mci jr~~~~~cF 12 26 A ~~~12

~~~~~~~EFA 1A M S t

5118 ~ A ii

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0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~c E3L.e\,.,il

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NS .' L - _ (onp'

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...........~ ~ ~ ~o L NtLfS

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Figure 3: Eastern Lake Ontar~~~~~~R~f~io egon

4 Introduction

is further divded into several "management
units". Specific management concerns are identi-
fied and area-specific guidelines and recommen-
dations for resource management are presented
in each chapter.

� Chapter Seven: System-wide Issues and Manage-
ment Objectives. This chapter summarizes
system-wide issues and management concerns
associated with existing conditions in the barrier
system, and recommends some basic manage-
ment objectives for responding to the issues and
concerns throughout the system.

* Chapter Eight: Implementation of Management
Guidelines and Objectives. Chapter Eight
presents opportunities and suggested roles for
implementing the management guidelines and
objectives contained in Chapters Three through
Seven. Included are recommendations for: 1)
concerned citizens; 2) private organizations; 3)
town boards and departments; 4) county agen-
cies; 5) State agencies; and 6) federal agencies.

* Appendixr The appendix includes a bibliography
of information sources pertinent to resource
management in the barrier system.

CHAPTER ONE:

BACKGROUND FOR RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT

This first chapter presents an overview of existing environmental conditions in the eastern
Lake Ontario coastal barrier system. Included is some background information on coastal
barrier environments, an introduction to the four major barrier system resource areas
(described in further detail in Chapters Three through Six), and a review of the historical
and current conditions affecting sand dune formation.

"Relict" sand dune on the North Spit at North Sandy Pond.

6 Background For Resource Management

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON Coastal barrier ecosystems. Because of the close
COASTAL BARRIER ENVIRONMENTS interrelationship between coastal barriers, adjacent
water bodies and the mainland shore, coastal barriers
As noted in the introduction to this report, the sand can be considered in the context of several major
dune formations found in the eastern Lake Ontario coastal ecosystems. In the Lake Ontario region,
region must be described in the context of a larger these ecosystems include: 1) the coastal ecosystem
coastal barrier environment that also includes which encompasses nearshore lake waters and
beaches, wetlands, embayments and tributaries. beaches; 2) the sand dune and upland ecosystem
Before describing some of the existing barrier system found on the barrier; 3) the protected aquatic
resources along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, habitat, including bays, ponds, and wetlands, located
it will be useful to review some general background on the landward side of the barrier; and 4) the
information and terminology related to coastal upland ecosystem of the protected mainland.
barriers, sand dunes and beaches. (The background
information on coastal barrier environments con- Beach Systems. A beach is defined as the zone of
tained in this section is largely borrowed from the unconsolidated material extending landward from the
Barrier Island Handbook by Stephen P. Leatherman. low water line to the place where there is a marked
See Appendix.) change in material or physiographic form, or to the
line of permanent vegetation (which usually marks
What Are Coastal Barriers? the limit of storm waves). A beach includes a
foreshore and a backshore. On Lake Ontario, the
Coastal barriers are elongated formations of sand foreshore is the area subject to lake level changes
and other unconsolidated sediments found alongside and lies on the lake side of the berm crest. A beach
the shore or close to and parallel to the shore. The berm is a nearly horizontal part of the beach formed
crests of these barriers are higher than the normal by the deposit of material by wave action. The berm
high water level. crest is the lakeward limit of the berm and is marked
by an elevation step. (See Figure 5.) The backshore,
The basic types of coastal barriers include bay including the berm, is the area subject to wave action
barriers (connected to headlands on both ends), only during high water and storm conditions.
barrier spits (connected on one end) and barrier
islands (bounded on each side by inlets without Dune Systems. Dunes are ridges or mounds of wind-
attachment to the mainland). (See Figure 4.) The deposited sand found above the high water line.
eastern Lake Ontario region contains all three of (See Figures 5 and 6.) Sand dunes may be formed
these types of barrier formations. where there is a large supply of sand, onshore winds

Source: Stephen P. Leatherman,
Barrier Island Handbook, 1982.

Figure 4: Basic Types of Coastal Barriers.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 7

ZONE OF
,NEARSHORE CURRENTS X
UPLAND BEACH OR SHORE I-
BACKSHORE FORE- INSHORE OR SHOREFACE OFFSHORE
SHORE

Dune
\ __DBerms Breakers

Beach Scarp/ Crest of Berm Low Water Level
Source: Stephen P. Leatherman,
Barrier Island Handbook. 1982. Plunge Point

Figure 5: Beach Components.

to move the sand and a place where the wind-blown from the beach. The plants can tolerate burial in the
sand can accumulate. Wind velocities of 12 mph or sand and grow upward with the accumulating sand
greater are capable of moving fine, dried sand so that the dune can build higher and remain
deposited on a beach by wave action to the area relatively stable while sand continues to accumulate.
above the backshore, where dune formation occurs. (See Figure 8.)

Vegetation is critical in the process of building and There may also occur a series of dune ridges, usually
stabilizing a sand dune. In the eastern Lake Ontario but not always parallel to each other and the shore-
region, as throughout the Great Lakes and entire line, which reflect the depositional history of the
northeast, the most important dune building and dune system. Where ridges exist, the dune formation
stabilizing plant is American beach grass closest to the beach and the water is commonly
(Ammophila breviligulata). (See Figure 7.) The referred to as the primary dune or foredune, as
presence of this vegetation reduces wind velocity, and distinguished from the inland or secondary dune.
thereby reduces the capacity of the wind to transport The area between two dune ridges is called a trough
sand. The dune grass acts to trap the sand blown or interdunal area, and the landward side of the

.n;,. ' ~' ~.. :?~- ,- Barrier Flats
Beach ,Dune Mr
(poorly developed)

Source: Stephen P. Leatherman,
Barrier Island Handbook, 1982.

Beach Dune in
~~(distinct) ~ Barrier Flats
Marsh

Figure 6: Typical Barrier Cross Section.

8 Background For Resource Management

Figure 7: American Beach Grass on Low Foredune in the Lakeview
Wildlife Management Area.

secondary dune is referred to as a back dune. In
terms of the history of dune formation, the primary
dune is of more recent origin than the secondary
dune. (See Figure 9.)
Initial Stage First Yea- Secon d Year
As the vegetated dunes grow higher and wider, they
may become colonized by other plants which add to
the vegetative cover and stability of the dunes. The
dunes will typically coalesce to form an inter- ' _
connected dune ridge with an axis parallel to the Thied Y... FaUlth Yea,
shoreline.
Source: Stephen P. Leatherman,
Barrier Island Handbook, 1982.

Coastal Barrier Dynamics Figure 8: Dune-Building Vegetation.

Barrier sediments are constantly being transported
by wind, waves, currents and storm surges. As a continued growth and existence of a coastal barrier
result of their exposure to such natural forces, coastal is dependent in large part on an adequate, uninter-
barriers are constantly shifting in size, shape and rupted longshore supply of sand. Longshore sedi-
relative position, and exist naturally in a state of ment transport (also known as littoral drift) is caused
"dynamic equilibrium". (See Figure 10.) by waves striking the shoreline at an angle. The
direction of transport is determined by the direction
The long-term behavior of a coastal barrier depends of wave approach relative to the shoreline. The
on such factors as the supply of sand, energy from cumulative effect of continuously breaking waves is
the sea or lake and human intervention. Sand supply to generate a steady, sediment-laden, longshore cur-
is often the key to a barrier's evolution. The rent moving downdrift of its origin. Wave conditions,

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 9

Al< Source: Stephen P. Leatherman,
Barrier Island Handbook, 1982.

Figure 9: Some Typical Barrier Environments.

however, change almost constantly so that the overwash processes. Inlet formation is a major factor
quantity and direction of longshore sediment trans- contributing to barrier island retreat. Where a
port also changes. barrier becomes very narrow, a new inlet may form
during a severe storm and large quantities of sand
With a relatively constant supply of sediment, the can be carried through this breach into the embay-
barrier can maintain itself in place and build upward. ment or wetland behind.
Landward migration or "retreat" can occur during
storm conditions as a result of inlet dynamics and Barriers can also "roll-over" themselves into the

~- N Fl."-,' '' ood Tidal

Source: Stephen Migration

Source: Stephen P. Leatherman,
Barrier Island Handbook, 1982.

Figure 10: Barrier Migration Process.

10 Background For Resource Management

marsh or bay behind. The most common cause of the natural productivity of the coastal environment
this roll-over phenomenon is breaching of the dunes and provide invaluable habitat for fish and wildlife.9
by washover channels which may form during severe In addition, these areas often contain rare plants,
storm surges, carrying beach and dune sand into the animals and natural communities that are restricted
back dune region and embayments. Wind-driven to these types of shoreline areas. The marshes and
dune migration can also be a factor in the retreat of bays protected by coastal barriers are among the
some barriers. Sections of dunes can be destabilized most valuable and productive of all ecosystems. In
by wind, particularly when protective vegetation is many cases, the extensive aquatic habitats behind
damaged. These destabilized areas grow in size, coastal barriers developed only after the barrier was
funneling wind through the dunes and creating formed, and these habitats would be quickly de-
"blowouts" that can carry significant amounts of sand stroyed if the barrier were eroded and lost. Coastal
to the back of the dune formation. barriers also provide aesthetic and cultural values as
well as numerous recreational opportunities which
The various mechanisms of barrier migration result contribute to making these environments desirable
in sand being pushed landward and upward over places to live and visit.I
older, back-barrier environments. Rapid migration
of coastal barriers may result in excessive filling of Development Risk and Vulnerability
wetlands and embayments behind the barrier and
rapid destruction of this aquatic habitat can result. While coastal barriers serve as important buffers
Human disturbance can cause and/or accelerate the against mainland flooding and erosion, the barriers
rate of dune and barrier migration. Conversely, themselves are extremely vulnerable to these same
hum an activities that prevent or slow sand movement impacts. This vulnerability stems from the lakeward
(by planting stabilizing vegetation, for example) can exposure, the inherent instability of the shifting
reduce or eliminate dune and barrier migration. sediments and the relatively low-lying topography ofI
these landforms. As already noted, the natural
Natural Values of Coastal Barriers erosion and migration rates of coastal barriers are
high. Lands considered for building sites one year
Coastal barriers provide many natural values and may be highly eroded or simply disappear within
this is especially true with regard to the eastern Lake several years as storm waves can breach and over-
Ontario barrier system. The term "barrier" reflects wash barriers and entire barrier sections can be
the protective aspect of these formations which serve inundated or eroded.
to protect landward features such as bays, ponds,
wetlands and the mainland shoreline from the direct In spite of the risks and the difficulties associated
effects of high water, waves and currents caused by with maintaining stable development in an environ-
both "normal" conditions and by severe coastal ment subject to constant change, increased residential
storms. Coastal barriers are, in effect, the first line and other types of development has occurred on
of defense for large portions of mainland coastal coastal barriers throughout the U.S. in recent
areas against severe storms and the surge and wave decades. Current development pressures on the
impacts that can accompany these storms. The most eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system are
significant period of vulnerability to these storms consistent with the overall intense pressures for
along the Great Lakes is in the spring when higher growth and development throughout the entire
water levels are present. Winter storms are of less coastal area of the U.S. Coastal barriers throughout
concern due to lower water levels during the winter the U.S. are urbanizing at a rate twice that of the
months and the protective effects of shoreline ice nation as a whole. In 1982, for example, only 3% of
formations which may extend over 30 miles into the the mainland was considered "urban land", but 14%
lake at times. of the area of coastal barriers was urbanized accord-
ing to the Conservation Foundation's State of the
Coastal barriers and associated wetlands and near- Environment. 1982 report.
shore waters are especially important in maintaining

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 11

Increased development on coastal barriers has Four distinct areas of "high" dunes are found in the
resulted in large numbers of people and personal barrier system. The elevation of the highest of these
property being at risk to severe storms. This added dunes is estimated at 70 feet above current lake
development also creates another significant level. The only higher dunes in the northeastern
problem: it interferes with the natural ability of the United State are on Cape Cod. Some of the high
barriers to absorb storm energies and provide dunes are covered in part with mature species of
protective functions for mainland development as vegetation and are fronted (on the lake side) with a
well as for the aquatic habitats located between the lower foredune. Other high dunes are located
barriers and the mainland. directly on the lake and have exposed sand faces
subject to accelerated erosion. These high dunes
Because of the vulnerability of coastal barriers, directly on the lake were most likely once part of a
increased development has led to increased efforts backdune formation, and the original foredunes have
to establish structural works intended to protect this long since been eroded. The high dunes might best
development and the investments involved. Unfor- be described as "relict" dunes formed thousands of
tunately, traditional shore protection and stabilization years ago when, as the current evidence indicates,
measures such as groins, jetties, bulkheads and lake levels were much lower. Current estimates of
seawalls interfere with the natural sand transport the age of these dunes, however, are inferential
processes which contribute to the dynamic equi- conclusions based on lake level knowledge and are
librium of coastal barriers. In the longer term, these not based on direct dating methods.
structural measures-together with other develop-
ment impacts such as alteration of primary dunes, Numerous small, wind-caused blowouts are found in
maintenance of navigation channels and ground the foredunes throughout the barrier system along
water extraction and contamination-may seriously with two very large blowouts. There is little
degrade or destroy the natural values of coastal evidence, however, of recent washover effects. These
barriers and may even destroy the barriers observations indicate that any landward migration or
themselves. Historically, the dynamic and fragile "rollover" of the Lake Ontario barrier system may be
character of coastal barriers has not been adequately dependent on blowouts and the associated wind-
reflected in private and public decisions affecting driven movement of sand. The extent of barrier
their protection or use. migration may be determined in large part by the
extent of foredune stabilization by plants, principally
beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata). Inlet
OVERVIEW OF EXISTING CONDITIONS formation and washovers appear to be of less
IN THE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO importance than wind effects in influencing barrier
COASTAL BARRIER SYSTEM system migration or rollover in the eastern Lake
Ontario barrier system.
The eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system lies
within the western end of the Erie-Ontario Lake The barrier sediments are composed mostly of fine
Plain which at one time was the bed of glacial Lake grained sand with vaying amounts of gravel and
Iroquois. (See the section on historical and current cobbles. In general, the dune sand is extremely fine
conditions affecting dune formation beginning on grained-about the most easily wind-transportable
page 15.) The barrier system's beaches, sand dunes, material there is. The near-shore lake bottom is
marshes and embayments are unique on the U.S. generally composed of fine grained sand and dips
shore of Lake Ontario. The barrier consists of bay lakeward at about 30 feet per mile.
barriers, barrier spits and barrier islands, and exhibits
typical foredune, swale, secondary dune and back Coastal Processes Affecting the Barrier System
dune environments in some sections. The upland
fC ~ area protected by this system consists largely of Little quantitative data exists on the directions and
glacial drift shaped into a gently rolling to almost flat quantities of littoral drift in the eastern Lake Ontario
landscape dissected by many small water courses. region. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Buffalo

12 Background For Resource Management

District, however, has studied longshore sediment and due to the development of regional coastal
transport in the region in the course of designing the currents. As observed by the Corps of Engineers,
Port Ontario Harbor of Refuge Project at the mouth the general longshore drift is southerly from Stony
of the Salmon River. (See Figure 11 and Chapter Point and northerly from Mexico Bay, and these drift
Six.) The Corps has also addressed littoral drift forces are thought to intersect midway in the barrier
relative to preliminary investigation of the feasibility system in the area of North Sandy Pond. There is,
of providing federal navigation improvements at the however, no apparent geomorphic evidence (such as
North Pond inlet. (See Chapter Five.) pronounced beach accretion) of this intersection. At
the North Sandy Pond inlet, the dominant drift
The sediment transport patterns in the eastern Lake direction is generally thought to be to the south,
Ontario region are the result of waves acting on a although, as described below, opinions on the drift
shoreline shaped by glacial and post-glacial proces- direction vary.
ses. The mouth of the Salmon River at the southern
boundary of the coastal barrier system is located at The apparent longshore drift at the mouth of the
the intersection of two very distinctive shoreline Salmon River is to the north, but an abundance of
environments. The coastal barrier system extending fine sand found south of the River mouth may
northward for approximately 16.5 miles from the indicate that there are periodic reversals in this drift.
mouth of the river to Black Pond is characterized by Observations at the River mouth are complicated by
an extensive, gently sloped offshore sand deposit and the River's own contribution of finer sediments which
the series of narrow barriers which contain not only may have localized effects. Wind and wave data also
the high relict sand dunes but also more recently suggest that there are frequent periods when wave
formed mid-size and embryonic dunes. Behind the approach is directly onshore, thus promoting on-
barriers are shallow ponds, extensive coastal marshes shore-offshore sediment transport.
and drowned river mouths. The shoreline south of
the Salmon River is much different in composition. The barrier at North Sandy Pond in the center of the
The shoreline here is characterized by a steeper and barrier system is subject to waves from the north-
more irregular rocky offshore and by narrow gravel northwest through south-southwest. The Corps of
and cobble pocket beaches backed by high till bluffs Engineers notes that waves from the west and
and a few narrow drowned river mouths. southwest are the largest (the 10-year deepwater
wave height is about 19.5 feet) due to the long fetch
The cobble beach to the south of the barrier system distance. Wave height and frequency information for
and the fine, dune sand beaches of the barrier system waves approaching at an angle greater than 30
represent two different sedimentary sources. The degrees to the shore indicate that waves from the
source of the cobbles and other coarse-size sediments northwest are slightly larger than waves from the
to the south appears to be the erosion of the glacial southwest. This would indicate the possibility of a
till bluffs in the Mexico Bay area. (See Figure 11.) minor southerly littoral drift in this central section of
The fine sand found in the barrier system probably the barrier system.
comes from continued erosion of the existing high
dunes and from offshore deposits. The offshore sand Some, most notably Sutton and Trask (see
deposits include finer sorted materials originating Appendix), have questioned the existence of this
from the southern glacial till bluffs. southerly drift. Based on the textural and mineral-
ogic variation of the sand found between Selkirk
The eastern end of Lake Ontario is affected by wind- Shores (just south of the Salmon River) and Stony
generated waves from the northwest through south- Point, Sutton (in "Sand Dispersal in Eastern and
west quadrants. Stony Point to the north and Nine Southern Lake Ontario") interpreted the statistical
Mile Point to the south (see Figure 11) protect the trends to be the result of a net northward drift of
barrier system from most oblique angles of wave sediment. Trask (in "Heavy Mineral Analysis of
approach. Longshore drift along the eastern shore eastern Lake Ontario Sands") interpreted these
is variable in both direction and rate due to the variations to be relict and concluded that they would
sheltering effects of Stony Point and Nine Mile Point not have been preserved by a dominant northward

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 13

longshore drift, but instead would have been elimin- roughly 1.7 miles is undeveloped.
ated in a short period of time. He suggested that the
barrier here has experienced an overall transverse Approximately 8.5 miles, or 52%, of the shoreline is
rather than lateral movement of sediment, with no developed (residential, commercialcampground, and
dominant longshore drift direction. Others, however, State park use); 6.2 miles, or 37.7% of the total
have suggested that recent migration of the inlet shoreline is undeveloped and protected (wildlife
indicates northward sediment drift. Given the management areas and nature preserve); and about
abundance of offshore sediment, the frequent direct 1.7 miles, or 10.3% of the total shoreline is
wind approach, the relative protection from oblique undeveloped, privately owned, and unprotected from
winds which are necessary to drive littoral currents, development.
and the inconclusive observations regarding the
dominant direction of littoral drift, it seems likely Major Resource Areas
that the onshore and offshore movement of sand may
dominate the entire system. Four major resource areas can be identified within
the coastal barrier system. These resource areas,
While the eastern Lake Ontario barrier system serves described in some detail in Chapters Three through
as an important buffer protecting marshes, ponds Six, can be defined by the major aquatic habitat
and mainland shoreline from the direct effects of areas (wetlands and embayments) protected by the
storms and high water, the barriers themselves are eastern Lake Ontario barrier systems. These
extremely vulnerable to these same impacts. Barrier resource areas are: 1) Black Pond Resource Area;
systems generally survive by absorbing the energy of 2) Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area; 3) North and
storms and waves through rapid erosion and then South Sandy Ponds Resource Area; and 4) Deer
undergoing a rebuilding period which occurs under Creek Resource Area. (See Figure 11.) All four of
normal wave conditions. This rapidly changing these areas contain aquatic habitat areas designated
physical environment means that existing develop- as Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats (see
ment on coastal barriers can be severely damaged by Chapter Two) designated by the State of New York.
storms. In the eastern Lake Ontario area, studies
have documented long term shoreline recession rates
from 1938 to 1974 to have averaged 1.86 feet 1. Black Pond Resource Area
annually. In an attempt to prevent shore damage,
many shorefront property owners have built protec- This resource area contains the northernmost of the
tive structures, most of which appear to be major wetland areas protected by the coastal barrier
ineffective in providing adequate protection from system. The barrier here contains a nature preserve
shoreline erosion. owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy at
El Dorado Beach and Black Pond, the State's Black
Summary of Shoreline Development Pond Wildlife Management Area and shorefront
residential development. The barrier is particularly
Of the approximately 16.5 linear miles of Lake notable for the well developed and preserved high
Ontario shoreline (measured between the Salmon sand dune formations found in The Nature
River and Black Pond) contained in the eastern Lake Conservancy preserve and the Wildlife Management
Ontario barrier system, an estimated 6.7 miles, or Area and for the regionally significant habitat provid-
41%, is publicly owned, and an estimated 9.8 miles, ed for large concentrations of shorebirds, waterfowl
or 59%, is privately owned. Of the publicly owned and migratory birds. The barrier has recently experi-
shorefront, 6 miles, or 90%, is contained within three enced increased use pressures as a result of the
State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), with the nearby State boat launch at Stony Creek. Develop-
remaining 10% (less than one mile) within State park ment of cottages south of the wildlife management
land. Of the privately owned shorefront, roughly 7 area has resulted in major modifications of the
miles, or 73%, is in residential use, less than a mile historical dune system in the southern portion of this
of shoreline is in commercial campground use and resource area.

14 Background For Resource Management

- ,/:.~�.~l..~S~ '-r-~, 2. Lakeview-Sandy Creek Resource Area
0.SO
This area contains Southwick Beach State Park and
~/L:~ the Lakeview Marsh Wildlife Management Area, and
is entirely owned by the State of New York. This
area is expected to experience more intensive use
pressures in the near future due in part to the Fort
( _ ~ 4Drum expansion and the resulting increase in visitors
to the State Park. The Wildlife Management Area
-']El Dorado Beach] (WMA) contains two barrier sections separated by
,1 Black Pond WMA the mouth of Sandy Creek. The northern section of
1'-\ _ the WMA bounded by the State Park is used for
North Jcffcrson Park-.
Jefferson Pak - Sunset Bluff- swimming and picnicking by people entering the area
BLACK POND ~ . Eastman Tract Resid. Ara the the southern sectiona
RESOURCE AREA ~'through tepark; th otenscinis less acces-
sible by foot and less disturbed by human use. When
Southwick Beach the natural outlet of South Colwell Pond marking the
I State Park southern boundary of the WMA is flowing, the
-v southern barrier section becomes a barrier island.
SCIUTHWICK ' ~"'4~'.-LAKEV2-E The aquatic habitat in the resource area has received
SOUTH WICK-LAKEVIEW
RESOURCE ARE LakEvi A the highest value ranking of the four significant
coastal fish and wildlife habitat areas designated in
'- -K" x' '--; the barrier system.

EASTERN LAKE Montario Pt 3. North and South Sandv Ponds Resource
ONTARIO Cranberry Pond A___
COASTAL BARRIER '' :_ .Area
SYSTEM
North Pond North SpitI
The Sandy Ponds Resource Area is characterized by
NORTH & SOUTH two barrier spits, the shifting North Sandy Pond inlet
SANDY P? ... and two sets of high dunes which flank the inlet.
RESOURCE AREA ' of dnslak iet
North Pond South Spit] The sand flats of each spit near the inlet provide
[ C-~, '",:,':~ regionally significant habitat for shorebirds and
SandyIsland Beach :migratory species. The northern portion of the south
spit contains the largest undeveloped, privately
Rainbow Shore .-owned piece of land in the overall barrier system.
- , t r .--~,=,' The spits contain the two major blowouts found in
DEER CREEK ] Deer Crek WAI the dune system. Also found in this resource area
RESOURCE AREA]
are shorefront residential development and a corn-
mercial campground site where the dunes are heavily
impacted by human activities. Because it is sheltered
-~JPort Ontario
5 MILES /,-_ Harbor of uefge/ from the open waters of Lake Ontario, North Sandy
S SalmonMRiverMouth Pond supports intensive recreational activities
[CO 13AY (boating and fishing) during the summer months and
several boating and marine access facilities have been
developed on the pond.

Figure 11: Major Resource Areas.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 15

4. Deer Creek Resource Area eastern Lake Ontario region. (Much of the following
information on the geologic history of the region
This resource area contains the Deer Creek Wildlife contributing to the formation of sand dunes is from
Management Area and privately owned sections of "Post-Iroquois LakeStages and Shoreline Sedimenta-
the Deer Creek Marsh. The barrier here is the most tion in Eastern Ontario Basin" by Sutton, Lewis, and
heavily impacted by human use of all the publicly Woodrow. See Appendix.)
owned barrier segments in the overall system.
Included in the wildlife management area is the Iroquois and Post-Iroquois Lake Stages
barrier system's fourth set of high sand dunes. Also
included in this area is a commercial campground Beaches associated with Lake Iroquois have been
which is the most intensively developed section of the identified on hills four miles east of the current lake
coastal barrier. The natural historical dune forma- shoreline at an elevation of about 600 feet above sea
tions in the campground area have been largely level (current lake level is approximately 244 feet
destroyed. above sea level). All of the North Pond area (see
Chapter Four) was under water at this time. Follow-
ing the Lake Iroquois period, four distinct lake level
HISTORICAL AND CURRENT stages (Sandy Creek, Skinner Creek, Dune and North
CONDITIONS AFFECTING SAND DUNE Pond stages) resulted in sand deposits of different
FORMATION types and in different locations in the coastal and
upland areas of the Lake Ontario basin. (See Figure
Perhaps the most dramatic features of the eastern 12.)
Lake Ontario coastal barrier system are the extensive
formations of sand dunes, some cresting at more During the Sandy Creekstage some 10,000years ago,
than 70 feet above the surface of the lake, found a fall in Lake Ontario water level caused erosion of
throughout the system. These dunes are vital to the a large portion of the Ontario basin, exposing sands,
continuing integrity of the barrier system and a brief gravel and elastic deposits along the shoreline.
review of the geologic history of their formation is During this stage, the North Pond area was the site
useful in understanding their significance as a natural of a large open bay. Evidence of beach sand and
resource. The most important point to be made in dunes from this lake stage is found three miles east
describing this history is that the climatic and of the current eastern shoreline of the lake near the
geomorphic conditions under which the dunes were 300 foot elevation.
formed no longer exist. If destroyed, these dunes are
unlikely to ever regain their current natural resource Following the Sandy Creek stage, the lake level
values. dropped to an elevation 255 feet above sea level or
about 10 feet above the current lake level, where it
The bedrock formations and bedrock topography of remained for some time. During what is called the
the eastern Lake Ontario region have a geologic Skinner Creek stage, a bar formed at the site of the
history of over 400 million years. The surface present North Pond barrier and created a large
formations and landforms, however, have a history embayment (North Pond) to the east. Water level
going back no further than the final advance and continued to fall along the eastern shore of the lake
retreat of the last glacier 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. until a level some 30 feet below the present level was
As the last glacier (Wisconsin glaciation) receded reached. This low level marks the Dune stage which
across the present Lake Ontario Basin, melting water is estimated to have occurred some 5,000 years ago.
from the glacier formed glacial Lake Iroquois which The existence of this stage is inferred from the
extended far south of the existing Lake Ontario presence of the existing sand dune formations,
shoreline. The Lake Iroquois time period particularly those which crest at near 70 feet in
(approximately 12,000 years ago) serves as one height. It is reasoned that dunes of this size could
benchmark used in describing the formation of not have formed at the present water level and that
existing landforms, including the sand dunes, in the a level some 30 feet lower than at present would

16 Background For Resource Management

Origin of Eastern Lake Shore Sediments

/;/- ~~~~~~Following the rapid fall of lake level from Iroquois
7cm '~~ '~~ - stage to Sandy Creek stage, a large portion of the
X~~ <'~~~" Lake Ontario basin was exposed to stream erosion.
El Dorado Beach Stony Creek ' Following the Sandy Creek stage, rapid tilting of the
basin toward the west resulted in the emergence of
the eastern shore and drowning of the western shore
Historic Shoelines '~ / of the basin. Beaches on the western shore were
Sad lowered below the zone of effective wave and current
-- Lake Iroquois P-Creek action, and thus were removed as sources of sand for
Skinner Creek :.~transport toward the eastern end of the lake. On the
...Dune eastern shore, however, the beaches were elevated,
North Pond permitting continued erosion of these sands and
North ~gravel and their redistribution along this same
Source: Modified from Sutton,Podesrnhr.
Lewis and Woodrow, By the Dune stage, a broad sand flat had accumu-
1982. . ~~~Salmon River) lated along and offshore of the beach. This sand flat
was created by the continued erosion of the eastern
Miles shore, the abundance of sediment sources and, to a
lesser extent, by easterly lake currents transporting
sands from sources along the southern shore of the
Figure 12: Eastern Lake Ontario Shorelines lake. Sands were blown landward by the wind off
Associated With Historical Lake Stages. the sand flat of the eastern shore and the high dunes
which are found on the barrier system today were
have been required to provide a beach of sufficient created.
width to serve as an adequate source of dune-
building sand. During the period of rising water level from Dune
stage to North Pond stage, the relative importance
At the northern end of the existing dune system, of the earlier sediment supply areas changed.
drowned valleys are found offshore at Black Pond Decreasing tilt rates resulted in more thorough
and the mouth of Stony Creek. Both valleys extend erosion of the southern nearshore and shoreline area
to a depth of 25 feet and are interpreted as marking resulting in a shelf that extended from the Niagara
the shoreline of the Dune stage in that area. (See River to Mexico Bay. Most of the sands were
description of Black Pond Resource Area in Chapter removed from this area and carried eastward.
Three.) Gradual drowning of the eastern shore caused
streams in that area to provide relatively less sedi-
Following the Dune stage, lake level begin to rise ment to the system.
and resulted in gradual submergence of the beaches,
drowning of the lower parts of the stream valleys and Since the North Pond stage, the decreasing tilt rate
destruction of an unknown number of dunes and in the basin and corresponding decreases in the
nearshore beach and barrier features. Water submergence of the eastern and southern shore
continued to rise during this period (called the North resulted in a diminishing supply of sands from all
Pond stage) until a lake level several feet above the sources. A steady eastward migration of sandsj
approximate current level was reached. continued so that these sands are now concentrated
at the eastern end of the lake. A slow and generally
northward migration of material from Mexico Bay 1
may now be exposing lag gravel that had been

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 17

concentrated there during Dune stage time. an annual low level in January. The yearly fluctua-
tion in lake level is about two feet.
Unless a significant change in lake level occurs in the
next few hundred years, it has been postulated that Longer term fluctuations in water levels have also
the current sand deposits along the eastern shore will occurred continually throughout the geologic history
migrate northward, progressively uncovering Dune of Lake Ontario. Longer term fluctuations have
stage gravel that generally would remain as lag been measured at five to six feet between record
deposits. If this migration does, in fact, take place, lows and record highs. Since modern lake level
sources of sand for replenishing the existing dunes measurements began in 1860, high water periods
will diminish, and there is concern that the barrier have occurred in the late 1920s, mid-1940s, early
will gradually diminish and the currently protected 1950s, early 1970s and mid-1980s. These long term
wetlands, embayments and mainland too will be fluctuations are not predictable and are caused by a
increasingly exposed to the wind, waves, and high number of natural (e.g., precipitation, runoff,
water. temperature) and man-made (e.g., dredging, diver-
sion, regulation of outflow) factors.
Current Lake Levels
In terms of elevation, Lake Ontario is the lowest of
The level of Lake Ontario continues to exert a major the Great Lakes. Although not the smallest in
influence on dune formation and erosion in the volume, it has the smallest surface area. It receives
eastern Lake Ontario region. The relatively low lake outflow from the other four lakes as water moves
levels recorded in 1987 and 1988 favored sand dune through the Great Lakes system. Under natural
replenishment and resulted in a decreased erosion conditions, the outflow of Lake Ontario through the
rate. Lake levels recorded in recent years are less St. Lawrence River was solely a function of the water
than long-term average levels and represent a level of the Lake and the channel size of the river.
dramatic change from the high levels experiencedin When the Lake level was high, the depth of the
the mid part of this decade. A warm, dry spring water at the outlet was greater and more water
brought the level of the lake down to 244 feet in flowed into the St. Lawrence River. The channel size
October of 1987-close to average for this century of the St. Lawrence River controlled how much water
but in marked contrast to the higher levels of the could actually leave the lake at times of high water.
past 15 years, when heavy rains in the Upper Great
Lakes led to record runoff into Lake Ontario. When
the water is low there is more sand available for Today, however, power generation and navigation
dune replenishment for two main reasons: 1) wave works on the St. Lawrence River influence river flows
action can move more offshore deposits onto the and lake levels, allowing for a certain amount of
beach; and 2) more sand is exposed on the beach regulation and providing a small amount of buffering
and available for transport inland by winds. against high and low water levels. Since 1958 the
outflow of Lake Ontario has been regulated by the
Like the other Great Lakes, Lake Ontario exhibits International St. Lawrence River Board of Control
water levels subject to both short and long-term under plans approved by the International Joint
fluctuation. (See Figure 13.) The most dramatic Commission. Although regulation can affect the
short-term changes in water levels are caused by level of the Lake, the most critical factors affecting
strong winds and by sharp differences in barometric lake level remain natural factors such as precipitation
pressure. Seasonal fluctuations, caused by melting over the entire Great Lakes Basin. For the most
snow, low evaporation rates and heavy spring rains, part, the Great Lakes act as a natural system, and
result in "normal" spring and early summer peaks. water will flow through the system only as quickly as
Higher summer and fall evaporation rates and natural conditions will allow. Current structures to
generally lower rainfall result in a lowering of the regulate outflow cannot alter long-term lake level
lake's level beginning in mid to late June. In the trends, cannot influence lake levels significantly in
winter, water is tied up in ice and snow resulting in the short term and can only partially alter or alleviate
lake level extremes.

18 Background For Resource Management

p; i;;;; s p p . ....... .......... ..~~~~~~

-~~~~~~~~~~rr+*frr ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~Z rIr-4

-RI-4---I4 N 4II--- F +4-~ '*f' "Hdogah fMotlyMa
.. . . .....----4--- Leeso.h GetLks
(not dated).~~~~~
wry~~~~~~~~~~~~i1A w-~~IV-HH

Relative Mean Water~~~~~~~~~~.H Levels of Lake Gretai frm 97kTrosh197

.4. ... .... ..9s~' ( n ot~ dat
!!!''FIJ +H+ 1: .... . ...7 .
. z I z- .-- * < z I a'z
+4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I 192n,0 I 1,X9~
197 197 978199 1190 194 1982183194 1 954i 916 98

4 4 ~~~~~~~~1989<
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0~~~~~~~~~

FHt. JANU 244 M�TCiSAU 99' _ 4"" SCrVN
-ES_ MA APRMA J UIU AGSPOTNVicT~1'~ WAW~5U D C J N FBMRARMYUt

PRBAL3.- 1 3~
ReoddFrbbeadAeaeWtrLvl
__________ of akeOnari,197199
MAIU<418 2 22!a17

May 1989.~~134

Fi~~ ~AVRGuE 13: Lake Ontario, WaterLevels

MAXIMUM++ 1085 1985 19-73 1973~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHAPTER TWO:

CURRENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

A number of government agencies at the federal, State, county and town levels have
some responsibility for, or impact on, activities within or affecting the eastern Lake
Ontario coastal barriersystem. In addition, several conservation groups are also concerned
with resource management in the barrier system.

An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of these agencies and groups is
important because the identification of opportunities for improved and coordinated
resource management must be based on awareness of how these different agencies and
groups currently contribute to resource management.

While this chapter summarizes the roles, responsibilities and jurisdictions of the key
agencies and groups (current roles and responsibilities are summarized in Figure 14), a
more detailed description of this institutional framework for resource management may
be obtained from the New YorkState Department of State's Division of Coastal Resources
and Waterfront Revitalization.

20 Current Roles and Responsibilities For Resource Management

CURRENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
IN THE COASTAL BARRIER SYTEM

4 | wa 8 | i~~~~~ 'Ei

KEY AGENCIES AND 5 8 3
ORGANIZATIONS :

Federal Agencies

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers * * * * e

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service *

State Agencies

Department of Environmental
Conservation * * * * * * *

Department of State:
Div. of Coastal Resources ** * * c
and Waterfront Revitalization

Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation

St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario
Commission 0 0

Sea Grant Extension � * �

County Agencies

County Planning Departments

Soil and Water Conservation
Districts

Environmental Management
Councils * *

Oswego County Health Dept.

Town Boards and Departments

Town of Richland v * * *

Town of Sandy Creek

Town of Ellisburg * * *

Conservation Organizations

The Ontario Dune Coalition 0 * 6

Onondaga Audubon Society

The Nature Conservancy e

Save Oswego County

Figure 14: Summary of Roles and Responsibilities for Resource
Management.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 21

FEDERAL AGENCIES Lake Ontario. (See Chapter Four.)

The two federal agencies with the most active roles The Corps' Detroit District provides monthly
and responsibilities regarding resource management bulletins on Great Lakes water levels, including
in the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system information on long term lake levels and forecasts
are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. of levels for the next six months.
Fish and Wildlife Service. Other federal agencies
also exercise authorities that affect resource U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
management less directly.
The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the principal
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers federal agencyinvolved in reviewing and commenting
on permit applications to the Corps of Engineers.
The eastern Lake Ontario region is within the The FWS's Cortland, New York field office considers
jurisdiction of the Buffalo District of the Corps of and comments on impacts to wildlife and marine
Engineers, with headquarters located in Buffalo, resources resulting from proposed development
New York. projects requiring a Corps permit. If the FWS
determines that the proposed development action
The Corps regulates structures in, or affecting, will cause an adverse habitat loss, it recommends
navigable waters of the U.S. as well as excavation mitigation measures to avoid, or minimize and
or deposition of materials in navigable waters. The compensate for, such adverse loss. The barrier
Corps is also responsible for evaluating applications system has been judged by the FWS to contain
for Department of the Army permits to deposit especiallyimportantwaterfowlhabitat, and theNorth
dredged and/or fill material into waters of the U.S., Atlantic Waterfowl Management Council (of which
including adjacent wetlands. These regulatory the FWS is a major participant) is currently evaluat-
programs do not directly address the upland portions ing the significance of this habitat in the eastern Lake
and sand dune formations within the barrier system Ontario region.
but instead focus on the aquatic habitat and wetland
areas within the system. Other Federal Agencies

In general a permit must be received from the Corps Several other federal agencies exercise roles and
for: filling of wetlands and navigable waters; responsibilities that indirectly affect or could affect
placement of structures in navigable waters; and resource management in the barrier system. The
dredging and disposal of dredged material. Derartment of the Interior is responsible for imple-
menting the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982
The Corps is also responsible for Federal navigation (currently the nation's coastal barrier resource system
projects (e.g., channels, jetties, anchorages) includes undeveloped coastal barriers along only the
specifically authorized by Acts of Congress. The Atlantic and Gulf coasts, although portions of the
only federal navigation project affecting the eastern eastern Lake Ontario barrier system have been
Lake Ontario barrier system is the Port Ontario recommended for inclusion). The National Park
Harbor of Refuge Project at the mouth of the Service, within the Department of the Interior,
Salmon River. (See Chapter Six.) The Corps funded administers the National Natural Landmarks Program
the major portion of this project and is responsible which includes the Lakeview Wildlife Management
for maintaining it. Area. The Environmental Protection Agencv is
concerned with maintaining water quality values and
Under the Corps' authority to assist communities in protecting wetlands and comments on applications
small navigation improvements, the Corps has for dredging and filling submitted to the Corps of
conducted an initial appraisal of the feasibility of Engineers. The Federal Emervencv Management
establishing a dredged channel to provide improved Agency administers the National Flood Insurance
navigation access between North Sandy Pond and Program. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric

22 Current Roles and Responsibilities For Resource Management

Administration administers the federal Coastal Zone Region 6) and Deer Creek in Oswego County
Management Program under which the New York (managed by DEC Region 7). Responsibility for
State Coastal Management Program is authorized. managing these areas rests with the DEC Division
The International Joint Commission oversees of Fish and Wildlife in each regional office. DEC
regulation of the outflow of Lake Ontario through conservation officers responsible for enforcing
the St. Lawrence River. management rules and regulations are within the
Division of Law Enforcement.

STATE AGENCIES General wildlife management rules and regulations
are established by DEC to apply to all wildlife
The key State agencies with roles and responsibilities management areas. In addition, special rules and
affecting resource management in the coastal barrier regulations have been established for some areas,
system are: the Department of Environmental particularly those with significant waterfowl habitat
Conservation; Department of State; Office of Parks, and wetland areas.
Recreation and Historic Preservation; St. Lawrence-
Eastern Ontario Commission; and New York Sea DEC Regulatorv Authorities
Grant Program. Other State agencies also exercise
authorities that affect resource management less The DEC has the major responsibility for protecting
directly. natural resources in the coastal area of New York
State, and exercises this responsibility through various
Department of Environmental Conservation permitting, review and management programs. For
example, DEC reviews proposed development
The Department of Environmental Conservation activities with the potential for significant
(DEC) has both resource management and environmental impact in accordance with the
regulatory responsibilities in the coastal barrier requirements of the State Environmental Quality
system. Management responsibilities are directed Review Act (SEQRA), the requirements of the
toward managing fish and wildlife resources and Freshwater Wetlands Act, the Stream Protection
focus on the three wildlife management areas found Act, the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination
in the barrier system. Regulatory responsibilities System and the Coastal Erosion Hazards Area Act.
include permit authority over activities affecting In addition, DEC implements the Environmental
freshwater wetlands and navigable waters, authority Quality Bond Act. These State programs are
for protecting water quality and coastal erosion summarized below.
hazard areas and various other authorities.
SEQRA establishes a comprehensive review process
DEC's central office in Albany establishes statewide that is applicable to all actions of State and local
policies and regulations and provides technical agencies and private interests which may have
assistance to the regional DEC offices. Two regional significant effects upon the environment. Develop-
offices exercise authority in the eastern Ontario ment proposals that activate the SEQRA process are
region: Region 6, headquartered in Watertown, has specified in the Act and range from permit applica-
jurisdiction within that part of the barrier system tions to the DEC for work in freshwater wetlands to
located in Jefferson County; and Region 7, applications to town boards for zoning variances.
headquartered in Liverpool, has jurisdiction within Under SEQRA, local governments and State agen-
the Oswego County portion of the area. cies can designate "critical environmental areas"
withinwhich all development proposals automatically
DEC Resource Manaement Resnonsibilities receive detailed review under the Act.

The three wildlife management areas in the eastern The State's Freshwater Wetlands Act authorizes
Lake Ontario barrier system are Black Pond and regulation of the use and development of the State's
Lakeview in Jefferson County (managed by DEC freshwater wetlands. Under this Act, any activity

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 23

which substantially impairs any of the several The State's Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act
functions and benefits of freshwater wetlands (as empowers the DEC to identify and map coastal
specified in the law) are subject to regulation. DEC erosion hazard areas and to adopt regulations to
regulations set forth a system by which wetlands are control certain activities and development in these
mapped and classified according to the various areas. Within these areas, the construction or
functions and benefits provided. Four wetland placement of a structure, or any action or use of land
classifications are established depending on the which materially alters the condition of land require
importance of the wetland cover types. Class I an erosion area permit granted by the DEC, of
wetlands are of the highest value. county or local government, whichever has assumed
jurisdiction. Coastal erosion hazard areas include:
Under New York's Stream Protection Act, which "Structural hazard areas" which are receding at an
was enacted to minimize disturbances to the beds average rate of one foot or more per year; and
and banks of certain streams, DEC regulates "1natural protective feature areas" which include
dredging and filling in navigable waters and adjacent beaches, dunes, sandbars, spits, shoals, barrier bays,
wetlands and construction of certain dams and docks. barrier islands, bluffs and wetlands. Within the
eastern Lake Ontario barrier system, mapped erosion
Under the State's Classification of Waters Progzram hazard areas are all classified as "natural protective
and pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act, New feature areas"
York has classified its coastal waters and rivers,
streams, lakes and ponds according to considerations In addition to its regulatory powers, the DEC is
of best usage and has adopted water quality empowered to acquire property for any of the
standards for each class of waters. The classifications functions of the Department. The Environmental
are used by the DEC in issuing permits to industrial Oualitv Bond Act directs the DEC to appropriate
and commercial uses for effluent discharge into monies raised under this Act for land preservation
surface waters and range from AA (the highest and improvement projects, including acquisition of
classification) to D (the lowest). important tidal and freshwater wetlands.

New York State water quality classifications for fresh Department of State
surface waters and best uses associated with each
classification are as follows: The Department of State (DOS), through its Division
AA oure o waersuply or rinin, clinry r fod of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization,
pr oucessn prosaersupl anrdrnig culnay othr usages administers the New York Coastal Management
procssin pupose andanyothe usaes.Program (CMP) and coordinates activities essential
A Source of water supply for drinking, culinary or food to the Program's implementation. Authority for the
processing purposes and any other uses with treatment. New York CMP was established by the State Water-
B Primary contact recreation and any other uses except as 191rhihontbe thevitalztion mandg isCoastal RsucsAto
a source of water supply for drinking, culinary or food 18 hc nbe h tt omng t osa
processing purposes. resources pursuant to the provisions of the federal
Coastal Zone Management Act. The CMP covers
C Suitable for fishing and all other uses except as a source the shores of lakes Erie and Ontario, the Niagara
of water supply for drinking, culinary or food processing and St. Lawrence rivers, the tidal portion of the
purposes. Hudson River, New York City, Long Island and
D Suitable for secondary contact recreation but will not Westchester County.
support the propagation of fish.
The CMP establishes 44 management policies to
Under the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination carry out the legislative intent that a balance be
SyLstemn (SPDES), the DEC regulates all industrial, established between economic development and
commercial and municipal discharges as well as those coastal resource protection in the State's coastal area.
from residential subdivisions of five or more lots into Under the CMP, each coastal area municipality may
the State's surface and ground waters.

24 Current Roles and Responsibilities For Resource Management

prepare a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program populations having significant commercial, recrea-
(LWRP) based on local needs and objectives for tional or educational value; or d) exemplifies a
promoting beneficial waterfront development habitat type which is not commonly found in the
balanced with resource protection in accordance with State or in a coastal region. The significance of
the State CMP policies. certain habitats increases to the extent they could
not be replaced if destroyed.
Pursuant to its responsibilities for administering the
CMP, the major roles of the DOS pertinent to The eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system
resource management in the eastern Lake Ontario includes portions of four designated Significant
coastal barrier system include review of proposed Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats: Black Pond,
development activities for consistency with the CMP, Lakeview Marsh, North and South Sandy Ponds and
designation of special resource areas and provision Deer Creek Marsh. In addition, several other areas
of special planning and funding assistance. that are integral to but outside of the barrier system
proper are designated habitats: the Salmon River
Protection of Coastal Resources through to the south and the Sandy Pond tributaries-the
Consistency Review several streams feeding freshwater to the barrier
system's embayments and wetlands. (See Chapters
All major actions proposed in the coastal area of Three through Six.)
New York State by federal agencies or by entities
requiring federal permits (from the Corps of Engi- In addition to the Significant Habitat Program, the
neers, for example) must be consistent with the DOS has recently started a program to identify,
management policies established in the CMP. The evaluate and recommend areas for designation as
DOS evaluates the consistency of federal activities Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance.
with the policies set forth in the CMP. If a proposed
action is judged inconsistent by DOS, a permit can Special Interest in the Eastern Lake Ontario
not be issued. Coastal Barrier System

In addition to federal activities, State agency activ- The uniqueness of the eastern Lake Ontario barrier
ities are also required to be consistent with the system became particularly evident during the
Coastal Program. Each State agency that proposes identification phase of the DOS's Significant Habitat
to permit, fund or directly undertake an action in Program. The barrier system contains one of the
the coastal area must determine the consistency of highest concentrations of designated habitats as well
its action with the policies and purposes of the CMP. as some of the highest valued habitats in the State.

Special Area Designations Because of this uniqueness, and because of DOS's
concern that the habitats could be adversely affected
The DOS is responsible for assuring the protection by damage to the coastal barriers protecting them,
of coastal fish and wildlife habitats, scenic areas and DOS initiated and funded a special study
agricultural lands of statewide significance. Once (summarized by this report) of the eastern Lake
areas are designated, the coastal management Ontario barrier system. Prior to this project, the
consistency requirements can be used to protect overall barrier system had received relatively little
these resources. recognition or protection under local or State
programs, and coordinated management on the part
Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats may of public and private landowners was lacking.
be designated by the State if the habitat is: a)
essential to the survival of a large portion of a Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
particular fish or wildlife population; b) supports Preservation
populations of species which are endangered,
threatened or of special concern; c) supports The main responsibility of the Office of Parks,

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 25

Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is land and water use planning assistance to the 45
to operate and maintain a statewide system of parks municipalities within its service area, promoting
and historic sites and to meet the recreational needs economic development (principally through the
of the people of the State. The State Parks and tourism sector) and protecting the area's environ-
Recreation Law authorizes the OPRHP to acquire, mental quality (principally through review of develop-
establish, operate and maintain State Parks, ment proposals).
parkways, historic sites and State recreational
facilities. The Parks and Recreation Bond Act has SLEOC has been especially concerned with proper
provided a source of funds for such acquisition. resource management in the eastern Lake Ontario
barrier system and has conducted studies of the
The OPRHP establishes rules and regulations for natural values provided by the system. SLEOC has
State park use, including rules and regulations for also participated in special projects and studies
Southwick Beach State Park-the one State Park addressing the barrier system, including the sand
located within the barrier system. These rules and dune and wetland areas.
regulations are implemented by regional
commissions. Southwick Beach State Park is within SLEOC also addresses the barrier system through
the jurisdiction of the Thousand Islands State Park's its project review process. Under authority of Article
Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission 37 of the State Executive Law, SLEOC has promul-
which is directly responsible for its management and gated its own Rules and Regulations for Project
operation. Selkirk Shores State Park, located near Review for activities within its jurisdictional area.
the southernboundaryofthebarriersystem, iswithin Although SLEOC's project review process is man-
the jurisdiction of the Central New York State Park, datory for specific types of projects, the process does
Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission. not impose additional regulations on a project
applicant. The Commission does not issue or deny
The OPRHP is also responsible for administration development permits. Through the project review
of the State's Navigation Law. The OPRHP's process, SLEOC works with project sponsors as
Bureau of Marine and Recreational Vehicles has necessary to reach mutually acceptable compromises
general responsibility for boating safety in New York in design, location and other aspects of a proposal
State and provides funding and training for marine in order to accomplish resource management and
law enforcement as well as boating education development objectives.
programs. Also, under the State's Navigation Law
and Town Law, no local law or ordinance pertaining New York Sea Grant Program
to the regulation of vessels and/or the establishment
of a vessel regulation zone can take effect until it has The New York State Sea Grant Extension Program
been submitted to and approved by the Commis- at the State University of New York at Oswego is
sioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preserva- established under the National Sea Grant Program
tion. The OPRHP maintains the aids to navigation which supplies funds to state institutions for marine
that currently mark the existing channel between research, education and advisory services. The

of New York. Program goals include the conserva-
St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission tion, proper management and balanced use of marine
resources. Toward this end, the NYS Sea Grant
The St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission Extension Program has been involved, through
(SLEOC) is a coastal management agency created research, information exchange and public education
as an executive agency of the State of New York in programs, with a variety of issues regarding resource
1974. SLEOC's service area includes approximately management within the eastern Lake Ontario coastal
776 miles of shoreline along the eastern shoreline of barrier system. Some issues of concern to the local
Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. SLEOC Sea Grant Extension include the status and effects
is legislatively charged with providing technical and of lake levels, sand dune stabilization and erosion

26 Current Roles and Responsibilities For Resource Management

control. The Nature Conservancy for ranking species and
communities. This methodology has been applied in
Other State Agencies the eastern Lake Ontario region, and the dune com-
munity within the barrier system has generally been
Other State agencies also exercise roles and respon- highly ranked.
sibilities that affect resource management in the
barrier system. These include the Office of General
Services (OGS) which is the proprietor of State COUNTY AGENCIES
lands, including lands underwater. Under the Public
Lands Law, private uses of submerged lands within The barrier system is included in parts of Oswego
the public domain (including those generally below and Jefferson Counties. County-based agencies with
Mean Low Water in Lake Ontario) require a grant, roles and responsibilities affecting resource manage-
easement or lease from OGS. Although the State ment in the barrier system include the planning
may also hold title to submerged lands in smaller departments and soil and water conservation districts
bodies of water, it does not claim title to underwater in each county as well as the Oswego and Jefferson
lands in the North and South Sandy Ponds. County Environmental Management Councils and
the Oswego County Health Department.
The New York State DeDartment of Health and the
Department of State's Codes Division have roles County Planning Departments
with regard to authorizing development in the barrier
system. The Department of Health enforces the County planning departments have been established
Public Health Laws and the State Sanitary Code in both Oswego and Jefferson counties. The primary
and regulates and licenses restaurants, motels, function of these departments is to provide technical
campgrounds and other specific activities. The assistance on planning and development matters to
Department of Health must also approve water and local governments. For example, the county planning
sewerage provisions for commercial uses and real departments offer assistance, upon request, to local
estate subdivisions, governments relative to the formulation and enact-
ment of local land use controls such as zoning
The DOS Codes Division administers the State's regulations, sub-division regulations and special
Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. While ordinances. The planning departments also provide
local building codes may also be established, local assistance to local governments with regard to State
codes must meet the minimum requirements of the and federal regulatory programs.
State code. In communities where no local code is
in place, the State assumes this responsibility and County land use plans have been developed for both
issues permits and certificates of occupancy for all Oswego and Jefferson counties. Both plans examine
construction. socio-economic conditions, land use and land
capability characteristics and present land use
The New York Natural Heritave Program, estab- policies, goals, objectives and implementation
lished with funding provided by The Nature Conser- strategies. Neither plan specifically addresses the
vancy and currently operated by both The Nature eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system.
Conservancy and DEC, is indirectly involved with
resource management in the barrier system. Major The county planning departments could also admin-
purposes of the Natural Heritage Program include ister the State's Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act
an inventory of rare plant and animal species and within those towns that decline to administer the Act
communities in the State, developing a data base on locally. Should the counties also decline to admin-
these species and communities and providing this ister the Act, then the DEC would do so.
information to interested parties. In conducting the
Statewide inventory, the Natural Heritage Program
applies a standardized methodology developed by

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 27

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts The Jefferson County EMC has recently been
established with the same authorities and respons-
County Soil and Water Conservation Districts ibilities as the Oswego County EMC.
(SWCDs) have been established in both Oswego
Vand Jefferson counties. The primary objectives of Oswego County Health Department
the SWCDs is the protection of natural resources
in each county, specifically the protection of soil and The Oswego County Health Department conducts
water resources and the agricultural resources inspections of sewerage facilities for conformance
dependent on soil and water. with standards established by the State Department
of Health. Within the eastern Lake Ontario coastal
With regard to the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system these inspections are carried out for
barrier system, the principal involvement of each all new commercial development and for seasonal
district has been the provision of technical assistance residential development in the towns of Richland and
to concerned landowners regarding the establishment Sandy Creek.
of appropriate erosion control measures.
The County Health Department inspects existing
County Environmental Management Councils facilities only when it receives a complaint that a
facility is not functioning properly.
The Oswego and Jefferson County Environmental
Management Councils (EMCs) are county-author- (There is no County health department in Jefferson
ized citizen advisory boards. Their primary functions County, and the New York State Department of
are to advise citizens and local government officials Health enforces the public health laws in Jefferson
on matters affecting the management of each County.)
county's natural resources.

The Oswego County EMC provides resource infor- TOWN BOARDS AND DEPARTMENTS
mation and technical assistance to local officials and
County residents, conductseducationalprograms and The barrier system is located within the jurisdiction
special environmental projects and studies and also of three towns: Richland and Sandy Creek in
helps local governments understand and complywith Oswego County; and Ellisburg in Jefferson County.
the requirements of State and federal environmental (See Figure 15.) In each town, the principal execu-
legislation. The Council participates in the review tive and legislative body is the town board. The town
of development activities proposed within Oswego boards are responsible for the general management
County and provides comments on potential and control of town finances and have power to
environmental impacts. The Council also provides acquire land for any public purpose. The town
informational materials to citizens and local officials boards may also enact, amend and repeal various
to promote greater awareness of the value of the ordinances, rules and regulations, including a building
County's environmental resources and the code, vessel regulations and zoning and subdivision
importance of resource management. The Council regulations.
mapped Oswego County wetlands subject to the
State Freshwater Wetlands Act and, in cooperation Town of Richland
with the County Planning Department, has
completed natural resource inventories for most of The Town has about 7 miles of Lake Ontario
the towns in Oswego County. The EMC at the shoreline of which about 2.6 miles is north of the
request of County, town or village officials reviews Salmon River and within the eastern Lake Ontario
subdivision and development proposals to identify barrier system. Of this barrier shoreline, a little less
sensitive resources and potential environmental than 2 miles is in private ownership and the rest is
impacts. State-owned.

28 Current Roles and Responsibilities For Resource Management

The Town has a Planning Board and has adopted
zoning regulations. The Town's shorefront is now
zoned "residential/cottage" and "residential/
recreation". The "residential/cottage" district applies
to the shorefront from Rainbow Shores Road south
to the Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area as ,r -1/
well as to the area between Brennan Beach and the EARA \ ioviS
Salmon River. (See Chapter Six.) This district SOn WICKRAR 1--9
permits 1 or 2 family homes and other uses such as
motels/campsites by special permit. The less
restrictive "residential/recreation" district applies to MA OEFMM > r ' annsviI
the Brennan Beach commercial campground area
and permits such uses as 1 and 2 family dwellings, .
marinas, camps, docks and many other uses by
special permit.

The Planning Board acts on special permit requests.
There is an Appeals Board but the zoning regula-
tions give the Planning Board final authority on if~
judging the consistency of a development project with
the zoning regulations.

The Town has adopted mobile home regulations,
but there is no local building code; the State codeES
is used and enforced by the State. There is no local
sanitary code; State guidelines are relied on and the
Oswego County Health Department carries out the
needed inspections for commercial facilities (and for
residential facilities when complaints are received).
The Planning Board, however, can put special
conditions on the permits granted by the County
Health Department such as stipulations on the size
of holding tanks.
Figure 15: Towns of Ellisburg, Sandy Creek,
The Town has a zoning enforcement officer and is and Richland.
considering hiring an additional officer in response
to growth pressure in the Port Ontario harbor area.
There is no municipal sewage system in place now,
and the Town is conducting a study to determine the Town of Sandy Creek
feasibility of implementing a special sewer and water
district in the port area. The Town agency currently most involved with
resource management in the barrier system is the
Although no critical environmental area has been Sandy Creek Regional Planning Board. Appointed
designated in the Town under the SEQR Act, there by the Town Board, the Planning Board is concerned
is some thought that such an area would be with development and conservation issues,
appropriate for designation around the harbor area. particularly in response to accelerated growth
pressures caused in part by expansion of recreational
The Town has not indicated a desire to develop fishing activities. Proposals for trailer parks and
local regulations to implement the State Coastal recreational vehicle (RV) camps have been of
Erosion Hazard Areas Act.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 29

particular concern in recent years. critical environmental area includes the barrier
system and the North and South Sandy Ponds. As
There are no Town zoning or subdivision regulations, a result of this designation, any private or govern-
and as a result, pressures for subdivision, associated ment (local, State or federal) development proposal
in part with increasing development of second within this area is automatically a "Type 1" action
homes, are also of concern. Zoning has been an under SEQRA and will receive closer review.
emotional issue, and some residents have been
traditionally opposed to increased local land use The Town Board has recently appointed a special
controls. Several years ago, the Planning Board committee-the SandyPond Resource Management
initiated efforts to develop local zoning and land use Committee-and charged this committee with
requirements but these were not accepted by the overseeing a special study of the North and South
Town Board. The Planning Board is currently in the Sandy Pond area intended to result in recommenda-
process of preparing a Town Master Plan and there tions for resource use and management in this area.
is growing local support for the development of
Town-wide zoning regulations. Town of Ellisburg

The Planning Board reports to the Town Board and The Town's Lake Ontario shoreline extends for
provides information to the Town Board regarding approximately 10 miles from the northern edge of
State programs and requirements. The Planning North Sandy Pond to just north of El Dorado beach.
Board, for example, reviewed the purposes and With the exception of the northernmost 314 mile,
requirements of the State Coastal Erosion Hazard the Town's shoreline is within the barrier system.
Areas Act with the Town Board. The Town, how- Much of this barrier shoreline, however, is outside
ever, has recently indicated that it does not, at this of Townjurisdiction (i.e., the State-owned Southwick
time, intend to assume local responsibility for admin- Beach State Park and Lakeview Wildlife Manage-
istering the Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act. ment Area). Slightly less than 3 miles of shoreline
is privately owned and is virtually fully developed
That portion of the barrier system located within with mostly seasonal homes.
the Town of Sandy Creek contains no publicly owned
shorefront. (There are no wildlife management areas The Town Board acts as the Planning Board. Town
or State parks in the barrier system in the Town of zoning regulations are in effect and enforced by a
Sandy Creek.) The Town has about 5 miles of Zoning Enforcement Officer. All land west of Route
lakefront shoreline, all within the eastern Lake 3 is zoned "resort/residential". There is a separate
Ontario barrier system. The barrier within the Town Board of Appeals. No critical environmental area
includes the largest sections of currently undeveloped has been designated within Town boundaries.
land (on the north and south spits of North Sandy
Pond; see Chapter Five). The remainder of the There is no local sanitary code but septic tank
barrier beach is developed with mostly seasonal inspections (for conformance with the State sanitary
homes and includes a small commercial beach area. code) are carried out by the Zoning Enforcement
Officer as there is no County Health Department in
The Town has adopted a sanitary code and a Town Jefferson County. The New York State Building
enforcement officer is responsible for ensuring and Fire Code is enforced by a private firm
compliance with this code. Other local ordinances contracted by the County to carry out building
are floodplain regulations and a mobile home inspections. The Town will assume local respons-
ordinance that addresses individual mobile homes as ibility for implementing the State Coastal Erosion
well as trailer parks and RV parks. The building Hazard Areas Act. Proposed local regulations for
code used is the State building code. implementing this Act have not yet been adopted by
the Town.
Under the State Environmental Quality Review Act,
the Town has designated all of the area west of
Route 3 as a "critical environmental area". The

30 Current Roles and Responsibilities For Resource Management

CONSERVATION GROUPS relating to the system.

In addition to the various federal, State, county and * Preparing educational material (including a
local agencies with roles and responsibilities affecting TODC newsletter) and disseminating public
resource management in the barrier system, several information on the significance of the dune
non-profit organizations and other private groups system.
have active roles or concerns with regard to manage-
ment of the system. These organizations and groups * Providing information to member organizations
include the Ontario Dune Coalition, the Onondaga and property owners of the status of, and poten-
Audubon Society Chapter, The Nature Conservancy tial hazards associated with, high lake levels, as
and Save Oswego County. well as information regarding appropriate shore
protection measures.
The Ontario Dune Coalition
0 Providing forums for the exchange of inform a-
Tfhe Ontario Dune Coalition (TODC) consists of tion, insights and opinions among its members
members from 20 public and private agencies and and others.
organizations working toward the protection and
optimum public and private use of the sand dunes a Sponsoring a "dune naturalist intern" to gather
in the eastern Lake Ontario barrier system. Of all data pertaining to sand dune management and
the organizations concerned with sand dune to help promote public awareness of manage-
management in the region, TODC has been the ment concerns.
most instrumental in developing public awareness,
obtaining agency commitments and establishing The TODC has established four standing committees
public and private coordination relative to resource to address issues of concern with regard to resource
protection. management in the dunes. These committees ad-
dress educational, technical and legislative matters
Representatives of town, county, State and federal as well as private landowner concerns. The Snow
government agencies as well as non-profit Memorial Library in Pulaski, New York serves as a
organizations and private landowner associations, repository of information assembled by TODC on
serve on the Coalition without any official authority the eastern Lake Ontario sand dunes.
or funding. Onondaga Audubon Society

Goals of the coalition include: a) assisting in the
stabilization of the sand dunes as natural systems; The Onondaga Audubon Society (OAS), a chapter
b) developing measures to maintain dune stability; of the National Audubon Society, has members
and c) achieving optimum public use of the dune throughout Onondaga, Oswego and Jefferson Coun-
system consistent with private property considera- ties and is organized through a volunteer Board of
tions and dune protection and restoration objectives. Directors. Although the National Audubon Society
TODC activities include: has not exhibited a special interest in the eastern
Lake Ontario barrier system, the OAS has expressed
� Planning and initiating the dune walkover project concern with regard to current and future impacts on
constructed in the Lakeview Wildlife Manage- bird species and habitat in the barrier system.
ment Area. (See Chapter Four.) Whereas The Nature Conservancy (see following
page) is concerned primarily with rare avian species,
* Sponsorship of "Sand Dune Appreciation Day", the OAS is concerned with all bird species, including
an annual event held each of the past three years the more common species for which the barrier
for the purpose of increasing public awareness system provides habitat. Through its members and
of the natural values provided by the dune system board of directors, the OAS has previously stressed
and to provide information on a variety of topics the need for cohesive management policies to beI

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 31

applied to State wildlife management areas to The organization does not own any property in the
protect avian species and habitat in central New eastern Lake Ontario barrier system. The organiza-
York State. tion has about 30 members and conducts outings and
educational programs to increase public awareness
The Nature Conservancy of environmental matters and promote environmental
management. There is a volunteer Board of Direc-
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a national conser- tors.
vation organization committed to the preservation
of natural diversity by protecting lands and waters
supporting the best examples of all types of natural
environments. A membership organization, TNC is
a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation.

The Nature Conservancy's interest in the eastern
Lake Ontario barrier system extends beyond its
ownership and management of its El Dorado Beach
nature preserve. (See Chapter Three.) TNC is also
concerned with the protection of rare natural
communities and species as well as biological
diversity throughout the barrier system.

With regard to management of TNC lands, standard
rules applying to all TNC lands are developed by
the Conservancy's National Board of Governors.
TNC preserves fall into three major categories: the
first is open to the public for permitted purposes
such as bird-watching, photography and hiking; the
second is open to the public for permitted purposes
but users are required to obtain specific permission
before using the preserves; and the third type is
closed to the public because of resource sensitivity
to human disturbance. The El Dorado Beach
Preserve is currently managed as the first type of
preserve: open to the public for permitted purposes.

Specific management decisions and policies regarding
the El Dorado Beach Preserve are developed by the
volunteer Board of Directors of the Central New
York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and by the
Conservancy's Central and Western New York Field
Office located in Rochester, New York.

Save Oswego County

Save Oswego County is an advocacy group for
environmental conservation that also acts as a land
trust. The organization, for example, owns a portion
of the Snake Creek Swamp in Oswego County and
has been deeded title to other properties as well.

CHAPTER THREE:

BLACK POND RESOURCE AREA

The Black Pond Resource Area contains 2.75 miles of barrier beach as well as the
northern-most of the coastal wetlands protected by the eastern Lake Ontario coastal
barrier system.

This chapter provides a review of existing conditions and management concerns in the
resource area, and also presents some guidelines and recommendations for resource
management. Three "management units" are identified to include:

� The coastal barrier within The Nature Conservancy's El Dorado Beach preserve;
* The coastal barrier portion of the State's Black Pond Wildlife Management Area; and
* The residential area located to the south of the Black Pond WMA

El Dorado Beach, Black Pond, Sand Dunes in The Nature Conservancy's
Preserve and the Black Pond WMA Looking Toward the Southeast.

34 Black Pond Resource Area

EXISTING CONDITIONS IN THE BLACK Class 1 wetland under the State's Freshwater Wet-
POND RESOURCE AREA lands Act. (Under DEC regulations, "Class I wet-
lands provide the most critical of the State's wetland
The Black Pond Resource Area (see Figure 16) is benefits, reduction of which is acceptable only in the
distinguished by the large size and ecological diversity most unusual circumstances. A permit shall be
of the wetland habitat protected by the coastal issued only if it is determined that the proposed
barrier and by the absence of development and activity satisfies a compelling economic or social need
relative lack of human disturbance in its northern that clearly and substantially outweighs the loss of or
section. Land bordering the north, east and south detriment to the benefits of the Class I wetlands.")
sides of the resource area includes upland forest,
abandoned fields, active agricultural lands and public The aquatic habitat, sheltered from Lake Ontario by
park land. the coastal barrier, supports a variety of wetland
wildlife species, including such breeding bird species
The undeveloped barrier beach in the northern part as mallard, wood duck, turkey vulture, black tern,
of this resource area is approximately one mile in belted kingfisher, marshwren, common yellowthroat,
length and falls within the El Dorado Beach red-winged blackbird and swamp sparrow. Other
Preserve, owned and managed by The Nature possible nesting birds in the area include green-
Conservancy (TNC) , and within the Black Pond backed heron, black duck, blue-winged teal,
Wildlife Management Area under the management American bittern, least bittern, and northern harrier,
of the New York State Department of although breeding by all of these species has not
Environmental Conservation (DEC). This natural been documented in recent years.
barrier contains well-developed sand dune formations
including one of the four "high dune" areas found in Perhaps the most significant habitat value provided
the eastern Lake Ontario barrier system. There have by the wetlands in this resource area is the support
been some human disturbances along the of large concentrations of shorebirds (barrier shore-
undeveloped barrier. These have been caused line and beach areas also provide vital shorebird
primarily by uncontrolled recreational activities, habitat), waterfowl and wading birds during spring
including occasional use of unauthorized all-terrain and fall migrations. The Black Pond Resource Area
vehicles (ATVs). is an important feeding and resting area for hundreds
of migrant birds on a daily basis, with the greatest
South of the undeveloped barrier beach, much of the numbers of most species recorded between August
natural barrier environment (including historic sand and November. The area is well documented as one
dune formations) has been modified by the of the major concentration areas for migratory shore
development of lakefront cottages and by the human and water birds on Lake Ontario.
activities associated with these cottages. This
developed section extends southward approximately This resource area also supports populations of
1.75 miles from the wildlife management area to several furbearer species, including muskrat, beaver,
Southwick Beach State Park. raccoon and mink. Other wildlife species occurring
in the area include white-tailed deer, snapping turtle,
The Nature Conservancy's El Dorado Beach northern water snake, bullfrog and wood frog. Black
Preserve and the Black Pond Wildlife Management Pond, the only sizeable body of open water in the
Area (along with some privately owned lands) have resource area, supports a relatively small but signif-
been designated by the New York Department of icant warmwater fish community. Fish species found
State as a Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife in the pond include brown bullhead, northern pike,
Habitat encompassing some 750 acres. This habitat largemouth bass and carp.
area includes the coastal barrier as well as the
wetland behind the barrier. This wetland, ap- In 1984, a State boat launching facility was built near
proximately 378 acres and consisting primarily of the mouth of Stony Creek to the north of The Nature
scrub-shrub and forest vegetation, is classified as a Conservancy preserve. (See Figure 16.) This facility

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 35

NORTH~ ~ FtyCk

JEFFESON -

MEAN LAKE ELEVATION 245 FEET~~~~~~

sawy~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
~~~~~PARKt

Z--~~~ Pk~

Figure 16: ~~BEACH PodREEsoRVEAra

36 Black Pond Resource Area

has resulted in increased use of the barrier beach in acquired in 1983. All of the land from the existing
the preserve and in the Black Pond Wildlife Manage- preserve southward to the North Jefferson Park
ment Area by those arriving in small boats. Along residential area (including what is now the Black
with the increased use has come increased human Pond Wildlife Management Area) was formerly
disturbance and subsequent management concerns. owned by a single property owner. An above ground
electrical line currently runs along the beach from
The barrier system in the Black Pond Resource the North Jefferson Park area to a private trailer
Area can be divided into three management units: home located on a "life-time estate" within the
1) the barrier within The Nature Conservancy's El preserve. (The "life-time estate" agreement with The
Dorado Beach Preserve; 2) the barrier portion of the Nature Conservancy allows the trailer's owner to
State Black Pond Wildlife Management Area occupy a small site for his lifetime; he does not own
(WMA); and 3) the residential area south of the any property within the preserve.)
Black Pond WMA.
The deed to the preserve property specifies that The
The El Dorado Beach Preserve Nature Conservancy's ownership extends to the lake's
Mean Low Water (MLW) mark. This is an impor-
The Nature Conservancy's El Dorado Beach Pre- tant consideration relative to resource management
serve is located at the northern boundary of the in the area as the area used by shorebirds, for
eastern Lake Ontario barrier system. The preserve example, is found between MLW and Mean High
was acquired by The Nature Conservancy in two Water (MHW).
parcels: the first parcel (about 250 acres and
consisting of a rocky section of shoreline known as The preserve is a significant natural area for two
El Dorado Beach and the adjacent upland area) was main reasons: 1) it provides valuable habitat for
acquired in 1968; the second parcel (of about 95 migratory and nesting shorebirds (25-30 shorebird
acres) including the sandy beach, dune area and species have been observed in the preserve); and 2)
Black Pond section (see Figure 17 and 18) was it contains arelatively undisturbed and well-protected

Figure 17: Black Pond, Blocked Outlet, Sandy Beach and High Dunes at The
Nature Conservancy's El Dorado Beach Preserve.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 37

Figure 18: Beach at The Nature Conservancy Preserve South of Black Pond
Outlet.

sand dune ecosystem. northern termination of the barrier beach system.
From an aerial perspective, the bedrock can be seen
Bird watchers and other naturalists visit the preserve to extend beneath the surface of the water for over
but the current use level is not large enough to cause 100 yards offshore. In some places, striations in the
management concerns. As shorebird habitat, the bedrock clearly illustrate glacial scour.
preserve is considered to be a site of special impor-
tance within the Lake Ontario basin and northern During the spring and summer, the rocky shoreline
New York State region. This area historically fell is covered with Cladophora algae. This algae
within the breeding epicenter of the northern New provides an important substrate supporting the
York bald eagle population. This breeding area invertebrate species that are an essential source of
extended from North Sandy Pond (see Chapter Five) food for migrating shore birds. The algae grows in
northward to the St. Lawrence River. The Piping shallow waters over rocky substrates and is washed
Plover (like the eagle, another endangered and ashore by winds and waves. In late June, when the
extremely disturbance-sensitive species) is believed shorebirds start their southern migration from their
to have formerly nested in the area now contained arctic breeding grounds, mats of algae begin to build
in the preserve. The Nature Conservancy believes up on the shore at El Dorado Beach. The birds
that renesting of both eagles and plovers may be begin to arrive in early July and the migration
possible here in the future if the preserve's relatively continues through October, with the peak migration
undisturbed and protected environment can be period falling between mid-July and mid-September.
maintained. Nearby residents last observed eagles During this entire period, algae piles up on the
in the El Dorado area in the 1950s. shelving rock and creates a feeding habitat that is
unique on the U.S. side of Lake Ontario and
The entire preserve contains about 1.25 miles of provides an essential fueling station along the birds'
shoreline (less than 1/4 mile, however, consists of long migration route.
barrier beach). The El Dorado Beach section (north
of the barrier beach) is basically a rocky shoreline In recent years, increasing quantities of sand have
consisting of shelving limestone bedrock, marking the accreted on the rocky shoreline in the El Dorado

38 Black Pond Resource Area

Beach section of the preserve. The cause of this The preserve contains a distinct primary (foredune)
buildup is unclear and the effect it may have on and secondary (backdune) dune system, which
algae growth in the area, and therefore on shorebird includes high, well-vegetated secondary dunes that
habitat, is also unclear but of concern to The Nature reach a height of some 70 feet above Lake Ontario.
Conservancy. In the past three years, cobbles have The high dunes extend into the wildlife management
also been appearing on the shore in this area. The area and are the best preserved high dunes of any
increased sand deposition and the appearance of found in the four high dune sections in the eastern
cobbles roughly corresponds to the last period of Lake Ontario barrier system. The dune system in
higher lake water levels and may be the result of the preserve is also relatively wide; approximately
increased shoreline erosion in the barrier system to 200-300 yards.
the south.
The Nature Conservancy is pursuing an active
The main sand dune portion of The Nature Conser- resourcemanagementprogram directed atprotecting
vancy's property begins near the outlet of Black this important dune system. Snowfencing has been
Pond. Black Pond is an approximately 25 acre employed to help stabilize the existing foredunes and
shallow pond (depths range from 2-6 feet) located secondary dunes. Some fencing has been placed in
at the point on the shoreline that marks the northern the foredune area to help rebuild dune formations
boundary of the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier in destabilized or blowout areas. In the secondary
system. Little Stony Creek and several unnamed dunes, trespassing ATVs in the late 1970s caused
tributaries flow into the pond which opens through extensive erosion damage that is still evident on a
a small outlet to Lake Ontario. The outlet is semi- few steep slopes. These damaged areas graphically
permanent; it typically becomes plugged with sand illustrate the difficulty of restabilizing steep sloped
over the summer when reduced outflow can no dunes once the dune vegetation is eroded. (See
longer clear littoral sand deposits. (See Figure 17.) Figure 19.)
In the spring and fall, flows increase and an outlet
of variable width and depth is opened. The swale or interdunal area here is well vegetated
(see Figure 20), and includes two plant species-sand
Purple loosestrife, a nonindigenous species of dune willow and sand cherry-considered rare in the
vegetation, is spreading rapidly throughout the area region. The Nature Conservancy is removing non-
surrounding Black Pond and is viewed by The Nature native species such as scotch pine in order to
Conservancy as a serious resource management reestablish as natural an ecological community as
problem due to its displacement of indigenous possible.
vegetation and the resulting reduction of valuable
wildlife habitat. The water quality of Lake Ontario in terms of
nearshore sediment load is visibly better in this
The southern-most portion of Black Pond is included northern portion of the overall barrier system than
in the State's wildlife management area. Some it is to the south. The water is much clearer and
people fish in the pond from the banks of the State there is no "brown zone" in which surf-carried
land, gaining access to the pond by walking on a sediment can be seen. The State surface water
traditionally used path through the dunes in The quality classification of Lake Ontario here is "A"
Nature Conservancy preserve (See Figure 16). The while Black Pond is classified as "C".
Conservancy plans to put up fencing to control
access along this path and to protect the adjacent
dune areas from dam age caused by pedestrian traffic.
This path is at the southern boundary of the preserve
near the border of the Black Pond WMA. In the
1920s, an outlet of Black Pond may have flowed
through this area.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 39

Figure 19: Snowfencing on an Eroded Dune Face.

Figure 20: Interdunal Area at TNC Preserve.
Figure 20: Interdunal Area at TNC Preserve.

40 Black Pond Resource Area

Summarv of Management Concerns developed. The vegetation is vigorous and there is
in the El Dorado-Beach Preserve: no evidence of overwash. The lack of higher dunes
may be related to past human disturbance and the
Accretion of sand and effect on algae growth at El lack of sand sources sufficient to support dune
Dorado Beach formation when lake levels were lower than at
present. The rocky promontory of El Dorado Beach
Spread of non-indigenous vegetation provides a natural barrier to any northerly littoral
transport of sand, and may have caused a larger
Increased recreational use pressures stemming from reservoir of sand favoring high dune formation to
State's Stony Creek boat launch site build up immediately south of El Dorado Beach.

Unauthorized recreational use Recent fluctuations in Lake Ontario water levels
were clearly indicated by the berm and drift line that
Trespassing ATVs could be seen along sections of the beach in the
WMvA during the summers of 1987 and 1988. During
Human disturbance of migrating and nesting bird the summer of 1986 there was no beach in portions
species of this area. Large amounts of cobbles are found in
some beach sections in the northern part of the
Human disturbance of sand dune vegetation and WMvA.
form a tions
The dunes here are damaged by human use, but not
Erosion of "high" dunes yet to the same extent as the dunes in the Deer
Creek Wildlife Management Area (see Chapter Six).
During peak use times such as the July 4th weekend,
upwards of 100 people have been observed on the
beach in the WMA. Picnicking, swimming and other
The Black Pond Wildlife Management Area activities are prohibited by DEC regulations, but
regularly take place as the area is seldom patrolled
The Black Pond Wildlife Management Area adjacent by a Conservation Officer. Swimming, in fact, has
to and south of the El Dorado Beach Preserve, was been a traditional use here since the time the area
acquired by the State of New York in 1975 and was privately owned. (The previous owner also
includes barrier beach and dune systems as well as owned the land now included in The Nature Conser-
upland and wetland areas behind the barrier. The vancy's preserve and the North Jefferson Park
barrier beach and dune section extends southward residential area. This owner helped develop a
to the North Jefferson Park residential area. (See cottage community to the north and historically
Figure 16.) Part of the wetland portion of the allowed the residents of this community to swim on
wildlife management area also extends southward the beach south of Black Pond in what is now the
and to the east of the residential area. Black Pond Wildlife Management Area.)

As noted earlier, the northern portion of the barrier The DEC's Region 6 has established no special rules
beach system contains a section of high dunes which for management of this area. The DEC's General
extend into The Nature Conservancy's preserve. To Wildlife Management Rules and Regulations apply
the south, the dune system becomes lower and (e.g., no vehicles, boats, camping, etc., are permitted
progressively less well formed, leading to the North unesohrieptd)
Jefferson Park residential area where cottages have Acs otewllf aaeetae sb ml
been built close to the edge of the beach in the batcs (fom the nearbyf Stonygmn Creeki boa smaunchin
natural foredune area. It is not readily apparent why boaclty aswl(sb adfrom the rsdntialb atn reekbatanhn
the dune system in the southern portion of the fclto)a thel asouthland throug the ElDrasdenia areac
wildife anagmentare is ot hgherand orepreserve to the north. (See Figure 21.) It has been

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 41

Figure 21: Northern Boundary of Black Pond WVMA (Southern Boundary
of TNC Preserve) Looking South.

estimated by The Nature Conservancy's land steward speed to 50 mph.)
that about 20% of those who use the beach at the
Black Pond WMA walk to the beach from the Additional human impact on the dunes, especially
residential area, 60-70% arrive by small boat and the in the southern part of the WMA, has been caused
remainder walk through the El Dorado Preserve. by some cottage residents from the area to the south
collecting firewood in the dunes. Also, during the
As in other parts of the barrier system, the dunes spring and fall of 1984, a significant amount of
here are popular places for sunbathing and the swale damage to the wildlife management area was caused
provides a natural picnic area sheltered from the by ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles. These
wind. Climbing on the dunes is a popular activity for unauthorized vehicles gained access from the
picnickers here, and erosion caused by human residential area to the south. (See Figure 23.) The
activity is clearly evident. Some of those that arrive Nature Conservancy's concern over this traffic
by boat are attracted to the high dunes which have contributed to the formation of the Ontario Dune
exposed sand visible from off-shore. Coalition.
I ~~Several of the higher foredune areas are close to
being "notched" at their crests due to the removal of
vegetation by pedestrian traffic. (See Figure 22.)
These notched crests are particularly vulnerable to
erosion accelerated by the "Venturi effect"-a
phenomena whereby wind speeds increase when
forced through a constricted opening. (Wind speeds
are typically higher a short distance above the
ground. If, for example, wind speed at beach level
is 30 mph, the speed at the crest of the dune may be
35 mph and, if a notch in the top of the dune is
I ~~present, the Venturi effect can accelerate the wind

42 Black Pond Resource Area

Figure 22. Sand Dune Subject to "Notching" and Rapid Erosion Caused
by Pedestrian Traffic.

Fiue2:Suhr Budr fBakPndWALoigNrh

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 43

Summary of Manauement Concerns close to the beach in what was once the foredune
in the Black Pond WMA: area. The cottages are built on small lots typically
50 feet in width. There is no longer any well-formed
Increased recreational use pressures stemming from dune system in this area although embryonic dunes
NYS Stony Creek boat launch site stabilized by beach grass have formed in several
Unauthorized re~~~~~~lceations.Se Fiure 24n The lowc lake rsltnwdev elc uig18 and198hv
Unauthorized recre~~~~loations.aSe Fiuse on. the beac landkesutn wierveauig8 and198hv
in the dune system favored this dune development. Sand dune willow
and sand cherry can be found in several areas.

I Trespassing AT~~~~~~~~~s Residents of the area display different attitudes and
Lack of enforcement of existing DEC use regulations awareness regarding shore protection, development
and natural resource protection. Some homeowners
Lack of a specific plan for the wildlife management have allowed dune growth to occur and provide a
area measure of natural shore protection; others have
employed individual structural measures such as rip
Human disturbance of migrating and nesting bird rap, concrete and stone retaining walls and sand
species bags in an effort to protect their property against
erosion. A relatively large rip rap shore protection
Human disturbance of sand dune vegetation and project has recently been constructed by one home-
form ations owner and the effects of this project on the erosion
rates of adjacent properties is of concern to the
Erosion of "high" dunes nearby owners. Some property owners have
expressed an interest in learning more about avail-
able measures for controlling erosion.

North Jefferson Park - Jefferson Park - Sunset Some residents drive through their property to the
Bluff - Eastman Tract Residential Area beach in order to launch small boats. In some
instances, gravel placed on driveways has washed
This management unit actually contains four separate onto the beach and into the lake. The sharp edges
residential neighborhoods between the Black Pond on these stones allow this material to be easily
WMA to the north and Southwick Beach State Park distinguished from the rounded cobbles washed by
to the south. Almost all of the cottages here are the lake-
* ~~used on a seasonal basis. On the eastern or inland
side, the area is also bounded by a portion of the A Town right-of-way al,,o provides access to the
wildlife management area. Some residents recall beach (see Figures 16 and 25) and is a source of
that the Black Pond marsh once drained through the concern to neighborhood residents when non-
barrier in the area that is now known as North residents attempt to gain vehicle access to the
Jefferson Park. adjacent beach areas. Wooden piles have been
placed on the beach to prevent this type of access.
From north to south, the four neighborhoods in this
management unit are: North Jefferson Park, Jeffer- When the parking lot at Southwick Beach State Park
son Park, Sunset Bluff and Eastman Tract. (See is filled on busy days, some of those who can not get
Figure 16.) Residents of these neighborhoods can into the park drive into the residential area on
walk along the beach to the wildlife management Jefferson Park Road to look for beach access.
area to the north and to the State Park to the south. Visitors to the State Park can also enter the residen-
tial area by walking north along the beach. (See
The first cottages were built in the 1920s in the Figure 26.)
Jefferson Park area and development has occurred Sm eiet aeepesdcnenta h

44 Black Pond Resource Area

Figure 24 Beach an Embryo Dnes at Noth Jefferon Park Rsidentia

Figure 24: B~~~~eacnt, EmryDueslativl low-deffesity Prkesidentialar.
(Not~~~~Ae: Litorligtrertokn thosewteraes.n
uskewarigt (exte.,o thei property townrhipio eardls f teoutcoeo qetion inaovingal
properly asscogiated bynn-eidnsadtha the bahownership of cnlictnds tihatsmar l aamnt Cunderlyin

abut lakes, ponds and the shontrelinaftidaly lwaternsithe Residential Area:

bodies. Riparian rights are water access and use
rights associated with ownership of lands that abut Lack of awareness and public education regarding
streams and rivers. These terms, however, are often resource values and natural processes
used interchangeably. In this report, the term
"littoral" will be used to describe the rights associated Unauthorized public access from Southwick Beach and
with the ownership of lands adjacent to Lake Ontario Jefferson Park Road
and the several ponds in the coastal barrier system.)
N~eed for technical assistance for erosion control
TIhe original deeds to the Jefferson Park and Sunset
Bluff properties specified that private ownership Potential negative effects of individual structural
extended "to the water's edge." The annual and erosion control measures on adjacent property
long-term fluctuations of lake levels are said to have
been taken into consideration when these deeds were Uncertainty regarding lakeward extent of private
executed. The "water's edge" reference was property ownership
apparently to ensure that the shore owners would ~
always own an area of beach regardless of high or Conflicts between littoral rights and public rights of
low water levels. beach access

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 45

Bit~~t~

Figure 25: Beach at Town Right-of-Way Looking North.

Figure 26:Northern Boundary of Southwick Beach State Park Looking
North.

46 Black Pond Resource Area

GUIDELINES FOR RESOURCE 2. Monitoring recreational activities and
MANAGEMENT IN THE BLACK POND enforcement of existing regulations for resource
RESOURCE AREA use and protection should be increased.

Some management guidelines for the Black Pond The DEC should attach a higher priority to
Resource Area address needs in more than one enforcement of existing regulations, prohibiting
management unit, while others apply specifically to picnicking and all other activities that may result
a single management unit. in disturbance of the sand dunes in the resource
area. A DEC Conservation Officer should be
1. Special management attention should be directed present during those holiday periods and summer
toward protection of the "high dunes" contained weekends when recreational use is highest. Initial
in the El Dorado Preserve and Black Pond visits by a Conservation Officer should be to
Wildlife Management Area. inform users of existing regulations; citations for
violations should be issued on subsequent patrols.
For management purposes, the high dunes should Those using ATVs and other motorized vehicles
be thought of as a single ecological unit, on The Nature Conservancy and State land
transcending the property boundary between the should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the
El Dorado Beach Preserve and the State's Black law.
Pond Wildlife Management Area. The Nature
Conservancy and the DEC should coordinate The DEC and TNC should consider the formal
management efforts to ensure future protection designation of a single land steward (or special
of the high dunes. The high dune area should group that would have stewardship-related
be designated in policies adopted by The Nature responsibilities) to oversee activities on the
Conservancy and the DEC as a "preservation" barrier portion of both the El Dorado Beach
area to remain in its natural condition. Preserve and the wildlife management area. This
Recreational uses and activities, with the dune "caretaker" person or group could be
exception of supervised visits for scientific study, responsible for monitoring activities, providing
should be prohibited in this area. information to the public and reporting violators
to the appropriate authorities.
To aid in the protection of this area, The Nature
Conservancy should consider changing the Residents of the cottage area to the south of
"management-use" category of all or a portion of the wildlife management area should consider
its preserve to a more restrictive category. forming a citizen watch group that would further
contribute to monitoring activities on the barrier
Fencing should be installed along the north side system and reporting violations, including the
of the traditionally used path which provides use of ATVs in the dunes and in the wildlife
access through the dunes at the southern part of management area.
Black Pond. This fencing should be used to
direct pedestrians along the path and keep 3. New and improved signs and barriers should be
people out of the surrounding dunes. placed to guide resource preservation and
activity.
Efforts to stabilize steep-sloped, eroded portions
of the secondary dunes should begin with New signs should replace current DEC signs
planting and fertilizing shrubs (which will have listing prohibited activities in the WMA. The
greater stabilization effect than grasses) at the signs should identify special, protected resource
base of the eroded areas. Once these shrubs areas where all uses are prohibited as well as
take hold, additional plantings should be placed other areas where limited recreational activities
progressively higher on the exposed sand faces may take place. The Nature Conservancy should
in successive years. post the high dune area as a special resource
area prohibiting human use. Snowfencing should

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 47

be placed in selected areas to not only stabilize 5. Appropriate nonstructural erosion control
dune formations but discourage people from measures should be established by shorefront
walking on the dunes. Information regarding the property owners.
permitted and prohibited uses in the barrier
system should also be posted at all commonly Increased technical assistance regarding erosion
used access points, including the El Dorado control measures should be provided to
Beach Preserve as well as the Stony Creek boat shorefront residents by such agencies as the
launch site. Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation
District, New York Sea Grant Extension, St.
4. A new and detailed plan to guide use and Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission and
management of the Black Pond Wildlife Manage- Department of State. The Ontario Dune
ment Area should be prepared by the DEC. Coalition can play a leading role in coordinating
the provision of this assistance and encouraging
This management plan should specifically address property owners to seek assistance. Technical
the coastal barrier and sand dune portion of the assistance should emphasize the benefits of non-
WMA in addition to the adjacent wetland area. structural erosion control measures and the
The plan should identify the beach in the WMA limitations of structural measures. Property
as suitable for limited public use, while the dune owners should be informed that any structural
system should be identified as a "preservation" measures should be established in coordination
area, in which all human uses are prohibited. with measures to protect adjacent properties.
Measures for the protection of the high dunes Where feasible, property owners should be
should receive special attention in the plan. The encouraged to plant vegetation to encourage
plan should contain a strategy for discouraging sand stabilization and dune formation and, where
recreational use in the dunes and for improving practical, to use common dune walkover struc-
enforcement of current use regulations. Current tures to reach the beach.
prohibitions against all activities potentially
detrimental to the dune system should be rein- 6. The lakeward extent of private property owner-
forced. ship should be clarified, along with the littoral
rights of shorefront property owners and the
A program for stabilizing eroding sand dunes, public's right of beach access.
including identification of appropriate stabiliza-
tion measures such as vegetation plantings and Clarification of the littoral rights of shorefront
snowfencing, should be developed. Priority areas property owners is necessary to resolve current
for application of stabilization measures should disputes among some shorefront residents and
be identified. Priority areas should include those Town of Ellisburg officials and to control public
dune sections in danger of being "notched" as a beach access which may negatively affect
result of pedestrian traffic removing vegetation shorefront areas as well as sand dune resources.
at the dune crest. These areas are in need of
immediate stabilization. Blowouts in the 7. Consistent with the protection of shorefront
foredunes should not be treated as necessarily residential character and the public's right of
more serious and deserving of management beach access, public access along the shoreline
attention than blowouts in the backdunes. A in the residential section of the barrier should
program for improving existing signs (see be limited.
Guideline No. 3 on the preceding page) should
also be included in the plan. The plan should be The beach associated with the residential area
developed by the DEC in coordination with The should not be subject to the same intensity of use
Nature Conservancy. as a public park. Signs placed at the boundary
between the residential area and Southwick
Beach should inform park visitors of restricted
use conditions in the residential area. Park users

48 Black Pond Resource Area

should be notified of private property rights upon
entry into the adjacent park to help reduce
potential conflicts. Vehicles should be prohibited
from entering the beach from the public right-
of-way at the lakeward end of Jefferson Park
Road.

8. Additional study should be conducted to deter-
mine the cause of sand accretion on the El
Dorado Beach shoreline and the potential effect
of this accretion on shorebird habitat.

The Nature Conservancy, with assistance from
interested agencies such as the Department of
State, St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission
and others, should continue to monitor and
evaluate the accretion of sand in the El Dorado
Beach area and, if feasible, conduct a study to
determine the cause of the increasing quantities
of sand which have been building up on the
shoreline in this area just north of the barrier
system. The long-term effect of this accretion
on algae growth and therefore on shorebird
habitat should be addressed. Some relevant
questions are: Is this process a normal occur-
rence over time, or are human activities to the
south accelerating this process in some way? To
what extent do lake level fluctuations affect
littoral processes near El Dorado Beach?

CHAPTER FOUR:

SOUTHWICK-LAKEVIEW RESOURCE AREA

The Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area consists of a diversity of ecosystems including
coastal barrier, wetland, stream and pond systems. The coastal barrier in this area extends
for approximately five miles from the northern boundary of Southwick Beach State Park
to the southern boundary of the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area at the outlet of
South Colwell Pond.

This chapter contains a description of existing conditions and management concerns in
the resource area, and also presents guidelines and recommendations for resource
management. Three management units are identified:

* Southwick Beach State Park;
* Northern barrier spit section of the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area; and
* Southern barrier spit section of the Lakeview WMA.

Southwick Beach State Park, Lakeview Wildlife Management Area
and Lakeview Pond Looking to the South.

50 Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area

EXISTING CONDITIONS IN THE canals and dikes were dredged and constructed
SOUTHWICK-LAKEVIEW RESOURCE through the marshes by the DEC in an effort to
AREA control water levels during dry periods. These
dredging and diking efforts have been discontinued.
The Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area (see Figure
27) consists entirely of two parcels of State-owned The aquatic habitat supports many different species
land (Southwick Beach State Park and Lakeview of fish and wildlife. Black tern, northern harrier
Wildlife Management Area) managed by two and least bittern are all probable or confirmed
different State agencies. The Office of Parks, nesting species in the area. Migratory waterfowl
Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) use the marsh during the spring and fall migrations,
manages Southwick Beach and the Department of and a sizeable concentration of mallards and black
Environmental Conservation manages the wildlife ducks overwinter in the area. Aerial surveys for the
management area. period 1976-1985 indicated average concentrations
of approximately 580 birds in the area each year
The coastal barrier is breached once in this resource (2,438 in the peak year), including 210 black duck
area where two coldwater streams (Sandy Creek and (570 in the peak year), and 160 mallard (500 in the
South Sandy Creek) have a common outlet to Lake peak year), along with lesser numbers of mergansers,
Ontario. This outlet also separates the Lakeview oldsquaw, Canada goose, scaup and common golden-
Wildlife Management Area into northern and eye. Lakeview Marsh also supports a large popula-
southern sections. The dune system becomes tion of furbearing animals and is one of the major
progressively more narrow and lower in elevation muskrat trapping areas in the region. Scattered
from north to south. Dune vegetation consists of upland areas throughout the marsh provide oppor-
beach grass, poison ivy, willow, cottonwood, alder, tunities for hunting various wildlife species, including
grape and other woody shrubs. white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail, ruffed grouse,
woodcock and ring-necked pheasant.
The coastal barrier and associated wetlands in the
resource area encompass some 3,400 acres which The two major streams in this area, Sandy Creek
have been designated by the New York State and South Sandy Creek, support both warmwater
Department of State as a Significant Coastal Fish and coldwater fish species. Northern pike spawn in
and Wildlife Habitat. In addition, this resource area the lower reaches of the creeks and the adjacent
has been designated as a National Natural Landmark ponds. Both streams, upstream to the first impas-
by the U.S. Department of the Interior. (See sable barrier, are significant smallmouth bass
Chapter Two.) The resource area includes several spawning streams important to the Lake Ontario
ponds (Lakeview, Floodwood, Goose, North Colwell, bass population. Coho salmon and chinook salmon
and South Colwell) totaling some 455 acres and are stocked in both the Sandy and South Sandy
varying in depths from 1-10 feet. State water quality Creeks, and steelhead (lake-run rainbow trout) are
classifications are as follows: Lakeview Pond (C); stocked in South Sandy Creek. These salmonids
North Sandy Creek and South Sandy Creek (C); and enter the creeks each fall and spring seeking
Floodwood, Goose, North Colwell and South Colwell spawning habitat. In 1984, approximately 10,000
Ponds (D). coho and 100,000 chinook salmon were released in
each of the streams, and approximately 25,000
The aquatic habitat protected by the coastal barrier steelhead were released in South Sandy Creek.
includes dense stands of cattail, sedge, reed canary
grass and other wetland species and consists of Thehighconcentrationsofsalmonids, incombination
approximately 2,000 acres that have been classified with the naturally rich native fish fauna, have helped
as Class 1 wetlands under the Freshwater Wetlands to create a recreational fisheries resource of major
Act. The wetlands lie at an elevation of about 247 economic significance in the eastern Lake Ontario
feet with the water levels throughout determined by region. Recreational access to this fishery and to the
the level of Lake Ontario. Some years ago, several Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area is provided by
several public boat access facilities.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 51

EASTMAN Haod027
jSOUTHWICK BEACH Corner
so (f STATE PARK
Day Use Beac -

Bec aiilio~n
Camper's Beah ~ LKVE

Lak akviewPn

LAKEVIEW WMA i od
(NORTH SECTION) /7.

Access Area

/ otLaunch Site

(SUHSECTION)

Smith zO
Csdhwell 0

Seasonally Open ~, 9
Outlet' South CoielPn"'
Boat Laurc ie

Figre 27: Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area.

52 Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area

Three coastal barrie "management units" are increase beach use pressures at Southwick Beach.
identified: 1) Southwick Beach State Park; 2) the In response to the Fort Drum expansion the park
northern barrier spit section of the Lakeview Wildlife budget has recently been increased to allow for
Management Area; and 3) the southern barrier spit expansion of facilities and other improvements.
section of the Lakeview WMA.
The primary recreational beach at Southwick is
Southwick Beach State Park located north of the centrally located concession
area. This beach, known as the "day use beach," can
Southwick Beach State Park is bounded on the north accommodate approximately 2,000 people. (See
by the Eastman Tract residential area and on the Figure 28.) South of the concession, the beach is not
south by the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area. supervised by lifeguards and is dedicated for the use
The park is one of three State parks in the eastern of campers. (See Figure 29.) Altogether, the park
Lake Ontario region providing public beach facilities. contains 112 camp sites. The beach south of the
The beach areas at the other two parks (Selkirk pavi'lion area extends about 1/4 mile to the northern
Shores to the south of the barrier system and boundary of the Lakeview Wildlife Management
Westcott Beach to the north), however, are smaller Area.
and much less popular than Southwick Beach.
Southwick Beach is one of the major recreational A small area of low vegetated dunes is found south
attractions in the eastern Lake Ontario region and of the beach camping area. (See Figure 30.) A
the principal public access area on the coastal barrier nature trail extends from the park into the wildlife
system. Because of the "ocean-type" beach environ- management area and intersects the beach just south
ment at Southwick, beach users travel from as far of the southern boundary of the park. (See Figure
away as Rochester and Syracuse to visit the park. 31.) The part of this trail passing through the dunes
Campers visiting the park come from throughout the of the wildlife management area is the site of the
northeast and from other states as well. first public dune walkover structure constructed in
the eastern Lake Ontario barrier system. (See
Expansion of the Army's Fort Drum (less than an following description of Lakeview WVMA, North

hour's drive away) is expected to dramatically Section.)

Figure 28. Day-Use Swimming Beach Looking North.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 53

Figure 29: Camper's Beach South of Beach Pavilion.

~~~~~~Fgr 0 ec n o ue erSuhr onayo tt ak

~~~~~~~~LoingSuhTwr aeiwW

LAKE VIE W- SOLITHWICKS TRAIL SYSTEM enk

~~~~~~~~~~. .h -. ....... .a~~mcm

- ~~~~~~~/~~~444444~~~~~.. .....C.g-d..~fii

,z ~~.. hl
N.- % ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-.,..h....JA1

Dune ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~an cowr~V~

~~- [a~evie NAGPOld ____

-AIM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LAAC~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~C

Figure 31: Southwick-Lakeview Trail System.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 55

Visitors to the park commonly enter the Lakeview were established. Prior to State acquisition the area
WMA to walk along the beach, enter the dunes, was owned by a single family for a number of years.
swim and picnic even though the latter two activities Within the overall wildlife management area (includ-
are prohibited by DEC regulations. Swimming often ing both north and south sections as described
occurs along the WMA shoreline, for example, when below), separate public use and natural beach areas
the swimming beach at Southwick is closed because have been designated. Within the public use area,
of dangerous conditions such as high surf and rip which consists of the pond and wetland areas
currents. This unauthorized use of the WMA places landward of the barrier beach, hunting, trapping and
an added burden on park personnel who must fishing are permitted consistent with appropriate
provide emergency assistance even though the WMA State laws.
is outside park jurisdiction. (Park personnel current-
ly have no authority to enforce DEC regulations Since January 1970, the barrier portion of thewildlife
governing use of the WMA.) As described in management area has been designated as a "natural
Chapter Three, some park visitors also walk north- beach area" by the DEC. The natural beach area is
ward from the Southwick beach into the nearby also open for public use subject to the following
residential area. special regulations which are posted throughout the
area:
Unauthorized ATVs, some used by hunters, have
entered the park in the spring and fall, but seldom 1. Erecting or posting any sign or notice is prohibited except
pose a problem in the summer. as permitted by the Department.
2. Building, maintaining or using a fire is prohibited except in
an area provided for that purpose.
Summary of Management Concerns
at Southw~ick Beach State Park. 3. Operating any musical instrument, radio, television set,
phonograph or tape recorder, or making any excessive or
Increased recreational use pressure caused by Fort unnecessary noise in any manner is prohibited.
Drum Expansion 4. Erecting or maintaining a camp, tent or structure of any
kind is prohibited.
Unauthorized activities at Lakeview WMA resulting 5. Injuring, defacing, disturbing or befouling any part of an
in need for emergency assistance from park area or any building, sign, equipment or other property
personnel found thereon is prohibited.

Difficulties in coordinating park management efforts 6. Removing, injuring or destroying any tree, flower, fern,
with DEC management of Lakeview WMA shrub, rock, sand, or other plant or mineral is prohibited.
7. Disposing of any garbage, sewage, metal or glass containers,
Lack of detailed long-range recreation management refuse, waste, fruit, vegetables, foodstuffs, paper or other
plan coordinated with Lakeview WMA litter or obnoxious material is prohibited except in recep-
tacles provided for such purposes.
8. Trapping, hunting or discharging firearms is prohibited.

Lakeview Wildlife Management Area 9. Swimming or bathing is prohibited.

The entire Lakeview Wildlife Management Area 10. Using motorized equipment is prohibited.
consisting of about 3,500 acres was acquired by the 11. Picnicking is prohibited.
State of New York during the 1960s using public
funds raised through passage of a State land acquis-
ition bond act. In the late 1800s the area was used
as a private hunting preserve and the Lakeview
Hotel (no longer in existence) and Hunting Club

56 Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area

The barrier beach and dune section of the Lakeview An old outlet of Lakeview Pond passed through the
Wildlife Management Area is naturally divided into barrier and was closed off in the late 1960s. This
north and south areas by the combined outlet of outlet may have originally been opened through a
Sandy Creek and South Sandy Creek. (See Figure blowout in the dunes. The potential for other
32.) For management purposes it is useful to think blowouts in the foredunes exists and is of concern in
of the north and south sections as separate barrier terms of the resulting impacts on the marsh behind
system management units. the barrier.

Lakeview Wildlife Management Area The shoreline here is typical of the shoreline
(North Section) throughout the barrier system in that it is not
straight, but is crenulated with large beach cusps that
This northern section of barrier beach in the Lake- give the shoreline a scalloped appearance. During
view WMA is actually a barrier spit (connected to extended periods of calm, the shoreline is generally
land at one end only) that measures over 2.5 miles straighter than during windy periods.
between the Sandy Creek outlet and Southwick
Beach. The depth and volume of flow through the The more southern section of the barrier spit
outlet prevents pedestrian traffic between the north provides habitat for a variety of shorebird species
and south sections of the wildlife management area. and during the 1950s the wildlife management area
provided nesting sites for eagles and ospreys. Due
Higher dunes and more mature vegetation are found to the narrowness of the beach in this area, however,
nearer Southwick Beach; the barrier narrows and it appears that nesting shore birds and recreational
the dunes become progressively lower toward the use can not coexist.
outlet. Old photos of the Coast Guard station that
once existed near the mouth of Sandy Creek and Dune vegetation includes beach grass, cottonwoods,
South Sandy Creek show that 50 to 60 foot high un- white pines, evening primrose, cherry, heartleaf
vegetated dunes could be found here. willow, wormwood, grapes, poison ivy and sea spurge.

Access to this northern section of the wildlife

Figure 32: Combined Outlet of Sandy Creek and South Sandy Creek.4

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 57

management area is from Southwick Beach State tion with the existing trail system and its location in
Park and by boat from Lake Ontario and from the a relatively heavily used section of the barrier system,
inland side of the barrier. In addition to the blowout the portion of the trail through the dunes was
section now protected by the dune walkover (see selected by the Ontario Dune Coalition as the site
below), the dunes in the northern part of the area of the first public dune walkover project in the
have been damaged by human use. A number of barrier system. (See Figure 34.) Construction of the
trails have been worn throughout this section of the walkover project, funded by the New York State
barrier, some leading to "party areas" in the inter- Department of State, was completed in October of
dunal area and some crossing the barrier to Lake- 1988. Just inland of the walkover, however, passage
view Pond. (See Figure 33.) on the trail has been interrupted for over two years
by the washout of a footbridge that remains to be
The dune system near the outlet of Sandy Creek and replaced by the DEC.
South Sandy Creek is less impacted by human use.
This is because of the relative remoteness of the A major purpose of this walkover structure is to
area: it is a fair distance to Southwick Beach to the focus pedestrian movement onto a designated and
north and the outlet channel which is deep year restricted pathway through the dunes and thereby
round does not permit pedestrian traffic from the reduce the ongoing destruction of stabilizing vegeta-
south section of the wildlife management area. tion caused by unrestricted access to the beach over
Debris flowing through the mouth of the creeks has the foredune. The structure also serves an educa-
washed onto the beach in the wildlife management tional purpose, illustrating the benefits of wise
area. resource management in the barrier system, and
provides an elevated view of the barrier system
Southwick-Lakeview Dune Walkover. A nature trail environment.
through Southwick Beach State Park extends into the
wildlife management area, passing through the dunes The structure is intended to serve as a model for
and intersecting the beach just south of the park other, similar structures that may be needed in other
boundary. (See Figure 31.) Because of its connec- portions of the barrier system. The major part of the

FiyA

4 -T

Figure 33: Pedestrian Pathway Through the Dunes at Lakeview WMA.

58 Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area

Figure 34: Dune Walkover Structure at Lakeview WMA.

structure, including that part passing over the Given all of these existing uses, it is not difficult to
primary dune, is elevated to accommodate natural understand why some public confusion has arisen
sand migration(allowing formovementofwindblown over the purpose of the wildlife management area.
sand), growth of vegetation, ease of maintenance, Some users of the area have expressed the attitude
and enhancement of scenic views. The elevation of that because this land was acquired with public funds
the structure at the primary dune line is intended to a variety of uses should be permitted. Signs posted
facilitate the closure of the existing blow-out. - by the DEC listing a number of prohibited activities
(although violations are often not enforced) are seen
Public Uses. Although picnicking and swimming are by some to contribute to negative public attitudes
prohibited by DEC regulations, the area is patrolled regarding resource protection objectives. Expansion
only irregularly by Conservation Officers, and of Fort Drum is anticipated to further complicate the
enforcement of existing regulations is difficult. existing problems by doubling the use pressures on
Swimming often occurs here when the beach at the wildlife management area in the next decade.
Southwick is closed for safety reasons. ATV traffic
is also prohibited but these vehicles have been Recognizing the difficulties in enforcing the current
operated in the dunes, particularly during the spring prohibitions on swimming and picnicking, DEC
and fall when entrance through the park is less Region 6 considered allowing swimming and picnick-
supervised. A cable formerly placed across the ing on the barrier beach within the northern section
beach at the northern boundary of the wildlife of the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area. Since
management area to discourage the entrance of swimming and picnicking were not seen by the DEC
ATVs could not withstand the effects of high water to interfere with any of the general purposes of
and is no longer in place. Dogs on the barrier beach wildlife management areas or to adversely impact the
also cause problems by eroding the dunes and sand dunes, the DEC proposed to permit these uses
disturbing shorebirds, effectively preventing poten- in the wildlife management area in 1986. This
tial nesting. Surfing takes place in the spring and the proposal received opposition from several groups
fall and some people ride bicycles on the hard- concerned with environmental resource protection.
packed sand by the water's edge. These groups argued that increased human-induced

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 59

destruction of the dunes would accompany sanc- Lakeview Wildlife Manaeement Area
tioned use of the beach. The OPRHP, responsible (South Section)
for management of the adjacent Southwick Beach
State Park, also opposed the proposal due to a The south section of the coastal barrier at the
number of potential management problems that were Lakeview Wildlife Management Area is bounded on
not addressed. As a result, the DEC's proposal was the north by the combined outlet of Sandy Creek and
not implemented. South Sandy Creek and on the south by the outlet
of South Colwell Pond. (See Figure 35.) The barrier
shoreline here is slightly more than 1.5 miles long.
Summarvy of Management Concerns The outlet of South Colwell Pond is seasonally
in Lakeview North: closed; it typically becomes plugged with sand during
the summer due to reduced outflows. (See Figure
Increased recreational use pressures caused by Fort 36.) This allows pedestrian access to the south
Drum expansion portion of the WMA by local residents from the
Montario Point residential area to the south. Since
Difficulties in coordinating the DEC's the Montario Point area is privately owned and no-
WMA management efforts with trespassing signs are posted, the degree of public use
the OPRHP's management of Southwick Beach is more limited in the south section of the WMA.

Spill-over ofpark visitors from Southwick Beach When the South Colwell Pond outlet is opened by
increased runoff and flow from the pond, the barrier
Potential negative impacts associated with allowing here can be defined as a "barrier island". Access to
more intensive recreational use in a portion of the the barrier is also possible by small boat or canoe
WTIMA launched from State boat launching sites in South
Colwell Pond and South Landing.
Delay in replacing washed-out bridge on dune
walkover trail This management unit shows less signs of recent
human use impacts than any of the other barrier
Unauthorized recreational uses portions of the wildlife management areas in the
(swimming, picnicking, etc.) barrier system. (See Figure 37.) There is evidence,
however, of much past disturbance with numerous
Trespassing ATVs wind-caused blowouts in the foredunes. Conditions
would appear favorable for dune development here,
Difficulties with enforcement of existing but because the dunes are of only mid-size, it would
use regulations appear that some human disturbance has historically
taken place. The presence of a "medano" dune (a
Impacts of recreational use on shorebirds in migratory type of dune characterized by a single high
southern part of area hill somewhat parabolic in shape with a steep
leeward slope) in the area provides evidence of past
Human disturbance of sand dune vegetation and disturbance. This type of dune is generally an
formations indicator of previous widespread dune destabilization.

Lack of detailed long range management plan for Primary and secondary dune lines interrupted by
the WMA numerous blowouts are found throughout most of
the area. Mature stands of cottonwoods are scat-
tered throughout, although in some sections 70-80%
of the interdunal area is open, unvegetated sand. In
some of the interdunal areas, wetland-like conditions
are found where the sand has been blown away to
the groundwater level. The water table in the dune

60 Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area

aS,,'' -i.., ... a :-
..... 'aF! ;Q J. .: 2 ; - :t '

Figure 35: South Colwell Pond and Coastal Barrier at Lakeview WMA (South
Section).

Figure 36: "Closed" Outlet at South Colwell Pond.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 61

Figu-re 37: Relatively Undisturbed Beach at Lakeview WA(South
I' ~ ~~~~~~~~Section).

Figure 38: South Sandy Creek, Small Boat Access Point and Pedestrian
Pathway Through the Dunes on Coastal Barrier at Lakeview
WMA (South Section).

62 Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area

area here as throughout the barrier system is slightly improved management coordination is necessary
higher than lake level. to respond to increasing use pressures, including
those pressures resulting from expansion of Fort
The beach in the northern part of this area near the Drum. Without this coordination, the continued
outlet of Sandy Creek and South Sandy Creek spill-over of users from the park can be expected
provides valuable habitat for shorebirds. This area to result in increased adverse impacts on natural
is also used for recreational activities. A traditionally resource values in an increasingly larger portion
used small boat and canoe access point is found on of the WMA to the south as well as conflicts with
the back side of the barrier near the outlet, and private property owners in the residential neigh-
hikers and picnickers have worn a path through the borhood to the north. Also, improved coordina-
back dune in this area. (See Figure 38 on previous tion (to replace the washed-out bridge which has
page.) The channel behind the barrier is relatively affected the park's trail system, for example) is
deep and the creek flows with high velocity at times necessary to ensure optimum public enjoyment
as evidenced by erosion of the bank at the back side of these public lands.
of the barrier.I
As a first step toward achieving improved man-
agement coordination, the DEC and the OPRHP
Summary of Mana-aement Concerns should initiate formal discussions to review the '
in Lakeview South: conditions and issues affecting both the park and
the WMA. The two agencies should reach
Unauthorized recreational activities consensus on current and expected future man-
agement concerns and agree on the need to
Difficulties with enforcement of existing regulations respond to the increasing use pressures in a
coordinated way. Agreement should also be
Conflicts between recreational use and shorebirds reached on the need to prepare detailed and
coordinated management plans as described
Human disturbance of sand dune vegetation and below.
formations
2. Detailed, coordinated plans to guide use and
Lack of detailed long-range management plan for the management of the State Park and wildlife
protection of this least disturbed section of WM~vA management area should be prepared.

These management plans should be developed
GUIDELINES FOR RESOURCE by the OPRLIP and the DEC to accommodate
MANAGEMENT IN THE SOUTHWICK- increased recreational use in appropriate loca-
LAKEVIEW RESOUTRCE AREA tions as well as to protect sensitive natural
resources. The plans should identify areas for
The priority management recommendation for this concentrated recreational use and areas for the
resource area cuts across the boundary between preservation of natural resource values.
Southwick Beach State Park and Lakeview Wildlife
Management Area to address the need for increased With regard to Southwick Beach, the OPRHP
coordination in the management of these two areas. should consider long-term expansion of the
existing public beach area by utilizing the area
1. Improved coordination between the OPRJ-IP and currently reserved for camping to the south of
the DEC in the management of the State Park the beach pavilion. In the future, pressures for
and wildlife management area is necessary. beach use may necessitate use of this additional
area for swimming and picnicking.
Because of the interrelationship between use of
the State park and wildlife management area, The management plan should address the pos-
sibility of establishing a nursery for beach grass

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 63

at Southwick Beach that can be used by State area.
agencies and shorefront residents to help stabi-
lize dune formations in the barrier system. To Authorization for expanded recreational use
the extent possible, the OPRHP should en- here, however, would have to be balanced by
courage the growth of small sand dunes inland increased protection of natural areas elsewhere
of the active beach areas. OPRHP should also on the barrier beach in the WMA. (See Guide-
investigate the feasibility of acquiring adjacent, line No. 5 on the following page). The establish-
undeveloped upland areas to accommodate park ment of a special recreational use area would
expansion. "legalize" some existing unauthorized uses such
as swimming and sunbathing on the beach that
For the Lakeview WMA, the management plan have little adverse effect on the WMA, but must
should specifically address the coastal barrier and be accompanied by measures to effectively
sand dune portion of the WMA in addition to prohibit destructive unauthorized uses in the
the wetland portion. In formulating the plan, the dune system away from the beach. Designating
following guidelines should be followed. a special recreation area will require careful
monitoring and control of activities by authorized
3. A program for stabilizing eroding sand dunes in personnel.
the WMA should be established.
Appropriate methods for ensuring effective
This program should include identification of management of the area, including special
appropriate stabilization measures such as veg- management controls and regulations, should be
etation plantings and sand fencing. Priority areas developed jointly by the DEC and the OPRHP.
for stabilization measures should be identified, Because of proximity to the State Park, primary
including areas in need of immediate manage- responsibilities for monitoring and enforcement
ment attention. would most logically be assumed by the OPRHP,
and the OPRHP should be involved in the
The establishment of additional dune walkover development of policies for resource use and
structures in appropriate locations should be management in this area. For OPRHP to assume
considered. The rate of closure of this blow-out these responsibilities, however, an expanded
should be monitored as a measure of the walk- operating budget will be required. One option
over's effectiveness. to be explored for coordinating management
responsibilities between the OPRHP and the
4. The designation of a special recreational use DEC is the development of a Memorandum of
area within a relatively small section of the Agreement (MOA) between the two agencies.
WMA near the park should be pursued. This MOA could provide specific authority for
the OPRHP to manage and supervise a specific
In order to best accommodate increased use section of the WMA designated for special
pressures, it may be feasible and desirable to recreation use, and establish prohibitions on un-
designate the northernmost section of the coastal authorized uses in adjacent areas identified by
barrier beach within the WMA as a special the DEC.
0 ~recreational use area. This designation might
allow for more concentrated and active recrea- The actual transfer of property from the DEC
tional activities by park visitors in a clearly to the OPRHP to accommodate expanded recre-
defined and carefully managed section of the ational use in the State Park would be a long-
WMA adjacent to the park. Authorization for term option for consideration. This option
more active recreational use of this area would should be considered only if future use pressures
require revision of the current rules and regula- become too great to handle within existing park
tions governing use of this section of the WMA. boundaries and resource values on the barrier
For example, current WMA prohibitions against within the WMA are being adversely affected by
swimming and picnicking would be lifted in this uncontrolled and unauthorized recreational uses

64 Southwick-Lakeview Resource Area

spilling over from the park. controls, the DEC should attach a higher priority
to enforcement of existing regulations that apply
If this area is deemed suitable for more active to all activities that may disturb the sand duneI
recreational use, additional facilities and struc- ecosystem in the WVMA. A Conservation Officer
tures to complement the dune walkover de- should be assigned to patrol the area at least
scribed in Guideline No. 6 below should be con- during those holiday period's and summer week-
sidered for development. ends when recreational use is highest. Initial
patrols should be to inform users of existing
5. Along with designation of a special recreational regulations: citations for violations should be
use area in the northernmost section of the issued on subsequent visits.
wildlife management area, more restrictive use
controls should be considered for application in 7. New and improved signs and barriers should be
other sections of the V/MA.. placed to guide resource use and activity.

The major portion of the coastal barrier in the These signs should replace current DEC signs
wildlife management area, including all but the listing prohibited activities in the wildlife manage-
beachfront adjacent to Southwick Beach in the ment area. The new signs should identify special,
north section and all of the south section, should protected resource areas as well as areas where
be designated as a protected natural beach area. limited recreational activities may take place. A
All current use restrictions should remain in complete listing of use regulations and prohibi-
effect in the south section, and more restrictive tions should be provided at the entry gate to
controls should be established for the part of the Southwick Beach which is the principal point ofI
north section adjacent to the proposed special access to the wildlife management area, rather
recreational use area. than on small, posted notices in the V/MAN

The more restrictive use controls should be Snowfencing should be placed in selected areas
directed toward protection of the dune ecosystem to not only stabilize dune formations (see Guide-
from human disturbance and protection of line No. 3) but discourage people from walking
shorebird habitat. For example, an area might on the dunes.
be designated north of Sandy Creek in which
passage along the beach might be prohibited More prominent signs and a physical barrier
during shorebird nesting periods. should be placed at the boundary between
Southwick Beach and the residential area to the
During other times of the year, the beach in most north to discourage park visitors from entering
of the WMvA should be identified as suitable for the residential area. Users of Southwick BeachI
limited public use. The dune system, however, should be advised that the privilege of using the
should be identified as a natural resource "pres- beach can be revoked if impacts on adjacent
ervation" area in which human activities are residential areas occur. The public may have the
prohibited or strictly limited. right to walk along the beach (or in the water),
but this should not be misconstrued as the right
6. Monitoring activities and enforcement of existing to use private property like a public park.
regulations for resource use and protection
should be improved. In coordination with construction of the dune
walkover project, signs should be erected along
It is clear that the designation of a special the nature trail to provide scientific and educa-
recreational use area and imposition of more tional information pertaining to sand dune
restrictive use controls will require increased ecology. Signs providing information on special
monitoring and enforcement capabilities on the resource areas and use restrictions on the barrier
part of both the OPRHP and the DEC. In system should also be placed at the small boat
addition to the enforcement of any new use launching sites providing access to the V/MA.

CHAPTER FIVE:

NORTH AND SOUTH SANDY PONDS
RESOURCE AREA

This resource area, centered on North Sandy Pond, contains the largest barrier-pond
ecosystem on Lake Ontario.

Included in this chapter is a review of existing conditions and management concerns in
the resource area. Guidelines and recommendations for resource management are also
presented. Five management units are identified:

* Montario Point-Cranberry Pond;
* North Sandy Pond north spit;
iNorth Sandy Pond south spit;
t Sandy Island Beach; and
� South Pond barrier.

"Relict" Sand Dune on the North Spit with North Sandy Pond in the Background.

66 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

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Figure 39 South Sandy Pond NorLh Sandy Pond and the Coast P Barrier Looking to tk. North

(Photograph protdcd by Ray Buecheler Carnillus New York)

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 67

EXISTING CONDITIONS IN THE NORTH the four are designated by the New York Depart-
AND SOUTH SANDY PONDS RESOURCE ment of State as significant coastal fish and wildlife
AREA habitats. Sizeable areas of emergent wetlands have
formed at the lower ends of these tributaries and in
The North and South Sandy Ponds (see Figures 39 small sheltered bays at the north (Renshaw Bay) and
and 40) and the fish and wildlife habitat associated south ends of the pond. The State water quality
with the ponds have been designated by the New classification of North Sandy Pond is "B"; the tribu-
York Department of State as a Significant Coastal taries are classified "C".
Fish and Wildlife Habitat encompassing some 3,000
acres. Although human activities in the area have South Sandy Pond contains about 300 acres of open
resulted in considerable habitat disturbance (develop- water area separated from Lake Ontario by a narrow
ment pressures have increased in recent years and barrier. There is no direct exchange of water
the ponds receive intense boating, fishing and other between South Sandy Pond and Lake Ontario, but
recreational use during the summer months), these the pond is connected to North Sandy Pond by a
ponds serve as a major concentration area for many shallow and narrow channel. Sandy Island Beach,
fish and wildlife species. a commercial beach open to the public for a fee, is
located on the barrier near the connecting channel.
North Sandy Pond, also known as North Pond and South Pond is deeper than North Pond-up to 30
Big Sandy Pond, contains approximately 2,300 acres feet deep in some places. Adjacent to the pond are
of open water area with dense beds of submerged approximately 220 acres of emergent marsh, scrub-
aquatic vegetation. The pond is about 3 miles long shrub wetland and forested wetland. The water
and 1 to 1/2 miles wide. Although much of the quality classification of the pond is "C".
pond is no deeper than 10-12 feet, the submerged
vegetation effectively reduces these depths through- North and South Sandy Ponds provide important
out much of the pond. North Sandy Pond is con- habitat values for both pond and lake-based fisheries.
nected to Lake Ontario by a shallow, constantly The dense beds of submerged aquatic vegetation, the
shifting inlet approximately 300 feet wide and flanked relatively high water quality, sandy substrates,
on both sides by barrier spits. On the lake side of wetlands and tributaries create favorable conditions
the barrier beach, the bottom is sandy and slopes for spawning and nursery use by many species. The
gently to a 12 foot depth about 1,500 feet offshore. overall abundance of fish in North and South Sandy
Ponds has been found to be among the highest of
The length of the barrier from Montario Point south any location in eastern Lake Ontario. Previous
to the inlet, including the north spit, is slightly over studies have documented at least 20 warmwater
two miles. The south spit also extends for slightly species in the area including gizzard shad, brown
over two miles. The barrier spits contain extensive bullhead, white perch, yellow perch, largemouth bass,
and well-developed sand dune formations, including pumpkinseed, bluegill, rock bass and northern pike.
high dunes on both the north and south spits. (See North Pond is a major concentration area for yellow
Figure 41.) The Corps of Engineers has estimated perch in Lake Ontario; the population overwinters
Lake Ontario shoreline recession rates on the spits and spawns in the pond from late April to July.
for several historical periods. Recession rates are Concentrations of white sucker, smallmouth bass,
consistently higher on the overwash flats flanking the alewife and various salmonid species occur in North
inlet and the area of lower sand dunes on the south Pond prior to and after spawning runs in the major
spit. The high dunes provide sediment to the beach tributaries. The abundance and diversity of the
during storms thereby slowing the rate of shore fisheries resources in the two ponds provide impor-
recession in the high dune areas. tant opportunities for recreational fishing.

Tributaries to the pond are the Little Sandy, Blind, North and South Sandy Ponds also provide important
Lindsey and Skinner Creeks. These tributaries are habitats for many wildlife species. Studies of the
important cold-water fisheries habitats and three of area have documented at least 50 species of breeding
birds, eight species of mammals and six species of

68 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

MONTARIO PT.
CRANBERRY
POND

Co ~~~~~~~n's Marina

High Dunes , esa a

Pon ~sMarina

SPIT ICGren Pin

InleD CthSanne
M~~~EANCH~ LVfON20fE

Sandy is.RnyI eh

BEACH S outhpo

Beacno ho*.. Ru res
Residential Ae

RainbowSoe

Figure 40: North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 69

Profile

o 260

~~~~~~C

ond

Source: St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission,
"A Proposed Coastal Management Program for
the Eastern Shore Dune-Bay-Wetland Complex",
1979.

300

- - 240,0 00 004 0~~~~~CO 00 400O 000 030 703 fet?
agto

40 ;. 280L0no

0 0o 0 f
0/ 000 c~ o30 $00o 4000s6 feet

Figure 41: Profile of Barrier Spits.

amphibians and reptiles in the resource area. The Other wildlife species found in and around the ponds
highest diversity of species occurs in the largest include white-tailed deer, beaver, raccoon, mink,
undisturbed wetland areas, such as the north and muskrat, greenfrog, northern leopard frog and
south ends of each pond. These wetlands serve as painted turtle.
nesting and feeding areas for a variety of waterfowl
and other marsh birds, including green-backed heron, The coastal barrier in the North and South Sandy
American bittern, least bittern, mallard, wood duck, ponds area is an integral part of the fish and wildlife
blue winged teal, Virginia and sora rails, common habitat. The barrier and its extensive sand dune
moorhen, black tern, belted kingfisher, marsh wren, formations protect the ponds from prevailing winds,
red-winged blackbird and swamp sparrow. For many buffer water level fluctuations in potential nesting
years, the last remaining colony of common terns on areas, and provide a refuge for concentrations of
the New York side of Lake Ontario has nested on waterfowl during spring and fall migrations. The
a low-lying island just south of Carl Island in North barrier spits are heavily used as feeding and resting
Pond, with an estimated 35-40 pairs present in 1984 areas by large numbers of migrant shorebirds, and
and 1985, down from 100 pairs in 1982. No more the undeveloped dunes provide a valuable migration
than 20 pairs were observed in 1988. stop for many species. Birds in southward overland

70 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

migration tend to funnel to the east and west of sheltered conditions for the development of recrea-
North Sandy Pond as they approach from the north, tional boating facilities, and several privately operat-
and thus a concentration of migrating birds can be ed marina facilities have been developed on the
found along the barrier. The abundance and Pond. A large number of charter fishing boats also
diversity of avian species occurring in this area is operate out of the ponds. In 1986, 55 charter fishing
rarely equaled elsewhere on Lake Ontario, and boats operated from North Sandy Pond. By 1988 the
North and South Sandy Ponds are therefore regarded number of charter fishing boats operating from the
as critical avian habitat and one of the prime bird pond had grown to approximately 100.
watching locations in the Great Lakes coastal region.
Development of additional boating facilities has been
Vegetation on the barrier includes quaking aspen, limited in part, however, by the narrow, shallow and
sugar maple, black cherry and red oak on the back shifting entrance channel between the barrier spits
dunes with some trees estimated at 50 to 100 years (See Figure 42). This channel is currently marked
old with diameters of up to two feet. Other species by private aids to navigation maintained by the New
found in the dunes include cottonwood, black gum, York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
common rush, black grass and several species of Preservation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
willow, silverweed and wormwood. These barrier Buffalo District, has studied the feasibility of provid-
plant communities represent dynamic ecosystems ing federal navigation improvements in this entrance
and as such provide considerable natural habitat channel and in 1986 described two alternative plans
and dune stabilization values as well as opportunities for improvement. One plan involved dredging a new
for ecological study. entrance channel, stabilized by breakwaters, through
the barrier on the south spit. The other would
The land surrounding the two ponds is privately provide a I100 foot wide dredged channel through the
owned and much of it is developed for seasonal and existing inlet. This second option, providing for a
year-round residential use. North Sandy Pond, dredged channel 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep
because it is protected from the open waters of Lake through the present opening is currently being
Ontario by the coastal barrier system, provides considered by the Corps for implementation.

Figure 42: North Pond Inlet; North Pond in Foreground.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 71

Maintenance of this channel, should it be dredged, Four historical inlet locations have been identified
would be required at frequent intervals due to rapid on the coastal barrier at North Sandy Pond. (See
inlet shoaling. This shoaling is caused by the long- Figure 43.) Based on review of historical evidence,
shore movement of sand, wave overwash and delta the Corps of Engineers suggests these inlets closed
formation, and takes place even during short term over time because flow from the pond can only
lake level fluctuations set up by wind shear. support a single outlet. The older inlets eventually
Establishing a more permanent channel would closed completely as soon as a new outlet broke
remove a major natural deterrent to additional through a narrow stretch of the barrier elsewhere.
boating activities in the Pond, and increase the
potential for additional impacts on the natural Three of the principal natural factors affecting
environment. coastal barrier system dynamics can be seen at work

Scal~e: k

z
o~~~EQ~

--A C

--- ~~~~ource: USACE, Section 107
Initial Appraisal
Report, North Sandy Pond"
Past and Present Inlets (not dated).
A: Prior to 1829 D: 1958 to 1976
B: 1829 to 1911 E: 1973 to Present
C: 1911 to 1959

Figure 43: Past and Present Inlets.

72 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

in the North Pond area. These are: inlet migration, The Cranberry Pond barrier contains no sand dune
washover events and wind-driven sand transport. formations and consists of basically tillish, rocky and
bluff type shoreline. (See Figure 44.) ResidentialI
The Town of Sandy Creek is currently participating development extends from the closed outlet of South
in a resource management planning program spon- Colwell Pond (described in Chapter Four) southward
rsored by the St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commis- to the natural sand dune formations near the end of
sion and focusing on the Sandy Ponds area. A Sandy Renshaw Bay Road. This section of shoreline does
Pond Resource Management Committee has been not contain the same type of dynamic beach and
appointed by the Town Board to oversee this study dune system found throughout most of the eastern
which is scheduled for completion in the summer of Lake Ontario barrier system.
1989 and is intended to result in recommendations
for resource use and managefibent in this area. Cranberry Pond is a shallow pond with heavy
submerged aquatic growth separated from the lake
The coastal barrier portion of the North and South by a narrow barrier. (See Figure 45.) The pond is
Sandy Ponds Resource Area can be described in surrounded primarily by woody vegetation. In the
terms of five management units: 1) Montario Point- past, water has flowed from the pond to the lake
Cranberry Pond; 2) North Sandy Pond north spit; through an earthen dam either built or modified by '
3) North Sandy Pond south spit; 4) Sandy Island beavers. The presence, however, of both live and
Beach; and 5) South Pond barrier. dead flooded deciduous trees and aquatic shrubs
suggest that a different water regime was present in
Montario Point-Cranberry Pond the recent past. Stabilized, elevated water levels
resulting from damming would account for this type
The Cranberry Pond and the associated coastal of plant community composition.
barrier are functionally independent of the larger
environmental system defined by the North and
South Sandy Ponds but, because of their proximity

to the larger system, are described here.

Figure 44: Rocky Shoreline North of Montario Point Road.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 73

Figure 45: Cranberry Pond and Coastal Barrier.

North Sandy Pond North Spit extent now evident. The survival rate of the shrub
plantings (Norway spruce), however, was very low
This portion of the eastern Lake Ontario barrier due in part to winter snowmobile damage and winter
system consists of a barrier spit extending from the desiccation.
northern edge of high dunes near the end of
Renshaw Bay Road southward to the Sandy Pond South of Renshaw Bay Road, high dunes with steep,
inlet. This spit, averaging about 550 feet wide, exposed sand faces subject to accelerated erosion are
contains some of the most impressive dunes (up to found. (See Figure 47.) Ongoing erosion is evi-
70 feet above lake level) in the overall barrier system denced by the large fallen trees along the beach and
as well as sand flats near the inlet. (See Figure 40.) the exposed root systems of still standing trees on the
dune crests. The broken remains of one house built
In the northern portion of the spit along Renshaw too near the Lake Ontario shoreline can also be
Bay Road, seasonal homes have been built in the seen. When the large trees eventually fall they will
high dunes. As in other developed sections of the take large amounts of sand with them, further
barriersystem, propertyownersheredisplaydifferent accelerating erosion of the dunes. The high lake
attitudes and awareness regarding natural resource levels prior to the summer of 1987 caused much of
use and protection. Some individual homeowners the erosion impacts now evident. The effects of
have undertaken sand stabilization projects using those high lake levels were noted by one property
beach grass and shrub plantings. (See Figure 46.) owner in describing the loss during the winter of 1987
The beach grass that has been used is the Cape Cod of a tree estimated to be 70 years old.
variety of American beachgrass purchased from a
nursery in Michigan. The strands appear thicker The north spit also includes the largest wind-caused
than those of the indigenous plants but this may be dune blowout in the eastern Lake Ontario barrier
due to heavy application of fertilizer when the grass system. (See Figure 48.) The only other large
was planted. Two or three years were required blowout is at Sandy Island Beach, several miles to the
before these beach grass plantings stabilized to the south (see page 82). The initial cause of this blow-
out, and to what extent human disturbance helped

74 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

i!..,.,MENNEN

gure i: unes ta ze y eac rass on the North Spit.

eDune Suct to Accelerated Erosion on the
North Spit.

zmp

rth Spit.~~~~~~~~~~~

76 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

to create it, is uncertain. It has been in existence, of the south spit are the last remaining privately
however, in the recollection of at least one area resi- owned, undeveloped and unprotected sections of the
dent, for over 30 years. Large quantities of sand are eastern Lake Ontario barrier system that provide
being blown through this area, resulting in a large valuable habitat for shorebirds and other avian
mound of advancing sand being deposited on the species.
North Pond side of the spit. This advancing sand
caused one property owner to move his affected The sand flats on both sides of the inlet also
home on the pond side to a more protected area represent the most dynamic section of the overall
nearby. Additional sand is also blown and washed barrier system. The instability and the migratory
over the barrier and around the spit and deposited nature of the inlet is clearly evident from a comn-
on the pond side of the barrier. parison of historic air photos. (See Figure 50.) A
steel retaining wall on the lake side of the spit near
South of the high exposed dunes, the barrier flattens the inlet marks the site of a house that was originally
and becomes more narrow leading to the sand flat built on the pond side. The remains of this house
north of the North Sandy Pond inlet. (See Figure also testify to the instability and changing nature of
49.) This sand flat has apparently been overwashed this area.
often by high water in the past, most recently during
the severe storm of April 5 and 6, 1979. During
these overwash periods the spit has been denuded
of vegetation. The washover flat is now vegetated
with cottonwoods.

The sand flats provide valuable habitat for shore-
birds, and this area, along with the south spit sand
flats, was a historic nesting area for piping plovers.
The last nesting of these birds is thought to have
occurred here in the early 1 960s. These sand flats,
together with the sand flats on the northern portion

Figure .49OvvahSn aonteNrhpi.,-

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 77

NOPTS SANDr POND NOJrY SANDY PONO NorTH SANDY POND V NORM SANOr POND

NOVEMBER 11 APRIL 23 JULY 2 MARCH 20
1938 , P 1959 I 1965 1973
X LAKE LEVEL- 243.49' { AE LEVEL, 245.05' LAKE LEVEL, 244.55' LAE LEVEL, 246.96'

Source: St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission,
'A Proposed Coastal Management Program for
the Eastern Shore Dune-Bay-Wetland Complex",
1979.

Figure 50: Inlet Changes.

Summarn of Management Concerns North Sandy Pond South Spit
on the North Soit
This barrier spit extends from Sandy Island Beach
Erosion of relict dunes accelerated by high lake levels to the North Sandy Pond inlet. (See Figure 40).
and human activities Seasonal homes have been built on the southern
portion of the spit; the northern portion is un-
Lack of homeowner awareness of resource values developed and privately owned. There is no road
and natural processes access to the homes on the south spit; access is
achieved primarily by small boat from the pond side
Human disturbance of migrating and nesting and by walking along the beach on the lake side.
shorebirds Some residents, however, drive four wheel drive
vehicles along the beach to get to their homes. (See
Continued erosion of sand through large dune Figure 51.) A parking area for residents is located
blow-out at Sandy Island Beach. (See page 82.)

Poor development practices causing dune Barrier widths range from about 240 feet to 2,000
destabilization and other environmental impacts feet. Wider sections of the barrier represent "recurve
Trespassing snowmobiles spits" and deltas associated with historical inlet
locations.
Potential for future development in valuable natural
resource areas and in hazardous areas

78 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

Figure 51: South Spit Beach Used for Vehicle Access to Seasonal Cottages,
Looking North.

This management unit contains high dunes with the Sandy Island Beach and contains the largest
steep exposed sand faces similar to those on the extent of mature forest vegetation in the overall
north spit. (See Figure 52.) The high dune area barrier system. In this high dune area, the houses
extends about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile northward from are older and are located primarily on the pond side

Figure 52: High, Exposed Dune Subject to Accelerated Erosion on the
South Spit.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 79

of the barrier. fallen trees in some sections. This process has
recently been slowed by the low lake level of the
In an effort to protect property against erosion on past two years. The high dunes here were most
the take side, some home owners have added rip likely formed as secondary dunes and fronted by
rap and gabion structures at the base of the dunes. primary dunes that have long since been eroded.
(See Figure 53.) Gabions, used as an alternative to
solid shore protection structures such as seawalls, To the north of the high dunes, the barrier is wider
incorporate stones enclosed in wire mesh cages to and newer homes have been built on lower dunes.
absorb wave and high water energy. Gabions are (See Figure 54.) The individual property owners
usually not recommended for use in high erosion here also display different attitudes and awareness
locations. with regard to the use and protection of environmen-
tal resources. In some areas the natural low dune
Individual efforts at shore protection on the south formations are protected; there are also examples,
spit have served to compartmentalize the shoreline however, of dune vegetation being trampled and 4-
somewhat. In areas where shore protection struc- wheel drive vehicles being driven through the dunes.
tures have been placed at the toe of the dunes, the
dunes have remained vegetated above the shore North of the residential development, the barrier
protection and have receded less from the shoreline. remains wide and contains two fields of dunes and
These measures, however, have also induced a a large swale area. This section of the barrier is
"flanking effect" which has caused accelerated privately owned by a single owner. Although
erosion of adjacent areas. While effective in the undeveloped, the barrier here is heavily disturbed by
short-term, structural measures of this type are human use and a number of blowouts are present.
typically less effective against long-term erosional This area receives heavy use by ATVs which gain
processes. access from the adjacent residential area. A number
of trails have been cut through the dunes by these
On the steep, unvegetated slopes, dune erosion is a trespassing vehicles. Even though it is privately
continuing process as evidenced by uprooted and owned, the barrier here is generally viewed as public

Figure 53: Gabion Structures and Rip Rap at the Toe of Eroding Dune
on the South Spit.

so North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

Figure 54 New HomeConstructon in Lo Dune Are on the Suth Spit

~~~Figure 54.A ae roeCosutrecretionalatvt is more plvesnese suessul on the south spit, akn

intense than on the north spit. Most users arrive by the first confirmed breeding by this species in upstate
small boat to picnic and some also camp in the New York since its general extirpation in the mid-
dunes. 1950s.

Figure 55: The "Boat Beach"' on the South Spit with North Sandy Pond in
Foreground.4

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 81

Summary of Management Concerns Sandy Island Beach
on the South Soit:
Sandy Island Beach is a privately owned, commercial
Erosion of relict dunes accelerated by high lake day use beach open to the public for a fee of $3 per
levels and human activities person. The beach is located near the connecting
channel between North Sandy Pond and South Sandy
Lack of awareness of resource values and natural Pond and contains about 1,600 feet of shoreline. An
processes historic inlet to North Sandy Pond was once located
in this area. The owners of this property formerly
Compartmentalization of the shoreline caused by owned the White Sands Beach commercial camp-
structural erosion control measures ground on the barrier near Deer Creek Marsh (see
Chapter Six) and were preparing that area for
Human disturbance of migrating and nesting recreational development prior to State acquisition
shorebirds of a large portion of the Deer Creek Marsh and
barrier.
Human disturbance of sand dune vegetation and
dune formations The Sandy Island Beach property is intersected by
a Town right-of-way that leads to Lake Ontario
Unauthorized recreation activities (including camping, between the beach and beach parking area. (See
picnicking and trespassing ATVs) on Figure 56.) This right-of-way, formerly used for
undeveloped, privately owned lands hauling fish nets from the lake, provides access to
residential properties to the north as well as to Sandy
Potential for future development in valuable natural Island Beach. Unfortunately, the right-of-way also
resource areas and in erosion hazard areas allows unauthorized ATVs, which have caused
damages to the dune system, to enter the area.

A private right-of-way crosses through the Sandy
Island Beach property on the pond side of the dune

F igure 56: Town Right-of-Way to Lake Ontario at Sandy Island Beach.

Figure 56: Town Right-of-Way to Lake Ontario at Sandy Island Beach.

82 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

system and provides access to the seasonal homes area have not been successful as the fencing was
on the south spit. A parking area for the owners used by vandals as firewood.
and users of these homes is located here. (See
Figure 57.) To the south, a roadway on the pond The owner recently planned the development of a
side of the barrier provides access to residents of campsite for approximately 70 recreational vehicles
cottages on the South Pond barrier. in an area behind the dunes near the narrow channel
that connects North Pond with South Pond. This
The dune system in the Sandy Island Beach area proposal, however, is currently inactive. The Oswego
has been heavily impacted by human use. There County Soil and Water Conservation District and the
are currently no controls in evidence to guide or St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission have
limit pedestrian access through the dunes and worked with the owner to implement a soils manage-
unauthorized ATV use is causing erosion and ment plan for the proposed camping area as well as
nuisance problems. The owner is considering more the beach and dune portions of the property.
extensive use of piles and cables to limit ATV access
from the back side of the dune system. The second A section of dunes south of the beach parking lot
largest dune blowout in the eastern Lake Ontario was graded several years ago to prepare additional
barrier system is found here. (See Figure 58.) (The recreational area and/or campsites. This work,
largest blowout, already described, is located on the however, led to increased dune erosion and wind-
north spit.) Currently, no measures are being blown sand that blocked the roadway leading to the
employed to limit the movement of sand through this cottages on the South Pond barrier (see page 84).
blowout and a large mound of advancing sand is As a result, a court injunction was obtained by the
being deposited on the pond side of the barrier near St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission to halt
the parking area used by residents of the south spit. this work but the damage to the dune system has
(See Figure 57.) It is not clear what type of disturb- never been repaired.
ance originally created the blowout; it appears that
historical sand mining may have contributed to its In recent years an increasing number of cobbles
formation. Past efforts to use snowfencing in the have appeared on the beach. (See Figure 59.)

Figure 57: Parking Area for South Spit Residents at Base of Advancing
Sand Mound Near Sandy Island Beach.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 83

Figure 58: Dune Blowout at Sandy Island Beach Looking Toward Lake
Ontario.

Figure 59:- Cobbles on the Beach at Sandy Island Beach.

84 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

These cobbles have been raked as necessary and South Sandy Pond Barrier
moved away from the water's edge toward the base
of the dunes in an effort to improve the recreational This narrow barrier, approximately one mile long,
attractiveness of the swimming beach. separates South Sandy Pond from Lake Ontario and
has been developed with seasonal homes and a
private commercial campground. The Sandy Island
Summarv of Manazement Concerns Beach residential area is located on the northern
at Sandv Jsland Beach: half of the barrier (see Figure 60) and the Rainbow
Shore residential area and Rainbow Shores camp-
Lack of effective management controls for guiding ground are found on the southern half.
or limiting pedestrian access through dune areas
Access to the Sandy Island Beach residential area
Unauthorized ATV use is from the north, through Sandy Island Beach, by
a road located on the pond side of the dunes. As
Vandalism of erosion control measures noted earlier, part of this road passes behind an
area of Sandy Island Beach that was graded to
Continued erosion of sand through large dune prepare camp sites. The resulting erosion has caused
blow-out a continuing build-up of sand on the access road and
this sand must be regularly removed from the road
Unauthorized construction work resulting in dune to keep it passable. Although a court injunction
destabilization and blocking of cottage -roadway halted the dune grading, the erosion continues and
the pre-existing dune condition has not been re-
Potential effect of campground expansion on stored.
natural resource values
The barrier shoreline here is particularly subject to
Accretion of cobbles in beach area erosion. There is little if any beach, even at the
current low water levels, to serve as a buffer and as

Figure 60: South Pond Barrier; Northern Part of South Pond in the Background.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 85

Figure 61: Cobble Beach and Eroding Dune on South Pond Ba'rrier.

a source of replenishment sand for the eroding project including rip rap on the dune face covered
dunes. (See Figure 61.) The small beach area that with top soil in an effort to halt erosion.
does appear at low water is composed of cobbles.
The homes here are typically located near (some The Rainbow Shores camp site for recreational
precariously near) the front edge of an eroding dune vehicles is located near the shoreline at the southern
line that in some places has been armored heavily part of this management unit near Rainbow Shores
by rip rap. Road, and a small, private swimming beach is
r Access ~~~~~~~~~~~~maintained here. (See Figure 63.) Also found in this
Acesto the homes on the southern part of the area is a home recently constructed on pilings within
barrier and north of Rainbow Shores Road is from the State-designated wetland. This structure serves
the south (not from the north through the Sandy as a dramatic example of poor site location and the
Island Beach residential area described previously). type of development practice that can have a
The two roadways, one from the north and the other potentially detrimental impact on natural wetlands
from the south, providing access to the homes on the values.
South Pond barrier do not connect with each other
and thus there is not a continuous roadway along the Summary of Managaement Concerns
beach. on the Sandy Pond Barrier:

fr ~Part of the barrier here is quite low and narrow and Blocking of access road by wind-blown sand from
would appear particularly vulnerable to overwash unauthorized dune grading
during severe storms and high water. (See Figure
62.) In one instance, a home site under construction Potential for barrier overwash in low sections
can be seen in a leveled area adjacent to a dune
formation that has not been graded. High risk to shorefront properties from erosion
hazard
Parts of the shore here have also been heavily
armored with rip rap. Nine property owners have Poor development practices detrimental to coastal
jointly constructed an extensive shore protection resources

86 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

Figue 62 Souh Pod Barier

Figure 63: South Pond Wetl~~~~~~~~~4andadPiaeBahLoigIln Es)Na

Raaino Shre Rad

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 87

GUIDELINES FOR RESOURCE attention as an example of the benefits of non-
MANAGEMENT IN THE NORTH ANDJT structural erosion control measures and of the
SOUTH SANDY PONDS RESOURCE AREA awareness and informed actions of some shore-
front property owners to stabilize the dunes.
Management guidelines for this resource area focus Property owners should be encouraged to seek
on preservation of the high "relict" dunes, protection technical assistance in planting such vegetation
of the remaining undeveloped, privately owned lands from the Oswego County Soil and Water
on the north and south spits and other concerns in Conservation District. A nursery for beachgrass
the management units just described. should be established in the barrier system to
provide plants that can be used by individual
1. Special management attention should be directed homeowners and others to help stabilize dune
toward protection of the 'high dunes' on the formations.
north and south spits. 3. The large, undeveloped and privately owned

While the effects of high lake levels and other sections of the north and south barrier spits
natural forces on the high dunes are to a large should be maintained in an undeveloped, natural
extent beyond human control, human disturbance condition.
of the high dunes can be influenced, and people
should be discouraged from climbing on the These areas, including the sand flats on both
exposed sand faces of these dunes. Local aware- sides of the North Sandy Pond inlet, represent
ness of the unique history and vulnerability of the the last remaining privately owned, undeveloped
dunes should be increased. A special study to and unprotected sections of the barrier system.
document the precise age of the dunes should be As such, they should be protected from future
undertaken and the results used to support the development and should remain as natural areas
historical significance of the dunes and the need to be used for limited recreational purposes and
for protection of these resources. As long as to serve as valuable natural communities
lake levels can be expected to rise again, supporting shorebirds and other wildlife species.
measures such as sand fencing and vegetation
plantings will prove ineffective on the steep sand The most desirable approach to protecting the
faces of these dunes. If, however, lake levels barrier spits is through measures that would be
were to remain low, then snowfencing and implemented by the Town of Sandy Creek and/or
vegetation placed by volunteer groups could be the private landowners. Special Town policies
established at the base of the steep dunes to slow recognizing the recreational and natural values
natural erosion forces. of these areas and the importance of their
protection should be adopted. The Town should
The Town of Sandy Creek should recognize the consider a variety of measures (see Guideline No.
significance of the high dunes through a special 4 on the following page) to protect the barrier
Town resolution and establish special controls spits, including restrictive development controls.
for resource protection in the barrier system (see Various land-owner options for protecting the
Guideline No. 3 below). spits from development should also be con-
sidered. Should the Town and/or the landowners
2. Private efforts to stabilize dune formations with choose not to pursue measures to protect the
beachigrass plantings in residential areas should spits, another possibility for protecting these
be encouraged. lands would be for the State of New York, acting
through the DEC, to acquire the land.
Such efforts, as undertaken successfully by resi-
dents in the Renshaw Bay area, should be en-
couraged in other locations. The efforts of these
private property owners should receive increased

88 North and South Sandy Ponds Resource Area

4. The Town of Sandy Creek should establish new a general prohibition of ATV use on beach
requirements and regulations for guiding resource property and guidelines to control limited passage
use and ensuring resource protection on private of ATVs along the beach to the residential
lands in the barrier system. community to the north. More effective control
of access through the beach gate and Town right-
In addition to the designation of a Critical of-way should also be established.
Environmental Area (see page 29) which includes
the barrier system, the Town should adopt other Future development activities on this site should
special land use controls specifically addressing not be allowed to cause destabilization of sand
the sand dunes and coastal barrier. The first step dunes nor result in the removal of sand from the
in the development of these controls should be area. Efforts should be undertaken to stabilize
the adoption of a special resolution to recognize the large dune blowout as described in Guideline
the important natural values provided by the No. 6 below.
barrier system and the public interest in
protecting these values. 6. Efforts should be undertaken to stabilize the
large dune blow-outs.
The Town should consider the establishment of
a special conservation district which would apply Efforts to stabilize the blow-out on the north spit
to the barrier system as well as the establishment should initially concentrate on the placement of
of specific zoning/development controls, including snowfencing and planting of shrubs near the
performance standards or criteria that should be beach. These measures could be established by
used in reviewing future development proposals volunteer groups supported by the Ontario Dune
that might affect the barrier system. Coalition. Over the course of several years,
additional stabilization measures of this type
5. More effective management controls should be would be added and the stabilized area expanded
implemented to guide recreational use of Sandy progressively further back into the blow-out. A
Island Beach and protect the natural environ- similar approach should be taken by the owners
ment in this area. of Sandy Island Beach to stabilize the blow-out
currently encroaching on the aquatic habitat and
The natural setting of Sandy Island Beach parking area on the North Pond side of the
provides an opportunity for establishing an coastal barrier. Active efforts to stabilize the
attractive recreational area that could serve to dunes in this area should also include the trans-
accommodate some of the use pressures directed port of sand from the interior of the blowout
toward the public lands in the barrier system. toward the beach and re-establishment of a
More effective management controls and primary dunejust inland of the active beach area.
improved enforcement of current use restrictionsI
are needed, however, to protect the natural 7. Priority attention should be given to reducing
resources which provide this opportunity. Impos- the erosion risk on the South Sandy Pond barrier.
ing these controls should be the responsibility of
the private owner of the site. Homes in the Sandy Island Beach and RainbowI
Shores residential areas are particularly
Recognizing the difficulties associated with vulnerable to coastal erosion. The only options
enforcing additional controls to guide or limit now available to protect many of these homes
pedestrian access through the dunes in this area, are structural measures and/or relocation of the
the owners should seek assistance from such existing cottages. Increased technical assistance
agencies as the Oswego County Soil and Water should be provided to residents in this area
Conservation District, the St. Lawrence-Eastern regarding appropriate erosion control measures
Ontario Commission and others with regard to that can be implemented by groups of property
implementing such controls. More effective owners. This assistance should come from such
controls on ATV use are also required, including agencies as the Oswego County Soil and Water

j ~~New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 89

Conservation District, New York Sea Grant and
Department of State.

The Town of Sandy Creek should establish
controls to limit or prohibit rebuilding of existing
structures in the most vulnerable areas, should
existing structures at risk be damaged beyond
repair as a result of coastal storms and erosion.

S. Any future efforts to dredge and/or stabilize a
navigation channel between North Pond and
Lake Ontario should not affect the integrity of
the coastal barrier system or have significant
adverse effects on existing littoral transport
conditions.

Appropriate actions should be carried out to
maintain safe navigation conditions between
North Pond and Lake Ontario. These actions,
however, should not include the dredging of any
new access channel through the barrier spits at
North Pond.

Future decisions to improve and maintain safe
navigation conditions in the existing North Pond
inlet should be based on a number of considera-
tions. Among these considerations are: the effect
of an improved channel on stimulating new
development (and associated environmental
impacts) in the area surrounding the North and
South Sandy Ponds; the effect of channel dredg-
ing on longshore sediment transport conditions;
and the effect of currents and other littoral
conditions in the inlet area on requirements for
future maintenance dredging of any improved
channel.

In evaluating the feasibility of possible channel
improvements at North Pond, the Corps of
Engineers should carefully consider the effects
of such improvements on longshore sediment
transport conditions. Channel improvements that
would affect those transport conditions in a
manner that results in accelerated erosion of the
adjacent dune system should be avoided.

A long-term monitoring program to assess
longshore sediment transport and inlet migration
conditions should be established.

CHAPTER SIX:

DEER CREEK RESOURCE AREA

The Deer Creek Resource Area between South Pond and the Salmon River contains the
southernmost of the coastal marshes protected by the Eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier
system.

This chapter contains a description of existing conditions and management concerns in
the resource area. Also included are guidelines and recommendations for resource
management. Four management units are identified:

* Barrier section extending south from Rainbow Shores Drive to northern entrance to
Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area;
* Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area;
* Brennan Beach campground; and
* Port Ontario Harbor of Refuge.

Deer Creek Marsh, "Plugged" Outlet of Deer Creek and Brennan Beach
Commercial Campground.

92 Deer Creek Resource Area

EXISTING CONDITIONS IN THE DEER mallard, black duck, blue-winged teal, wood duck,
CREEK RESOURCE AREA northern harrier, turkey vulture, Virginia rail, sora,
common moorhen, black tern, belted kingfisher,
The coastal barrier and associated wetlands in the marsh wren, common yellowthroat, red-winged
Deer Creek Resource Area (see Figure 64) have blackbird and swamp sparrow. Sedge wrens have
been designated by the New York State Department also been reported in Deer Creek Marsh, but
of State as a Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife breeding has not been documented since at least
Habitat encompassing some 1,200 acres. 1980. Concentrations of waterfowl use the area for
feeding and nesting during spring and fall migrations,
The wetland area consists of two major sections but the extent of their use is limited by the lack of
bisected by an east-west extension of higher ground open water areas. Deer Creek Marsh supports
through which access is provided to the Brennan sizeable populations of several furbearer species,
Beach campground. The northern portion of marsh including muskrat, beaver, raccoon and mink. Other
is dominated by cattail and other emergent wetland wildlife species occurring in the area include white-
vegetation. Deer Creek, a small, slow-moving, tailed deer, snapping turtle, northern water snake,
warmwater stream, flows through this northern area, bullfrog and wood frog.
and connects with Lake Ontario just north of
Brennan Beach. (The Deer Creek outlet is semi- Deer Creek supports a relatively small, but significant
permanent and typically closes during periods of warmwater fish community, with at least 11 species
low flow.) The State water quality classification of documented. Resident species include brown
Deer Creek is "C". The marsh and barrier north of bullhead, redfin pickerel, northern pike, yellow perch
the outlet were acquired by the State of New York and largemouth bass. The creek is also a locally
in 1979 and now make up the Deer Creek Wildlife important spawning area for Lake Ontario fish
Management Area. populations, such as alewife, smelt and brown
bullhead. White sucker, smallmouth bass and rock
The southern marsh area is predominantly scrub- bass occur in Deer Creek, but spawning generally
shrub and forested wetland, and is privately owned. occurs upstream from the marsh, in faster moving
All of the Deer Creek Marsh is densely vegetated, waters.
with less than 2% of the area being open water.
With the exception of the Brennan Beach, land Four management units are identified on the barrier
bordering the marsh is relatively undeveloped and system: 1) the barrier section containing residential
includes deciduous forest, abandoned fields, agricul- development extending south from Rainbow Shores
tural lands and low density residential development. Drive to the entrance to the Deer Creek Wildlife
Sand mining operations were once carried out on the Management Area; 2) the barrier within the Deer
southern portion of the barrier. Creek Wildlife Management Area; 3) the barrier at
Brennan Beach commercial campground, and 4)
Because of the large size, ecological diversity and Port Ontario Harbor of Refuge areas. The Port
relative lack of human disturbance associated with Ontario Harbor of Refuge at the mouth of the
the Deer Creek Marsh, the marsh area, including Salmon River is described in the context of this
both the State and privately owned sections, provides resource area because the Salmon River represents
fish and wildlife habitat values of important the southern boundary of the overall eastern Lake
significance in the eastern Lake Ontario region. Ontario coastal barrier system.
Studies of the area have documented at least 55
species of breeding birds, 11 species of mammals, 6 Rainbow Shores South Area
species of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians using
the wetland, beach and fringe areas. The marsh is This section of the coastal barrier system contains
a very productive nesting area for waterfowl and no sand dune formations and consists of basically
other marsh birds, including pied-billed grebe, green- tillish and bluff type shoreline. (See Figure 65.)
backed heron, American bittern, least bittern, Residential development extends from the Rainbow

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 93

South Pond

MEN AK EEVTIN *6Undeveloped(
and Privately A '~

Owned ?95.. Acces Point36

RANO g akn Area WNL Bunar

~~~~~~~~DERCREEK .o4x
ZWILDLIFE Acces
~~~~~~~~MANAGEMENT Paki
~~~~~~~~~~~AREA L(
S~~~~~ceasPoit- WAunally Open\
FOutlerhte / -

CBREEKA

0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0

PORT ONTARIO *Bte
HARBOR OF qr

State ParkSAMNRE
Boat Launch

.State Park I MILE

Figure 64: Deer Creek Resource Area.

94 Deer Creek Resource Area

Figure ~~~65 Shrein N ort ofDe rekW

Shores Campgroundrp' arasuht7 h o t enSmavo aaeetCnen
entanc ad prkig reaforth Der Cee Wil- i h ano hoe otra

life Managment Area Also foun in this rea is th

a soFiure 65: Shrepleismntedmn forthe ofDerodingMA

blffShoes bampronarier souhtorelie nrhereni p atiummarly subjaecet Cnen
toenrosin.ce sall bearkin area frthater re WidmthRanowSoes Suhappear
Ratnbow ShreaHteladRsurat Tis scto m p Eosion of cbls. hoefront poerties

Sinc theerodn lf ie is staitly advancin towsresabufr ad

the existing homes. Ground water seeping from the
wetland area to the east through the bluff to the
beach also contributes to erosion of this section of
shoreline.

The area east of the Deer Creek access road is
currently undeveloped, although the private owner
has indicated plans to develop a RV campsite and/or
home sites in this area.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 95

Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area campground located to the south. Special permit
conditions attached by the DEC to the State
This area was acquired by the New York Depart- Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES)
ment of Environmental Conservation in 1979 with permit for a sewage collection and disposal system
funds available through the Environmental Quality at Brennan Beach require, among other conditions,
Bond Act of 1972. The Wildlife Management Area that the permittee shall:
is open for limited public use; including trapping and
waterfowl hunting with proper permits. No person, a) Place a sign along the Brennan Beach/New York State
however, may: boundary on the beach stating that a person is leaving
Brennan Beach and entering lands of New York State that
have restricted public use.
1. Swim in the area.
b) Give all campers and visitors a handout upon entering the
2. Build, maintain or use a fire in the area. campground. The handout will identify the lands to the
north of the campground as New York State lands with
3. Camp or erect or maintain a camp, tent or structure of any restricted public use.
kind in the area.
4. Injure, deface, disturb, or befoul any buildings, sign, The abundance and diversity of fish and wildlife
equipment or other property in the area. species in Deer Creek marsh provide many oppor-
tunities for human use of the area. Access to the
5. Remove, injure, or destroy any tree, flower, fern, shrub, rock marsh for recreational uses is available from four
or other plant or mineral in the area. State access points in the Wildlife Management Area
6. Deposit garbage, sewage, refuse, waste, fruits, vegetables, and from Brennan Beach. (See Figure 64.)
food stuffs, paper or other litter or obnoxious material in
the area. In 1983 and 1984 the DEC conducted a survey of the
users of the wildlife management area. This survey
7. Park other than in designated parking areas in the area.
found that those activities centered on the barrier
8. Walk or ride any domestic hoofed animal in the area. beach (beachcombing, swimming) accounted for70%
of the total estimated use of the area. Beachcombing
9. Use motorized transportation of any kind in the area, accounted for 46% of all use, and swimming (a
including motorized boats in Deer Creek. prohibited activity) represented approximately 24%
10. Fail to comply with regulatory signs posted by the Depart- of the total public use of the area. Traditional uses
ment of Environmental Conservation in the Area. (e.g., hunting, fishing, trapping) associated with the
primary management focus of wildlife management
11. Fail to remove all personal property from the Area at the areas amounted to only 16.5% of the total public use
time of leaving, with the sole exception of the marked traps for the entire year. The survey found tha those
of a trapper operating with a valid permit. for the entire year. The survey found that those
using the area return at a high rate for all but the
12. Moor a boat overnight in the Area. winter months and that approximately 47% of the
visitors surveyed originated from the Syracuse
As in the two other barrier system Wildlife Manage- metropolitan area.
ment Areas (Black Pond and Lakeview Marsh),
swimming, although a prohibited activity, is popular Parking for users of the area is available only at the
here as the restriction against swimming is not four State access points and no off-road vehicle use
enforced. DEC Region 7 has assigned two Conser- is allowed beyond these points. Summer and spring
vation Officers to the regional area within which the use is concentrated on the beach and water access
Wildlife Management Area is located, but enforce- areas. During the fall, public use is equally
ment activities related to sport fishing in this area distributed among all four access points. During the
often take up most these officers' time. winter, opportunities for recreation, with the excep-
tion of walking on the beach, are almost totally
Pedestrian access to the Wildlife Management Area absent. The DEC survey found that the primary use
is possible through the Brennan Beach commercial period is the summer (accounting for 83.8% of all

96 Deer Creek Resource Area

public use observed), followed by the spring, fall and above-mentioned campground development and an
winter. Recreational use of the natural barrier beach asphalt path still'leads southward into the swale area
during the summer period amounted to 67.9% of all of the remaining dunes. (See Figure 67.) Pedestrian
use for the entire year. The fall period accounted access to the barrier is also possible from the south,
for only 6% of the total use at Deer Creek and across the mouth of Deer Creek from Brennan
traditional uses (dominated by fishing) made up only Beach. The outlet of Deer Creek is typically blocked
40% of the total fall use. by sand deposits during the summer but is opened
in the spring and fall by increased flow. Access to
The barrier beach and dune section of the wildlife the barrier can also be obtained by canoe from Deer
management area was formerly known as White Creek.
Sands Beach. This barrier section is bordered by
shorefront residential development to the north and Several distinct plant communities, ranging from
the Brennan Beach campground to the south. White dune colonizers to forest species and including 54
Sands Beach was previously the site of a commercial families of plants and at least one tree approximately
campground facility. The beach and dunes here 100 years old have been identified on the barrier.
were being prepared for expanded campground The most significant species are American beachgrass
development and the owners also prepared plans to and wormwood (these are dune colonizers) and
dredge the Deer Creek outlet and construct a marina poison ivy, cottonwood and grape. The fourth group
and harbor of refuge when the State decided to of high dunes in the barrier system is found here.
acquire the land by eminent domain in 1979 in an (The other groups of high dunes are found in the
effort to protect its remaining natural values. Black Pond Resource Area and on the north and
south spits at North Sandy Pond.) The high dunes
Pedestrian access to the barrier at Deer Creek WMA are vegetated with mature trees that include oak,
is from the north and south. A small parking lot is maple, poplar and ash. In the southern part of the
located at the northern edge near the former area near the Deer Creek outlet the dune system is
campground area. (See Figure 66.) Dune forma- relatively wide and the creek cuts a north-south
tions that once existed here were leveled for the channel through the dunes. (See Figure 68.)

Figure 66: Northern Boundary of Deer Creek WMA Near Parking Area,
Looking South.
X an.I I z~s e .<0t;tm"G D a<-.>> > Cf60^'Y0>"'J'-006 1lt' 2' 'I-1'rj'Yl00S"'S ^ f> '" At 0'"t l'S' 'X''*<- i SS 0:1'09BE 0S0 EId \ li

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 97

Figure 67: Pedestrian Pathway Leading into Dune Swale and Toward High
Dune Area, Looking South.

Figure 68: an Dunes on Both Sides of Deer Creek Channel Near
Channel Outlet Just North of Brennan Beach.

98 Deer Creek Resource Area

The barrier within the Deer Creek Wildlife Manage- along the northern part of the barrier consists
ment Area has received a substantial amount of primarily of cobbles. (See Figure 70.) The beach
management attention in past years. Snowfencing is also subject to erosion here and during periods
has been employed in several locations in an effort of high water, waves hit directly on the dunes in
to stabilize dunes and block pedestrian movements. some locations.
(See Figure 69.) In 1980, a demonstration dune
stabilization project using American beachgrass was Pedestrian pathways have been worn throughout the
established here through the joint efforts of the St. dunes and the snowfencing established to halt erosion
Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission, Oswego has been ineffectual in most instances. The fencing
County Soil and Water Conservation District, New is being vandalized and used for firewood (snowfenc-
York StateDepartment of Environmental Conserva- ing placed in the high dunes to block pedestrian
tion (Region 7), New York Sea Grant Extension and paths has been ripped out) and some 500-800 feet
the Youth Conservation Corps. Also, survey points of fencing must be replaced each year. In the
were established across the barrier by the DEC in southern portion of the barrier, cottonwoods are
1985 with the intention of monitoring yearly changes dying as a result of wind-caused erosion exposing
in barrier profile and migratory changes in the dune the younger and most vigorous roots of these trees.
system. Such monitoring, however, has not been Unauthorized ATV use in the fall of 1987 has further
carried out. endangered the stability of the existing dune system.

In spite of these efforts, the barrier here--of all the
areas in the barrier system-is perhaps most in need
of immediate management attention. The dunes
within the Wildlife Management Area are more
impacted by recent and ongoing human use than the
dunes found in the Black Pond and Lakeview
WMAs. Impacts are caused by recreational users
entering from the north and by campers from
Brennan Beach entering from the south. The beach

Figure 69: Snowfencing in Disturbed Dune Area at Deer Creek WMA.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 99

Figure 70. Cobble Beach at Deer Creek WMA, Looking South.

Summarv of Management Concerns Brennan Beach Campground
in the Deer Creek WMA.
r ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brennan Beach is the most intensively developed
Unauthorized recreational use area on the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier.
This area provides some 1,000 carefully organized
Trespassing ATVs campsites and ancillary facilities for RV campers
between a point 1,000 feet north of the Salmon
Lack of enforcement of existing use regulations River and the Deer Creek Wildlife Management
Area. (Several private homes are located just north
Vandalism of dune stabilization measures of the Salmon River and south of the campground
property in an area of cobble beach and little natural
Human disturbances of sand dune vegetation and dune formation.) Camp sites providingconcrete pads
Uncontr~~ole fromaBrenna for campers and trailers are located on and near the
beach and in wooded sections of the site. Approx-
Erosion of high dunesimately 400-500 of these sites are rented for the
season (the season runs from May I to October 15),
Uncotroled cces ito te VvIAfromBrenanwith some owners leaving their campers here year
Beach Campground ~round. The remainder of the sites are available for
transients.
Loss of natural resources values caused by
uncontrolled and unauthorized recreational activities Many campers are from the Syracuse metropolitan
area; other campers from outside the State are
attracted by the fishing opportunities in the eastern
Lake Ontario region. No marina facilities are
available at Brennan Beach, but some consideration
has apparently been given to the development of
such facilities nearby, possibly in the southern,

100 Deer Creek Resource Area

privately owned section of the Deer Creek Marsh. Over the past several years, more and more cobbles
have appeared on the shoreline at Brennan Beach,
The camping area was started in 1969. At that time, particularly along the southern part of this shoreline.
the beach was also open for non-camping, day use These cobbles reduce the attractiveness of the beach
visitors. The day use beach operation was discon- area for recreational activities. In the southern
tinued in 1979 but the beach remains the major site section toward the Port Ontario Harbor of Refuge,
attraction for camping use. the beach now consists entirely of cobbles. Long
term littoral transport and the extent and composi-
Sand was historically mined from the barrier at tion of the campground beach are likely to be
Brennan Beach for use in foundry processes. These affected by the large jetty just to the south at the
mining activities altered the natural sand dune mouth of the Salmon River. (See following descrip-
environment, and when the camp sites were devel- tion of Salmon River-Port Ontario Harbor of Refuge
oped, further alteration took place as the higher management unit.)
dunes were removed and graded to allow for the
maximum number of sites. (See Figure 71.) The In an effort to protect the remaining sand beach
campground brochure notes that: "People and sand and provide a walkway for beach users, a steel
dunes don't mix. Sand dunes can't stand large retaining wall has been placed in the beach to a
numbers of people. The vegetation is quickly depth of 6 feet along the length of the property.
destroyed and the sand blows away. We at Brennan This wall helps support a concrete sidewalk that also
Beach have opted for people." Efforts are being runs along the length of the beach. (See Figure 72.)
made, however, to stabilize the remaining sand In the southern part of the property the beach has
formations for erosion control purposes. Snowfenc- eroded close to the retaining wall.
ing has been employed and walkovers from higher
camp sites to the beach have been developed. A During the summer of 1988, Brennan Beach campers
soils management plan for the Brennan Beach area participated in a volunteer dune restoration effort in
has been established with assistance from the St. the Deer Creek WMA. With support from DEC
Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission and Oswego Region 7 and the Ontario Dune Coalition, volunteers
County Soil and Water Conservation District. repaired damaged snowfencing, placed new fencing,

Figure 71: Graded Campsite on Former High Dune Area.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 101

Figure 72: Brennan Beach, Retaining Wall and Concrete Walkway, Looking
South.

F ~~posted signs and fertilized sand dune vegetation. and by narrow gravel and cobble pocket beaches.
North of the river, the shoreline is characterized by
the narrow sandy beaches, dune formations, protect-
ed wetlands and shallow ponds which characterize
Summ arv of Management Concerns the eastern Lake Ontario barrier system.
at Brennan Beach:
The Salmon River is one of the largest coldwater
Continued erosion of the recreational beach tributaries of Lake Ontario and provides valuable
habitat for many species of fish and wildlife. The
Poorly controlled access to the wildlife management river is a focal point of the State's efforts to re-
area to the north establish and promote the region's fishing industry.
These efforts have contributed greatly, during the
Potential effects of possible future recreation-related last decade, to the establishment of a multi-million
development on adjacent wetlands and natural dollar sport fishing industry along the eastern shore
resources values of the lake. The Salmon River and its tributaries
provide one of the top salmonid fisheries in the
northeastern U.S. Out-of-state as well as State
P ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~residents are attracted to -the river because of the
Salmon River - Port Ontario Harbor of Refuge fishing opportunities. Historically, the Salmon River
had the largest Atlantic salmon concentrations of all
The Salmon River marks the southern boundary of the tributaries to Lake Ontario.
the barrier system. As noted earlier, the natural
shoreline environment south of the river is dramati- The entire river channel and associated wetlands
cally different from the environment to the north. extending approximately 16 miles upstream from the
South of the river, there is little sandy beach and the mouth of the river have been designated by the New
shore is characterized by a steeper, irregular offshore York State Department of State as a Significant
k ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. Each year, from

102 Deer Creek Resource Area

late August through December, large concentrations A marshy embayment of some 300 acres is foundI
of coho and chinook salmon and brown trout migrate just upstream from the river's mouth and contains
from Lake Ontario into the river to spawn. In extensive beds of emergent vegetation which con-
addition, steelhead (lake-run rainbow trout) migrate tribute to the maintenance of fish populations in the
into the river in early December and between late area and serve as valuable wildlife habitat. (See
February and April. The salmonid concentrations Figure 73.) The embayment is separated from the
in the Salmon River are the result of an ongoing lake by a barrier formation nearly 1/2 mile long that
effort by the DEC to restore the Great Lakes averages 400 feet in width and rises 15-20 feet above
salmonid fishery through stocking. The DEC's lake level.
Salmon River Fish Hatchery provides all of the coho
and chinook salmon released into the State's Great Much of the land bordering the river is privatelyI
Lakes waters. owned except for Selkirk Shores State Park on the
south side of the river mouth. Considerable shore-
At its mouth, the river's natural controlling depth line residential development has occurred near the
was about one foot (prior to construction of the river mouth.
federal navigation channel as described below)
during normal flow of about 1,500 cubic feet per The relatively few boating facilities on the Salmon
second (cfs), but upstream for about one mile the River accommodate mainly fishermen. There are
depths vary up to 15 feet. The width of the naviga- four launching ramps within one mile of the river
ble portion of the river varies from about 100 feet mouth with one launching ramp located at Selkirk
to 500 feet, except at the mouth where the width is Shores State Park on the south bank.
less than 100 feet. Flow in the river is regulated by
a power dam located about 17 miles upstream. The mouth of the river is the site of the Corps of
There is little if any sitting in the river channel Engineers' Port Ontario Harbor of Refuge Project.
because of the relatively flat stream gradient and (See Figure 74.) This project is intended to provide
controlled flow. Water quality classification of the a refuge for cruising craft along the eastern shoreline
river is "C'. of Lake Ontario and for the increasing number of
sportfishermen attracted to the area. Prior to

Figure 73: Marshy Embayment Near Salmon River Mouth.2

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 103

[~~~~~Fgr 74 amnRvrMuhadxop fEgnesJty

Haigrbor4 Salon River southws and thCedro ata omtrappsn of sEngimntserasJlelytotycu

Sacketts Harbor area to the north. to the south of the south breakwater and some
erosion or sediment starvation could occur directly
Harbor improvements include a 1,350 foot long jetty to the north of the north breakwater.
with a crest elevation of 10 feet above low water on
the south side of the river and a 340 foot long jetty A sand by-passing pipe originally incorporated in the
with a crest elevation of 9.5 feet on the north side. project design has been deleted from the current
The jetties are of rubblemound construction with project. As originally envisioned, the by-passing
quarry stone armor. A 200 year recurrence interval system would have been capable of handling material
t ~~for the combination of water level and wave height with a maximum dimension of 3 inches. Many
was used for the structural design of the jetties. cobblestones found in the area, however, exceed a
6 inch dimension and would not have been able to
In addition, two navigation channels are provided. pass through the pipe or would have caused exces-
An entrance channel generally 100 feet wide origi- sive abrasive action and rapid deterioration of the
nates in Lake Ontario, passes between the jetties and pipe. It was determined that if clogging of the by-
extends up the river for about 1,200 feet. The pass pipe did not occur on first use, settlement of
entrance channel then connects with a 450 foot long material within the pipe would eventually render the
river channel 85 feet wide providing access to the pipe useless.
deeper water in the lower Salmon River. The
entrance channel was dredged to a depth of 8 feet As a result, a permanent installation for sand by-
below low water and the river channel to a six foot passing has not been provided. The Corps of
depth. Engineers, however, has indicated that temporary
by-passing of trapped material will be undertaken
The Corps of Engineers recognizes that the jetties on an as-needed basis through mechanical dredging,
could have some long term effects on the longshore periodic dredging during harbor maintenance or

104 Deer Creek Resource Area

use of a portable jet pump. Thus, the Corps of 2. A detailed plan to guide use and management
Engineers proposes that the essentially long-term of the Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area
interruption of littoral drift can be mitigated when should be prepared by the DEC.
necessary and reduced to a short term effect.
This plan should identify areas for concentrated
Maintenance of the project, including the jetties and recreational use and areas (such as in the high
channels, is the responsibility of the federal govern- dunes) for the preservation of natural conditions.
ment. The management plan should specifically address
the coastal barrier and sand dune portion of the
WMA in addition to the wetland portion. The
plan should also include appropriate measures
Summary of Manaeement Concerns to restrict access to the WMA from Brennan
at the Salmon River Mouth: Beach. The plan should address each of the
guidelines that follow.
Increased development pressures
and potential 3. A program for stabilizing eroding sand dunes in
impacts on natural resource values the WMA should be established.

Potential adverse effects of harborjetties This program should include identification of
on longshore sediment transport appropriate stabilization measures such as
vegetation plantings and snowfencing. Priority
areas for stabilization measures should be iden-
tified, including areas in need of immediate
GUIDELINES FOR RESOURCE management activities. Any dune stabilization
MANAGEMENT IN THE DEER CREEK program, however, must be developed in conjunc-
RESOURCE AREA tion with an expanded monitoring and enforce-
ment program. Yearly changes in dune system
Management recommendations in this resource area profile and migration of the dune system should
focus on the protection of natural resource values be monitored on a yearly basis by the DEC.
currently being degraded in the Deer Creek Wildlife
Management Area. 4. The feasibility of designating a special
recreational use area within a relatively small
1. Immediate specialmanagement attention should section of the WMA near the northern entrance
be directed toward protection of the"high dunes" should be carefully evaluated.
contained in the Deer Creek Wildlife Manage-
ment Area. It may be feasible and desirable, in order to best
accommodate use pressures, to designate the
The high dune area should be designated in northernmost section of the coastal barrier within
policies adopted by the DEC as a "preservation" the wildlife management area as a special recrea-
area to remain in its natural condition. Recrea- tional use area. This designation might allow for
tional uses and activities should be prohibited in more concentrated and active recreational
this area. To aid in the protection of this area, activities by visitors to the WMA, but these
the asphalt path which currently leads from the activities would take place in a clearly defined
WMA's northern entrance toward the high dunes and carefully managed section of the WMA
should be removed so as not to encourage Recreational activities would be focused in the
pedestrian movement toward the high dunes. area previously impacted by the campground
development work that took place prior to State
acquisition.

Authorization for more active recreational use

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 105

of this area would require revision of the current and restricted pathways through the dunes. This
rules and regulations governing use of this focusing of pedestrian movement should be to
section of the WMA. Within this area, current reduce the destruction of stabilizing vegetation
DEC prohibitions against swimming and picnick- caused by unrestricted access to the beach over
ing might be lifted, for example. the dune system. The walkover structures should
be similar in design to the structure recently
Authorization for expanded recreational use developed in the Southwick-Lakeview Resource
here, however, would have to be balanced by the Area. (See Chapter Four.) The structures
establishment of requirements for increased should be elevated to accommodate natural dune
protection of natural areas in the remainder of migration, allowing for movement of windblown
the WMA. (See Guideline No. 5.) Designating sand, growth of vegetation and ease of main-
a special recreational use area will also require tenance. These structures should only be built,
careful monitoring and control of activities. If however, under conditions of increased manage-
this designation is judged to be feasible, ap- ment attention and resource protection.
propriate methods for ensuring effective manage-
ment of the area, including special management 7. The DEC should evaluate the feasibility of
controls and regulations, should be developed by establishing an environmental education center
the DEC. at the wildlife management area.

Along with more active recreational use, addi- The purpose of this center, to include a class-
tional facilities and structures such as the dune room facility and educational exhibits, would be
walkover structures described in Guideline No. to increase public understanding and awareness
6 below should be included, of barrier system resources and to establish a
DEC management presence that would serve to
5. Along with designation of a special recreational discourage unauthorized activities.
use area in the northernmost section of the
wildlife management area, more restrictive use 8. Monitoring activities and enforcement of existing
controls should be considered for application in regulations for resource use and protection
the remainder of the WMA. should be improved.

The major part of the coastal barrier within the It is clear that the designation of a special recrea-
WMA should be designated as a protected tional use area and imposition of more restrictive
natural beach area. All current use restrictions use controls will require increased monitoring and
should remain in effect here, and more restric- enforcement capabilities on the part of the DEC.
tive controls should also be considered, especially In addition to the enforcement of any new use
for the high dune section and with regard to controls, the DEC should attach a higher priority
impacts caused by the spill-over of campers from to enforcement of existing regulations against all
Brennan Beach. More restrictive use controls activities that may disturb the sand dune eco-
should be directed toward protection of the dune system in the WMA. A Conservation Officer
ecosystem from human disturbance and toward should be assigned to patrol the area at least
"balancing" any authorization of more active during those holiday periods and summer week-
recreational use in the northernmost section of ends when recreational use is highest. Initial
the WMA. visits should be to inform users of existing regula-
tions; citations for violations should be issued on
6. Dune walkover structures should be used to subsequent patrols.
guide pedestrian access from the dune swale to
the beach.

The major purpose of these structures should be
to focus pedestrian movement onto designated

106 Deer Creek Resource Area

9. New and improved signs should be placed to and through the sand dunes would be tightly
guide resource protection and public use. controlled. A fee would be collected for beach
access from the north. Access from the south,
New signs should replace current DEC signs through Brennan Beach, could be prohibited or
listing prohibited activities in the WMA. The controlled through collection of a fee, if possible.
signs should identify special, protected resource
areas as well as areas where limited recreational All of the earlier recommendations would also
activities may take place. Signs providing infor- remain pertinent to resource management in the
mation on special resource areas and use restric- area.
tions on the coastal barrier should also be placed
at the small boat launching sites providing access 11. Brennan Beach is an appropriate location for
to the WMA. continued intensive recreational use and develop-
ment development alongwith additional manage-
10. Long term management options that would ment controls. 4
involve major changes in the current manage-
ment or ownership status of the wildlife manage- Recreational facilities at Brennan Beach should
ment area should be considered. continue to be maintained in a manner that
serves to accommodate some of the use pressures
Such options should be considered if resource directed toward the public lands in the barrier
values currently being degraded by unauthorized system. Brennan Beach is, however, the most
activities can not be adequately protected intensively developed section of barrier beach in
through implementation of the previous recoin- the entire barrier system and, by virtue of its
mendations alone. Two options to consider are: close proximity to the Deer Creek Wildlife
1) the development of a cooperative manage- Management Area, is the source of intense and
ment arrangement between the DEC and the inappropriate uses within the WMA.
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation; and 2) transfer of ownership of a More effective management controls should be
portion of the wildlife management area from established to limit the movement of people from
the DEC to OPRHP. Under the first option, the campground to the wildlife management area.
the DEC would retain ownership of the entire
WMvA but OPRHP's Central New York State Future development activities at Brennan Beach
Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation should be located within the current boundaries
Commission, would manage the non-wetland of the site and should not infringe on the
portion of the barrier. This would allow for adjacent Deer Creek wetland area not located
managed active recreational use of the beach and within the wildlife management area.
protection of the dunes by on-site personnel.
Under the second option, the OPRHP would The owners should continue to seek assistance
assume title as well as active management of the from such agencies as the Oswego County Soil
non-wetland portion, including the beach and and Water Conservation District, New York Sea
sand dunes, to allow recreational use of the Grant and others with regard to implementing
beach and protection of the sand dunes. Under additional measures to stabilize remaining sand
both options, the area could be operated as a dune formations.
closely supervised day use extension of Selkirk
Shores State Park. Continuing volunteer dune restoration efforts
involving Brennan Beach campers should be
Development of a supervised swimming beach encouraged and supported by the Ontario Dune
at the Deer Creek WMA would help to accom- Coalition and concerned agencies.
modate some of the use pressures now directed
toward the small and erodible beach area at
Selkirk Shores State Park. Access into the area

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 107

12. The Town of Richland should establish new
reuirements and regulations for guiding resource
use and ensuring resource protection in the Port
Ontario harbor area and the privately-owned
Deer Creek marsh area.
The Town of Richland should designate the area
at the mouth of the Salmon River as a Critical
Environmental Area under authority provided by
the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
The Town should consider adopting special land
use controls specifically addressing this area and
the other privately owned sections of the barrier
system, including that portion of the Deer Creek
marsh not included in the Deer Creek WMIA.

CHAPTER SEVEN:

SYSTEM-WIDE ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES

This chapter summarizes some basic issues or management concerns associated with
existing conditions throughout the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system. These
issues and concerns are more general in nature than the area-specific management
concerns that were described for each of the four major resource areas in Chapters Three
through Six.

Also contained in this chapter are management objectives and recommendations that
represent somepossible approaches forresponding to the system-wide issues and concerns.
These objectives and recommendations are not necessarily tied to specific resource areas
but are intended to guide management efforts throughout the barrier system, and should
be considered in conjunction with the resource area guidelines presented in Chapters
Three through Six.

System-wide issues and management objectives are presented in the following categories:

* Understanding barrier system dynamics and values;
* Reducing human impacts on the barrier system; and
* Managing the barrier system.

110 System-Wide Issues and Management Objectives

UNDERSTANDING BARRIER SYSTEM levels in order to serve their particular interests.
DYNAMICS AND VALUES
Although recent experience indicates that regulation
One of the basic purposes of undertaking the special does affect the level of Lake Ontario (and therefore
study of the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier erosion rates in the barrier system), no definitive
system was to identify needs for additional scientific analysis has been conducted to determine the extent
research and to identify appropriate management to which lake levels and the corresponding rate of
practices that should be altered based on what is erosion can be influenced by human control. The
already known about the barrier system. The barrier absence of a comprehensive analysis hinders the
system exists in a state of dynamic equilibrium and development of long-range barrier system manage-
is constantly being shaped and modified by natural ment strategies.
forces. There is currently much misunderstanding
as well as a lack of information regarding these * Management Obiective: Decisions regarding
forces and their effects on the system. lake level regulations must take into con-
sideration the effects of water level changes
* The water level of Lake Ontario is subject to on barrier system erosion rates in order to
short and long-term fluctuations and the barrier protect the barrier system.
system is especially vulnerable to the erosion Additionalstudyis necessarytodeterminethe
impacts associated with high water levels. extent to which the regulation of flow in the
St. Lawrence River can influence Lake
The Lake Ontario water level is a major factor Ontario water levels and erosion of the
influencing shorefront erosion and sand dune coastal barrier system. Current and recent
formation in the barrier system. The relatively low lakelevelandshorefrontconditionsshouldbe
levels recorded during 1987 and 1988 (see Figure 75) compared with historic conditions, prior to
favored sand dune development and replenishment construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, to
and reduced the rate of shorefront erosion. Sig- help determine the extent to which regula-
nificant differences in lake levels may occur from tion can contribute to reduced shorefront
year to year and season to season, and any barrier erosion rates and natural sand dune develop-
system management decisions that do not take these ment and replenishment. The effects of
fluctuating levels into account are likely to fail. increased regulation on components of the
barrier system other than sand dunes (on
Continued high water levels would eventually wetlands, for example) should also be evalu-
dominate the barrier system, eliminating recreational ated.
opportunities, increasing erosion and property
damage, and jeopardizing the integrity of the barrier
and its protected embayments.

There has been much public debate over the extent
to which Lake Ontario water levels can and should
be controlled by the regulation of flow through man-
made control structures in the St. Lawrence River.
Many people believe that regulation can have an Another key factor affecting sand dune preservation
important effect on lake levels and doubt that the and replenishment is the nature of nearshore sedi-
most critical factors affecting lake levels are such ment transport patterns. Little quantitative data
natural factors as precipitation over the entire Great exists, however, with regard to the direction, quantity
Lakes basin. Those most affected by fluctuating and sources of sediment transport in the eastern
water levels (residential property owners and marina Lake Ontario region. In addition to longshore
operators, for example) have argued for increased sediment transport, sediment appears to be trans-
regulation to lower or raise Lake Ontario water ported in onshore-offshore directions and some

po~~~~~3rte nosoeofhr ietosadsm

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 111

Figure 75: Exposed Beach at Low Water Conditions Near the Black Pond
WM[A.

sediment may also be introduced from tributaries ment and distribution of sand. Major sources
flowing into the barrier system. The onshore-off- of sediment supply and the offshore boun-
shore movement appears to be the primary phenom- dary of the active sand distribution system
enon currently affecting sand movement and distribu- should be identified.
tion. Ice formations which gouge the shoreline and
nearshore areas may also have an effect on the
balance of sand in the system. One hypothesis is
that the barrier system may be a "nodal" area with
little net longshore movement of sediment taking * Little is known about the natural history of
place. The lack of knowledge regarding sediment the relict sand dunes.
transport patterns also hinders long range barrier
system management strategies. In addition to the relatively poor understanding of
the area's coastal processes, little is known about the
0 Manavuement Objective: Fundamental natural history of the relict sand dunes. The four
research regarding coastal processes in the
rebearchregarding coastem proceises intheed distinct areas of high sand dunes found in the barrier
system (in the Black Pond, North and South Sandy
Ponds and Deer Creek resource areas as described
Additional study isources o sesset in Chapters Three, Five and Six, respectively)
direansportand sourder to sedimenaccuratelrt represent unique natural communities that provide
long-termtrendsp in barrder sstoemo a telprost rare natural resource values, contribute to the overall
londg-tnddner deverpends an birsteplenisin protective aspects of the barrier system and provide
aend. sanddunedevelpopmentandrepflenish- scenic and aesthetic qualities. The high dunes were
mentd osherelativefimportane mov t lng barie formed thousands of years ago when lake levels were
adoshore-fshrem develment and barenismen much lower, and can therefore be described as
syshoubem addressel and wellenisthemexent t o geologically significant relict dunes. The climatic and
should be addressed as well as the extent to g dunes
whic ic foratins cntrbuteto he mve- geomorphic conditions under which these high dunes

112 System-Wide Issues and Management Objectives

were formed no longer exist. If these dunes are activities, and on limiting pedestrian and
destroyed, it will be impossible to regain the natural vehicle access in order to stop direct destruc-
values which they now provide. The steep faces of tion of the high dunes. Specific measures
the high dunes directly exposed to Lake Ontario are should be undertaken to prevent people from
particularly subject to erosion, especially when lake climbing on the exposed sand faces of the
levels are high. (See Figure 76.) In order to protect dunes.
these natural formations it is necessary to better
understand them. The relict dunes should be considered for
designation as National Natural Landmarks
� Management Obiective: Specific research by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
and management attention should be direc-
ted toward the four relict dune areas.

Additional study should be carried out to
more precisely analyze the origin and age of * Lack of understanding of barrier system
the high dunes. Field investigations may dynamics and values is contributing to degrada-
locate dune strata containing organic mater- tion of the system.
ials which could be analysed though carbon-
14 dating to determine the actual age of the Throughout the barrier system, property owners
sand dunes. exhibit different attitudes and awareness regarding
Long-term preservation of the high dunes erosion control, development and natural resource
and associated natural values should receive protection. Some property owners are clearly not
aware of, or not concerned with, the natural values
prioritectmahesemennesattention.Measuresto provided by the barrier system. For example, some
incroteasingpubict ares ness sould rsocuspri y oproperty owners have worked to stabilize existing
valuesasindgt potentalimpactaw s of reoumn dunes and have encouraged natural dune growth to
provide a measure of shore protection; others have

Figure 76: Relict Dune on the North Spit Subject to Accelerated Erosion
During Periods of High Lake Levels.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 113

Figure 77: Remnants of Past Development on the Overwash Flat of the
North Spit.

graded dune formations and have contributed in values of the system will require a certain change in
other ways to destabilization of the barrier system. human values.
In the past, the dynamic and fragile character of the
dune formations and other barrier system resources 0 Management Obiective: A strong conserva-
has not been well recognized or understood by some tion ethic has to become established among
property owners (see Figure 77) as well as by the resource users, owners, managers and regula-
government programs affecting the barrier system. tors in order to protect the coastal barrier
I. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~system.
In addition to conflicting with coastal processes,
human activities on the barrier beaches often conflict The first step in establishing a change in
with shorebirds and other wildlife populations as well attitude and values is through appropriate
as with natural plant communities. In general, educational efforts directed at increasing
nesting and migrant shorebirds can not co-exist with public awareness of the natural processes
intense recreational activities. Due to loss of habitat and values of the barrier system. The second
and disturbance of feeding and breeding activities, step would involve active instruction designed
the Piping Plover (now an endangered species in to solve or prevent specific problems. This
New York) and the Common Tern (a threatened could lead to management efforts that are
species) no longer nest in the eastern Lake Ontario based on an understanding ofnatural proces-
barrier system. Human activities can also result in ses and could also help to accomplish the
adverse impacts on plant community composition and objective ofensuring adequate and functional
structure, including destruction of rare species and habitat for the system's various natural
the introduction of non-native species. Boating communities.
activity affecting barrier system wetlands can also
disrupt natural communities. As an example, valuable shorebird habitat
should be restored and protected. This will
Natural processes and resources are too often in only take place, however, after the realization
conflict with human uses. Preserving the natural has occurred that balanced use between

114 System-Wide Issues and Management Objectives'

recreation and wildlife cannot be achieved terr ain vehicles (ATVs) and four-wheel drive vehicles
for all areas and at all times in the coastal in dune areas damage fragile stabilizing vegetation
barrier system. The most valuable habitat and accelerate erosion, thereby lessening the natural
areas are in immediate need of active man- protective functions that the dunes provide. Once
agement that would include seasonaliprohib- destroyed, it may take years for plants to become re-
itions on all recreational uses in selected established on the dunes.
shorebird nesting areas.
The use of ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles is
one of the most damaging of human activities in the
barrier system, causing impacts that may persist for
many years. Although motorized vehicles are prohib-
REDUCING HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE ited in the WMAs (and in all dune areas once the
BARRIER SYSTEM Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act takes effect),
such activity does occur illegally in WMvAs and
The barrier system is sensitive to human disturbances elsewhere in the barrier system. (See Figure 78.)
that can hasten and make more severe the effects Winter snowmobile traffic can also cause destabiliza-
of natural forces. In fact, most of the disturbance tonbderyiguevgtao.
and resource damage taking place in the barrier I diint etuto asdb akn n
systemses, causdnt by strsanpteroptrle driving in dune areas, vandalism of protective meas-
processes, but by people. ~ures (snowfencing, for example) intended to stabilize
w Human activities are a major cause of the de- dune formations, renders these measures ineffective.I
struction of barrier system resources. Vandals have used snowfencing for firewood (see
Figure 79), and in the process of tearing down the
fencing, trampled stabilizing vegetation. In the
The sand dunes are particularly vulnerable to human W s ncrae recrainlueaduatoie
disturbance. Walking over dunes, climbing on the act ivte sch 'as rcrampionalus and clmbngaonthoie due
dunes and driving motorized vehicles such as all- atvte uha apn n lmigo h ue

Figure 78: Trespassing ATV Trails on Private Land on the North Part ofI
the South Spit at North Sandy Pond.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 115

Figure 79: Remnants of Vandalized Snowfencing Used for Firewood at the
Deer Creek WIMA.

have contributed to degradation of the dune system. for violations. Prosecution of those caught
:,andalizing dune stabilization measures
Alkthough some activities with the potential to impact should be to the fullest extent of the law.
the sand dunes are prohibited in the WMAs, these Vehicles used illegally should be confiscated.
prohibitions are rarely enforced. Fines should be imposed and public service
to conduct dune restoration projects should
There is a lack of understanding regarding the be required of violators.
magnitude of the effect of human activities on the
barrier system. Finally, positive human activities associated
with the establishment of dune stabilization
� Managaement Obiective: In order to maintain measures, for example, should be encouraged.
the, barrier system's natural protective and This would include plan ting stabilizing vegeta-
resource values, immediate steps should be tion, repairing dune blowouts with snow-
taken to halt destructive human activities. fencing and other erosion control materials,
monitoring activities affecting the barrier
Measures designed to reduce human impacts system and generally supporting resource
are needed on at least three levels. The first management initiatives. In existing areas of
is improving public awareness of the regula- disturbance on public and private lands, and
tions applicable to resource use and protec- prior to further development, dune walkover
tion, including the prohibition of motorized structures should be constructed to protect
vehicles in any dune area on State land or sand dunes and stabilizing vegetation from
erosion hazard area mapped under the human disturbance. (See Figures 80 and 81.)
Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act. This
effort should be coupled with improved
enforcement of resource protection regula-
tions and clarification of permitted uses.
Second, stiffer penalties should be imposed

116 System-Wide Issues and Management Objectives

Section 1-A -Landside Section I-B - Deck Section I- C - Lakeside
Whs Dimension Varies Depending ai This Dimension Varies IThis Dimension Varies
Dropoff Behind Dune Depending an? Width Depning ft Jrpofh
of Dune Fran of Dune0Crestp

Refer to
2x B Steps Deta I

36 nin mum ~~~~Typical -lo'

1L to L 7Jpici IL Lto L Typical t~o LTy#ptol

TYPICAL SECTION4MS

Note: Place steps on beach Side Beach Storm Profile
to level of rnaxinvm beach (Maximum Expected Racessc,
recession during a severe
Storm

5,6 ~~~~~Source: Walton and Skinner, "Beach Dune Walkover
M7~IF~' Structures", Florida Sea Grant, 1976.

a~~~~

Note: Structures shown are intended
for public use. Structures
-4 ~~~~~~~~~for private, homeowner use need
be much less substantial.

TYPICAL SECTION

Figure 80: Guidelines For Dune Walkover Structures.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 117

Figure 81: Dune Walkover and Beach Observation Structure at Brennan
Beach.

� The natural protective functions of the barrier source management approaches should recognize
are diminished by structural approaches to the need to allow the barrier system to respond to
shoreline stabilization and erosion control. natural forces in order to provide natural flood and
erosion protection.
The barrier beaches and sand dunes protect wet-
lands, ponds and the mainland shoreline from flood Managem
and erosion impacts. The barrier system is sensitive measures to control erosion should be used
to b~~~~~~~~~~esapuedsn modfebyis aacentrolan ersind lead to diinsedfnt:
to natural disturbances and exist in a natural state as alternatives to structural or engineered
of dynamic equilibrium. The barrier has been, and approaches that accelerate beach loss, erode
continues to be, shaped and modified by winds,adcntndndldtoimisefctn
waves, currents, ice and other natural forces. (See of the barrier.
Figure 82.) The natural erosion and migration rates forces should be
of some sections of the barrier system are high. to shape and modify the overall barrier

As a direct result of the dynamic nature of the system. Structural measures intended to
barrier system, some of its developed sections are fortify large portions of the shoreline against
currently more affected by erosion and at higher the effects of natural forces should not be
risk than others. Throughout the system, individuals established.
and groups of property owners have established
structural works such as seawalls, riprap and revet- Eroshon con structed
ment structures to protect their property from the shoseline whould no otr
erosion. (See Figure 83.) Although some of these easo nable where 1) fo oter
structural approaches have been effective in the easonable andernathe st rupres
short-term, in the long-term these structural meas- epdstingnifica nt adv ers e
ures may result in accelerated erosion on adjacent i mplon docnt res an n atual
properties and cause other adverse impacts. Re- r esoural
resources.

System-Wide Issues and Management Objectives

Figure 82: Trees Felled by Previous High Water Conditions on the North
Spit at North Sandy Pond.

Figure 83: Erosion Control Structure in the Southern Part of the Coastal
Barrier System.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 119

Shoreline fortification measures (as opposed and public lands.
to nonstructural erosion control measures)
should not be established on State-owned Any structural measures deemed to be the
land in the barrier system. In addition, onlyalternative available toprotectindividual
nonstructural alternatives to the use of properties should not be developed indepen-
seawalls, breakwaters, jetties, groins and dently, but should also incorporate measures
other structural erosion control measures to protect adjacent properties from the
should be used by waterfront property resulting increases in erosion.
owners.
As a condition of authorization to construct
Nonstructural erosion control measures structural erosion control measures, property
should be carried out prior to such time as owners should also be required to undertake
these measures may actually be needed to nonstructuralmeasuresincludingtheplanting
protect property. and protection of dune stabilizing vegetation.

Appropriate nonstructural erosion control Government agencies should continue to
and shore protection measures for applica- provide technical assistance regarding appro-
tion in the barrier system include the enact- priate erosion control measures to shorefront
ment of restrictive land use controls, moving property owners.
imperiled structures, planting stabilizing
vegetation and placement of snowfencing.
(See Figures 84 and 85.)

A beach grass nursery should be established
to serve as a source of plants (indigenous to
the eastern Lake Ontario region) that can be
used to help stabilize sand dunes on private

Figure 84: Snowfencing in the Foredune Area at The Nature Conservancy's
El Dorado Beach Preserve.

120 System-Wide Issues and Management Objectives

Figure 85 : S ieo eonstration Dune Stabilization Project Using American
Beachgrass at the Deer Creek WVMA.

� Curent development activities and practices on adjacent properties and natural values. Improper
are contributing to barrier system degradation. construction and placement of septic systems is an
example of another development-related condition
In addition to human misuse of barrier system that can contribute to adverse impacts on natural
resorce, deelomenton he brrir, icluingvalues by causing erosion, groundwater pollution and
seasonal and year-round homes, can directly or public health problems.
indirectly damage the system. In turn, residential
development is vulnerable to the direct effects of 0 Management Objective: Development in the
storms and high water which have caused significant barrier system should be undertaken in a
erosion and property damage in the past. The manner that recognm the natural vulner-
effects of human use are particularly devastating, ability of the system and in locations suitable
since the barrier system is naturally vulnerable to for supporting this development without
flooding and erosion impacts because of its direct adverse impacts on natural values and pro-
exposure to wind and waves off the lake, its inherent cesses occurring.
instability and' its relatively low-lying topography. Ftr eeomn rpsl hudb
While many of the existing residential areas are fully carefully reviewed for potential impacts on
developed with seasonal and year round homes, barrier system resources. Proposals w~ith the
there remain opportunities for additional residential potential for negative impacts should be
development in privately owned, undeveloped areas. modified or denied.
Future development activities in the commercial
recreation and campground areas may also have Publicawarenessofappropriatedevelopment
adverse effects on barrier system resources. Poor practices should be increased, along with
site preparation and other inadequate development improved monitoring and enforcement of
practices on privately owned lands have resulted in existing wetland, building, and sanitary code
dune destabilization with associated negative effects regula tions.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 121

Structural erosion control measures should often accompanied by other activities that damage
not be established to protect or promote the sand dunes or eliminate wildlife use of the beach.
future development in the barrier system. The currently posted DEC signs listing a number of
prohibitions that are not enforced do not represent
a valuable approach to resource management.

� Management Obiective: Recreation and
MANAGING THE COASTAL BARRIER development activities in the barrier system
SYSTEM should be planned and undertaken in a
manner consistent with the capability of
The coastal barrier system has been significantly natural resources to accommodate these
altered by both natural forces and man's activities. activities without significant reductions in
This system, however, contains the least altered and natural resource values occurnng.
most impressive barrier system resources in New
York State. The value of these resources to the Within the barrier system, "management
local residents, and to the citizens of New York, is units"should be designated to focus attention
priceless. Although the opportunity exists now to on specific geographic areas for which spe-
protect this resource, if action is not taken, today's cific policies and management objectives can
opportunity may someday be a past memory. be implemented. Within the management
units, areas can be identified that: a) should
� Some individual components of the barrier remain in their natural condition (preser-
system are currently being managed to a certain vainres;bcnacomdtcran
vation areas); b) can accommodate certain
system managemently beffong m edo tot addertai n uses but not others (conservation areas); and
extent, but management efforts do not address c r otsial o ua s atvt
c) are most suitable for human use (activity
or recognize the barrier system as a single in-ars)
tegrated resource.
The WMAs are ideal management units for
A key issue with regard to the protection of natural the designation of these types of use areas.
values concerns the capacity of the natural resources This would require that fewer restrictions be
in the barrier system to accommodate increased placed in certain sections of the WMAs that
human use and developmentwithoutbeingdamaged can accommodate human use without de-
to the extent that important natural values are lost. gradation of natural resource values occur-
Some sections of the barrier system are more ring, while the most valuable wildlife habitat
sensitive to human disturbance than others, and in the WMAs would be placed under more
some sections have a greater capacity to accom- restrictive controls in order to best achieve
modate use and development. Resource carrying barrier system management objectives.
capacity can also be seen to vary on a seasonal basis.
During shorebird nesting periods, for example, New and improved signs that reflect the out-
resource carrying capacity for recreational activities come of this approach should be used to
is significantly reduced. identify special preservation areas, conserva-
tion areas with limited use and more inten-
With respect to use of State-owned lands, particular- sively used recreation areas.
ly the wildlife management areas, there is some
sentiment that because the areas were purchased
with public funds they should be open to public use
with fewer restrictions. This attitude (along with lack
of enforcement of existing DEC regulations) contrib-
utes to unauthorized activities such as swimming and
picnicking in the WMAs. These uses can be planned
so that they cause little harm, but unfortunately are

122 System-Wide Issues and Management Objectives

* There is little local control of private uses * Management Objective: In response to
and activities affecting the barrier system. development pressures and practices, local
plans as well as zoning and land use controls
The barrier system is located in a relatively remote should be directed toward achieving a bal-
section of the State and in an area of extremely ancebetweeneconomicdevelopmentandthe
harsh winter climate. As a result, the region was protection of valuable and sensitive natural
previously not subject to the same sort of develop- resources.
ment pressures as other coastal regions of the State,
and economic development objectives have been of The towns should adopt special resolutions
primary concern to the local communities. recognizing the values as well as the sensitivity
of barrier system resources. The towns
In recent years, however, development and use should also incorporate special land use
pressures have increased and have given rise to policies and plans directed toward the barrier
increased management concerns. Current develop- system into existing or future town-wide
ment pressures are associated with: 1) growth and Master Plans.
promotion of the eastern Lake Ontario sport fishery
based in large part on the DEC salmonid program; Following the adoption of land use policies
2) the U.S. Army's Fort Drum expansion plans; and and plans, the towns should provide added
3) the New York Seaway Trail promotion program. protection to the barrier system by adopting
Development pressures, particularly those related to appropriate zoning and other land use con-
second home development, public access and recrea- trols.
tional use, are expected to continue.
While town zoning and other land use con-
Although current development pressures and the trols should be established on a town-wide
effects of the DEC salmonid program have high- basis, special "overlay" zoning districts can
lighted the importance of environmental protection also be applied over the underlying zoning
as well as economic development objectives, there districts in the barrier system.
is substantial public support for continued growth
and development. Public concerns regarding the In addition to zoning requirements that could
enactment and enforcement of both local and State limit the types of uses permitted in the barrier
land use controls have been expressed in the three system, other special regulations can also be
communities with jurisdiction within the barrier applied to the protection of barrier system
system. In the past, there has been much public resources, including site plan review and sub-
sentiment in opposition to increased local land use division approval requirements.
controls. This opposition, for example, has defeated
past proposals to establish zoning regulations in the
Town of Sandy Creek, and concern over increased
regulation of private land has also led to some
misinterpretation and misunderstanding of State and * Current laws and regulations that should
federal regulations controlling land and water uses. serve to protect barrier system resources are not
The basis of this opposition is the perception that being effectively implemented and strictly en-
land use controls and environmental regulations are forced.
impediments to economic growth.
Development controls, review processes and regula-
Economic growth, however, is resulting in develop- tions intended to guide development and minimize
ment that is needlessly altering the dune system to or eliminate environmental impacts are established
the extent that the basis for the economic growth, and carried out by local, State and federal agencies.
the region's natural coastal resources, is being Nevertheless, the barrier system has been, and
degraded. continues to be, negatively impacted by human uses

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 123

and development activities. The effectiveness of * Management Obiective: In addition to
these development controls and review processes is increasing the effectiveness of existing laws,
influenced by several important factors, including: new laws and regulations directed at the
the adequacy of available information on which to protection of the barrier system and its
base review decisions; the ability to monitor and resources are needed.
inspect development to ensure compliance with
permit conditions; and local awareness (or lack of Development proposals affecting the barrier
awareness) of types and sources of technical assis- system should be given special attention in
tance to aid in the review process. existing development review and permitting
programs.
More importantly, the effectiveness of existing
regulations and requirements depends on the ability One obvious mechanism available to achieve
to adequately enforce these regulations. A lack of this is the State Environmental Quality
enforcement of existing regulations and requirements, Review Act (SEQRA) process. In addition
on both State-owned and privately owned land, to those agencies required to participate in
currently exists. Key factors affecting enforcement this process, other interested parties with
capabilities are the availability of personnel, the valuable information to contribute as well as
commitment of personnel and the priority attached the general public should be encouraged to
to enforcement by the different agencies charged participate in the SEQRA process.
with this responsibility.
Decisions can be best made when necessary
Local enforcement is influenced by the fact that the information is readilyavailable. Town boards
local boards charged with the review of development (and regulatory agencies at all levels of
proposals affecting the barrier system are volunteer government) should seek technical assistance
boards with little if any support staff, and available available from the county planning boards,
inspectors are often overburdened with monitoring environmental management councils and St.
and enforcement responsibilities. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission and
from other agencies such as the Department
On State-owned lands, particularly the wildlife of State and the DEC, as appropriate, in the
management areas, existing prohibitions against review of development proposals affecting
swimming, picnicking and disturbance of dune the barrier system.
vegetation are often not enforced because of the
lack of availability of Conservation Officers to State agencies and town boards should make
adequately patrol the areas. use of all existing opportunities and authoriz-
ing legislation to ensure protection of the
Given the significant natural values provided by the resource values provided by the barrier
barrier system and the sensitivity of the system to system. Management efforts should include:
both human and natural impacts, concern has been 1) the designation of additional Critical
expressed that existing regulations may not be EnvironmentalAreas;2)the establishmentof
adequate for protecting the barrier system in light of additional town land use and/or zoning
new and increasing development pressures. requirements; 3) the preparation of specific
management plans for State-owned parcels
* Management Obiective: Decisions made of land; and 4), the initiation and implemen-
under existing laws and the enforcement of tation of specialplanningprograms, including
existing regulations need to be improved at town Master Plans and Local Waterfront
the local, State and federal government Revitalization Programs.
levels.
One of the mostpromising avenues ofprotec-
tion for the dune system is the State Coastal
Erosion Hazard Areas Act(CEHAA). Under

124 System-Wide Issues and Management Objectives

the CEHAA, erosion hazard areas have been Even if existing laws, including the CEHAA,
mapped throughout the barrier system and are effectively implemented and enforced, a
the State has approved final regulations for need for new laws and regulations (including
implementing the Act. Final erosion hazard local zoning and land use control laws, for
maps for the towns of Richland, Sandy Creek example)providing additionalprotection still
and Ellisburg in the barrier system were filed exists.
in May of 1988 and State regulations for
implementing the Act have been adopted by
the DEC. Under the Act, towns, cities and
villages are given first opportunity to regulate
erosion hazard areas within theirjurisdiction � Coordination among all levels of government
by enacting local erosion management ordin- with regard to protection of the coastal barrier
ances approved by the DEC. If local govern- system is poor.
ments relinquishjurisdiction the opportunity
is passed on to the county. If the county A number of town, county, State and federal govern-
similarly relinquishes jurisdiction, the DEC ment agencies have some responsibility for, or impact
must regulate erosion hazard areas. The
muston Eiregulate erostnhzr likely as.sue on, activities affecting the barrier system. Several
Town of Ellisburg Rwll most likely assume ..... private, non-profit organizations also exercise roles
responsibility for implementing the Act; the and responsibilities affecting the system. Among the
towns of Richland and Sandy Creek, along roles and responsibilities of these agencies and
with Oswego County, will likely defer imple- organizations is the review of development proposals,
issuance of development permits, establishment and
enforcement of regulations, provision of technical
Whether the towns or the State assume the
assistance, ownership and management of land,
responsibilityforimplementingthe CEHAA,
the regulato y restrictions, including proh ib- assessment of resources, support and implementation
itions on foot traffic that causes dune dam- of special projects, provision of public information
itions on foot traffic that causes dune dam-
and promotion of conservation objectives.
age, prohibitions on vehicular traffic in dune
areas, and requirements for elevated dune The resources of the eastern Lake Ontario coastal
walkovers, should be rigorously enforced to
walkovers, should be rigorou sly enforced to barrier system exist as a single integrated system of
protect the dune system from human disturb- beaches, sand dunes, marshes and embayments.
beaches, sand dunes, marshes and embayments.
ance. The natural boundaries of this system, however, do
Enforcement of the CEHAA should include not conform to a single set of political or institutional
boundaries. The barrier system falls within the
efforts to maintain current maps of the
jurisdiction of three towns and numerous government
changing shoreline so that applicability of the agencies and contains both publicly owned and
law i s as accurate as possible. agencies and contains both publicly owned and
law is as accurate as possibleprivately owned land. This report represents the
first effort to establish a coordinated set of manage-
In concert with enforcement, public aware-
ment objectives that would cross political and institu-
ness of the requirements of the CEHAA and
tional boundaries and address the barrier system as
of how implementation of this Act will affect
Xshorefront development and human use in a single integrated unit. Some differences exist in
the barrier should b se in.c. e ,a,,,d. ,the approaches to resource management exhibited
the barrier system should be increased.
the b r e u i aby the three towns (e.g., one town does not have
zoning regulations, a "critical environmental area"
has been established in only one town, one town
does not have a planning board) and by the different
State agencies with roles and responsibilities for
resource management in the system.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 125

Of the four principal State agencies (DEC, OPRHP, affecting the barrier system.
DOS and SLEOC) with active roles and respons-
ibilities in the barrier system, the role of the DEC Finally, there is a clear need for a continued
is most prominent, involving both regulatory as well open forum among all interested parties to
as land ownership and management responsibilities. maintain essential communication and to
Two different DEC regional offices as well as the foster coordination. The Ontario Dune
central DEC office are involved in carrying out these Coalition provides an important function in
responsibilities. Some concern has been expressed this regard. The annual "Sand Dune Apprec-
with regard to perceived differences between the iation" event is an activity that is useful for
approach to resource management followed by the enhancingpublicinvolvementin duneprotec-
regional offices, and with regard to the perceived em- tion. A similar and expanded effort, perhaps
phasis of the DEC on species management rather in the form of a regional conference involving
than on protection of the barrier system within the other Great Lakes states and Canadian
WMAs. jurisdictions, should help stimulate broader
participation by involved organizations.
Concern has also been expressed over a lack of
coordination between State and local government
levels, as evidenced by past misunderstandings and
lack of awareness on the local level with regard to
State environmental regulations.

* Management Objective: Coordination among
different jurisdictions and concerned agencies
should be improved with regard to future
planning, management and enforcement
actions affecting the barrier system.

Short and long-term policies, guidelines and
strategies to be used by local, State and
federal agencies for guiding management
decisions affecting uses, activities and devel-
opment in the barrier system should be
established.

Establishing these policies would be best
accomplished under a comprehensive plan-
ning process that would involve the three
towns and the support and approval by the
State and federal governments through their
representative agencies.

In addition, improved coordination will
require formalized and continuous com-
munication among the jurisdictions and
agencies. One approach that can be used to
achieve this goal would be for State and local
agencies to establish periodic training sessions
for regulatory personnel to improve consis-
tency, efficiency and effectiveness in the
enforcement of land and water use controls

CHAPTER EIGHT:

OPPORTUNITIES AND OPTIONS FOR
IMPLEMENTING MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES AND OBJECTIVES

This chapter reviews opportunities and options for implementing the management
guidelines and objectives outlined in Chapters Three through Seven. Included are
recommendations directed toward concerned citizens and conservation groups as well
as educational institutions and the various government entities with roles and respon-
sibilities affecting the barrier system. A summary of these suggested roles and
opportunities for resource management is shown in Figure 86.

Recommendations forimplementing management guidelines and objectives are described
for:

� Concerned citizens;
a Conservation groups;
* Town boards and departments;
� County agencies;
a State agencies;
* Federal agencies; and
* Educational institutions.

128 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

PRIVATE LANDOWNERS AND State Department of State and the New York
CONCERNED CITIZENS Sea Grant Extension Program.

Almost 10 miles or approximately 60% of the In addition, property owners should, whenever
shoreline contained in the coastal barrier system is possible, consider the establishment of common
privately owned. It is therefore important that pathways and dune walkover structures to guide
Ipentaffcthroughseansiiv dune waloestuureas.t ud
private landowners play an important role in ensur- pedestrian traffic through sensitive dune areas.
ing the future protection and wise use of barrier
system resources, including the valuable sand dune These private dune walkover structures should be
resources. There are a number of ways that private of simple construction, relatively inexpensive and
landowners as well as other concerned citizens can expendable. That is, the walkover should not be
contribute to the protection and management of the constructed to withstand forces that would erode
barrier system. Landowners and citizens can, for the dune. If the walkover is destroyed by a
example, apply appropriate erosion control meas- severe storm, it should be relatively easy to
ures, practice wise land use and development replace it. In some instances, adjacent home-
techniques, report violations of environmental owners may be able to share a single walkover
regulations, support government efforts to protect structure, further reducing the amount of dune
and manage the barrier system and make use of disturbance that might otherwise occur if each
special initiatives to protect sensitive lands. homeowner used a separate path to the shore.
Construction of dune walkovers should be
0 Apply Appropriate Erosion Control Measures. combined with the planting of stabilizing vegeta-
tion to further promote dune stabilization.
Some of the developed sections of the barrier
system are especially affected by erosion and a Concerned citizens should support implementa-
number of shorefront homes are threatened. As tion of the Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act.
a result, some property owners have established Residents should urge their town governments to
structural erosion control measures (rip-rap and strictly enforce local regulations for implementing
revetment structures, for example) in an effort the Act or, in the case of those towns that have
to protect their properties. These measures can deferred local implementation of the Act at this
be effective in the short term, but over time can time, to consider local implementation at some
result in accelerated erosion on adjacent proper- future time.
ties and cause other adverse impacts on the
barrier system. Whenever possible, shorefront PracticeWiseUse and DevelopmentTechniques.
property owners should make use of nonstruc-
tural approaches for reducing natural erosion In addition to establishing appropriate erosion
rates. These nonstructural measures should control measures, property owners and visitors
include planting stabilizing vegetation and placing to the barrier system should refrain from activ-
ities that contribute to dune erosion. These
snowfencing to protect and encourage dune ties that contribute to dune erosion. These
growth. Serious consideration should also be include certain recreational activities as well as
given to relocating threatened structures. In construction activities associated with new devel-
most cases, however, it is best to initiate non- opment on the barrier system. For example,
structural measures prior to erosion becoming an children as well as adults should not climb on the
immediate threat to property. steep, nonvegetated faces of the high sand dunes;
sand dunes should not be removed to establish
Before proceeding with erosion control measures, building or other development sites; and motor-
property owners should seek technical assistance ized vehicles such as ATVs and four wheel drive
on how to do so from the Oswego and Jefferson vehicles should not be used in the dunes. The
County Soil and Water Conservation Districts Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act regulations
and from other sources such as the New York providing for dune preservation by prohibiting
these activities should be observed by property

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 129

owners and visitors. testimony on proposed projects with the potential
to affect the barrier system.
� Identify Violations and Contribute to Enforce-
ment of Existing Regulations. In addition, concerned citizens can volunteer
their time and effort to assist in various special
A number of State regulations and authorities resource protection projects such as installing
control uses and activities in the barrier system, snowfencing, planting vegetation, posting infor-
but enforcement is often limited by a lack of mational signs and other activities.
manpower (too few DEC Conservation Officers,
for example) to enforce the regulations. Prop- a Use Private Initiatives to Protect Undeveloped
erty owners and visitors to the barrier system Lands.
should become familiar with existing regulations
and be observant for violations that can then be A number of options are available to private
reported to the appropriate authorities. Neigh- landowners interested in contributing to the
borhood groups can be formed for this purpose. protection of barrier system resources by ensuring
The Ontario Dune Coalition's efforts to establish the future preservation of their undeveloped land.
a "Dune Watch Network" among concerned The owners of undeveloped property in the
property owners should be supported and barrier system can consider the following land
expanded to include all of the shorefront neigh- preservation options, beginning with the conser-
borhoods in the barrier system. vation easement.

* Support Resource Protection and Management A conservation easement is a legal means by
Efforts. which the landowner can voluntarily set perm an-
ent limitations on the future use of his land while
Citizens can also play an important role in retaining ownership. The owner still uses the
ensuring the wise use and protection of the land and can sell it, but use of the land will
barrier system by generally taking an interest in always remain subject to the terms of the ease-
the future of the system (viewing the system from ment. Covenants placed in the easement can be
the perspective of "land stewards", for example) tailored to fit the special resource characteristics
and expressing this interest in a manner that of the land and can limit the number and location
receives the attention of their town boards and of structures as well as specify the type of activ-
other political representatives. Citizens can ities that can take place on the land. A conserva-
express their concerns through organized groups. tion easement can be granted to a private organ-
The Sandy Creek Regional Involved People ization or government agency interested in
(SCRIP) and the Sandy Pond Resource Manage- preserving the natural or open space characteris-
ment Committee are two examples of groups of tics of the land. Because restrictions will be
private citizens concerned with conditions in their placed on the owner's use of the land, the market
community and with voices that can influence value of the property will be reduced but this
their town government. reduction may be offset by certain tax ad-
vantages.
Although not a group formed by concerned
citizens, the Ontario Dune Coalition provides a Other private options for protecting land include:
forum where citizens can voice their concerns a) the use of mutual covenants with neighboring
and contribute to increased public awareness of landowners; and b) entering into a long-term
the values associated with the barrier system and lease agreement with a local land trust or conser-
the sand dune resources. Residents and barrier vation organization such as The Nature Conser-
system users can also show their support for the vancy or the Audubon Society.
development of appropriate town development
controls to protect barrier system resources. Landowners who do not wish to retain ownership
Citizens should attend local hearings and provide may donate or sell their properties to a non-

130 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

profit conservation organization or government CONSERVATION GROUPS
agency in order to ensure future protection of
the land. There are a number of ways that the Nonprofit conservation groups (including The Nature
donation or sale can be handled, and each way Conservancy, Ontario Dune Coalition, Onondaga
will have different financial and personal implica- Audubon Society and other groups) should continue
tions for the property owner. For example, an to promote wise resource use and management in the
outright donation can be made and the owner barrier system through their environmental advocacy
can claim an income tax deduction for the fair activities, including review and comment on develop-
market value of the land. Also, a donation by ment proposals that would affect the system. The
devise, can be made which is enacted at the time Nature Conservancy can directly contribute to
of death by making the gift in a will, or a dona- resource management through continued active
tion with reserved life estate can be made management and planning for its El Dorado Beach
whereby the landowner donates the land but Preserve. The Ontario Dune Coalition can continue
retains lifetime use of the land. to develop and expand its role as the primary
advocacy group for protection of the eastern Lake
Landowners may need or prefer to sell their Ontario sand dunes. Conservation organizations
properties but still wish to see them protected. should consider any opportunities that may arise for
Land can be sold to a willing conservation acquiring land or accepting conservation easements
organization or government agency, and the land to protect barrier system resources.
owner has the option of selling at fair market
value, at a bargain sale or installment sale.S Continue to Promote Environmental Protection
Opportunities to sell at fair market value may be Objectives.I
limited by the availability of funds from possible
landholding organizations or agencies. In a The nonprofit conservation organizations can
bargain sale, the landowner sells land to a serve as important advocates for environmental
government agency or qualified nonprofit or- management and protection objectives in the
ganization for a price less than fair market value, eastern Lake Ontario region. These groups can
Because the selling price is lower, landholding increase the awareness of their members with
agencies or organizations may be more willing to regard to the resource values of the barrier
purchase the land and the landowner can deduct system and promote desirable management
as a charitable contribution the difference objectives for protection of these values. These
between the bargain price received and the fair groups can also contribute to the education of theI
market value. An installment sale involves an general public through special programs and
agreement between the landowner and the educational materials.
purchaser whereby the landholding agency either
pays for the land in annual installments or buys * Review and Comment on Development Propos-I
a portion of the land each year. als.

Owners of land within the barrier system wishing In their role as environmental advocates, non-
to learn more about the opportunities associated profit organizations should review and provide
with various mechanisms for protecting land can comments on development proposals with the
contact a number of nonprofit organizations or potential to negatively affect barrier system
government agencies concerned with resource resources. fin addition to participating in local
use and protection in the barrier system for government review processes, comments should
additional information and assistance. also be provided with regard to permit applica-
tions submitted to the Corps of Engineers and
various State agencies. The conservation groups
can also comment and provide testimony on
development proposals through the State Envi-

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 131

ronmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) pro- projects such as: the construction of a dune-
cess. walkover structure in the Southwick-Lakeview
Resource Area (see Chapter Four); educational
SContinue Active Management Planning in the El events such as the annual Sand Dune Appre-
Dorado Beach Preserve. ciation Day; and special dune restoration projects
that can be carried out by volunteers.
Through continued active management of its El
Dorado Beach Preserve, The Nature Conserv- TODC should also sponsor an informational sign
ancy (TNC) contributes directly to the protection program to focus public attention on the resource
of barrier system resources. As recommended values and management problems associated with
in Chapter Three, The Nature Conservancy the barrier system. Special signs should be
should coordinate its management efforts with employed at public access locations throughout
the New York Department of Environmental the barrier system to promote the image of the
Conservation (DEC) to ensure future protection barrier system as a regional resource with a
of the "high" dunes which extend from TNC's variety of linked component parts. To further
preserve into the State's Black Pond Wildlife stimulate public involvement, a design contest
Management Area. The property boundary might be held in local schools to select the best
between The Nature Conservancy's preserve and design or logo for an "Eastern Lake Ontario
the WMvA should not limit or otherwise affect Coastal Barrier System" sign theme.
management efforts in this area. The high dunes
and sufficient buffer area should be designated In addition to its important role as a source of
in policies adopted by TNC and the DEC as a information and educational materials for mem-
"preservation" area to remain in its natural bers and the general public, TODC should
condition. Recreational uses and most other continue to provide a forum for the exchange of
activities, with the exception of supervised visits ideas and the discussion of issues among private
for scientific study, should be prohibited in this landowners, concerned citizens and represent-
"high dune" area. atives of the various town, county, State and
federal agencies with roles and responsibilities
TNC should consider changing the management- affecting barrier system resources. In this role,
use category of all or a portion of its preserve to TODC can also contribute to strengthened
a more restrictive human use category. TNC networking between its members with regard to
should continue to carry out a nonstructural the exchange of information relevant to the
erosion control program including the planting design and environmental assessment of barrier
of dune stabilizing vegetation and the placement system development proposals.
of snowfencing as described in Chapter Three.
TNC and the DEC should consider the designa- TODC should serve as the lead organization for
tion of a single land steward (or special group assembling available reports, maps, documents
that would have stewardship-related respon- and other information on the barrier system and
sibilities) to oversee activities on the barrier seeing that this information is maintained in the
portion of both the El Dorado Beach preserve Snow Memorial Library in Pulaski so that it is
and the WMA. available for research and public education.

*Continue the Advocacy Role of the Ontario * Work with Private Landowners for Land Protec-
Dune Coalition. tion.

The Ontario Dune Coalition should continue to As described in the previous section, there are
develop and expand its role as the principal various private landowner options available for
advocacy group for the protection and wise protecting sensitive lands from development.
management of barrier system resources. TODC There may be opportunities for the non-profit
should continue to sponsor and support special conservation organizations, and for the towns

132 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

and the State agencies concerned with resource to appropriate upland areas away from the
protection in the barrier system, to implement barrier system.
these options by accepting conservation ease-
ments as well as donations of property. The towns should incorporate any special land
use policies and plans directed toward the barrier
system into existing or future town-wide Master
TOWN BOARDS AND DEPARTMENTS Plans.

All three towns-Richland, Sandy Creek and Ellis- � Workwith private landowners to protect sensitive
burg-should promote and undertake long-range lands.
planning activities to address the future use and
protection of their coastal resources, including those As described earlier, there are a number of
found within the barrier system. As an initial step private initiatives that can be used to protect
in developing special measures for protecting the sensitive lands. The towns should explore these
barrier system, each town should adopt a special various landowner options, including the accep-
resolution that recognizes the importance and tance of conservation easements and possible
significance of the barrier system within its bound- donations of property from private landowners,
aries. The towns should also support strict im- in more detail.
plementation of the Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas
Act. Those towns (Sandy Creek and Richland) that � Prepare Local Waterfront Revitalization Pro-
have opted not to assume local responsibility for grams.
implementing the Act at this time should consider
assuming local responsibility in the future. All three The New York State Department of State, in
towns should participate in the activities of the partnership with local governments, provides the
Ontario Dune Coalition and make use of the knowl- opportunity for a coastal community to prepare
edge and expertise available from the Coalition. a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (see
Chapter Two) to promote the beneficial use and
Each town can take several actions to protect barrier protection of its coastal area resources. In the
system resources. These include: eastern Lake Ontario region, the State-designated
coastal area extends from the barrier beach
� Adopt special land use policies and plans. inland to approximately Route 3. A municipality
can develop an LWRP to guide waterfront devel-
These policies and plans do not have to be very opment balanced with coastal resource protec-
complicated and can initially take the form of a tion. Following approval of an LWRP by the
resolution on the part of each town board to Department of State, all federal and State actions
ensure wise use and protection of barrier system within the community's coastal area must be
resources. To accompany this resolution, the consistent with the LWRP.
barrier system can be simply identified on a U.S.
Geological Survey topographic map, air photo Currently, neither Ellisburg, Sandy Creek or
or any other base map used by the town. The Richland is participating in the LWRP process.
towns could then work to develop more specific These towns, either individually or collectively,
policies for implementing the basic resolution, should consider participating in this process, with
including, for example, policies to: a) guide a goal of implementing specific policies for the
public infrastructure investments away from protection of the natural resources of the eastern
sensitive lands; b) encourage cooperative town- Lake Ontario coastal barrier system.
private landowner efforts to protect undeveloped
properties; c) urge the State to better manage � Adopt zoning requirements and other special
its lands in accordance with specific resource regulations.
protection goals; and d) guide new development Following the adoption of specific land use
Following the adoption of specific land use

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 133

policies and plans, the towns can provide added Deer Creek Marsh adjacent to the Deer Creek
protection to the barrier system by adopting WMA and the undeveloped, privately owned area
appropriate zoning and other land use controls. east of Rainbow Shores Drive and north of the
These controls should ensure that development northern entrance to the Deer Creek WMA.
occurs in a manner consistent with the capability
of the barrier system to accommodate develop- The Town Planning Board should seek available
ment without significant adverse impacts on assistance from the Oswego County Environmental
natural resource values occurring. Management Council, the Oswego County Planning
Department and the St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario
While town zoning and other land use controls Commission in reviewing the potential impacts of
should be established on a town-wide basis, development proposals within this recommended
special "overlay" zoning districts can also be Critical Environmental Area.
applied over the underlying zoning districts in the
barrier system. These overlay districts could be Town of Sandy Creek
used to require special site plan review pro-
cedures be applied to any development proposal The importance of local involvement in management
affecting the barrier system. of the coastal barrier system in the Town of Sandy
Creek is highlighted by the facts that: 1) all of the
In addition to zoning requirements that could barrier system lands within the Town are privately
limit the types of uses permitted in the barrier owned (with the exception of Town highway right-
system, other special regulations can also be of-ways such as the right-of-way that passes through
applied to the protection of barrier system Sandy Island Beach); 2) there are no State lands or
resources, including site plan review and sub- other lands outside of Town jurisdiction (with the
division approval requirements. The towns exception of nearshore Lake Ontario underwater and
should seek assistance from the county planning beach lands held by the State of New York); and 3)
departments, the EMCs, the St. Lawrence- the largest amount of undeveloped, privately owned
Eastern Ontario Commission and other agencies land in the overall barrier system is found within
in the development of zoning and other land use Town jurisdiction (on the north and south spits at
controls. North Sandy Pond).

Town of Richland Although the Town has established a Critical En-
vironmental Area encompassing the barrier system,
At a minimum, the Town of Richland should estab- the North and South Sandy Ponds area, all of the
lish a Critical Environmental Area (as provided land west of Route 3 and some land east of Route
under the State Environmental Quality Review Act) 3, the Town has no zoning or other types of land use
that would include the Town's land and water area regulations (except a mobile home law, sanitary code
west of Route 3. This CEA should encompass the and floodplain regulations) that could serve to
coastal barrier system as well as the mouth of the protect coastal resources and guide use and develop-
Salmon River and the Port Ontario Harbor of ment in this area.
Refuge. This Critical Environmental Area should
also extend inland to east of Route 3 (as the Town It is important that the Town Board give careful
of Sandy Creek has) in order to fully address actions consideration to the establishment of zoning or other
that are likely to affect the barrier system. Estab- types of land use controls to protect its coastal
lishing a CEA that covers the barrier system and resources. In 1988, the Town Board appointed the
Salmon River mouth will provide Richland with an Sandy Pond Resource Management Committee
increased measure of local control over development which is charged with developing recommendations
in the Port Ontario area which is currently subject for resource use and protection in the North and
to increasing development pressures. The CEA South Sandy Ponds area, including the barrier system.
should also cover the privately owned section of the The recommendations of this committee should be

134 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

factored into the Town-wide Master Plan currently Bluff - Eastman Tract residential area may have
being prepared by the Sandy Creek Regional important effects on the barrier system and the Town
Planning Board. Specific Town policies should be should be prepared to address and, as necessary,
established to define the manner in which the Town control these uses and activities. The Town should
wishes the barrier system resources to be utilized. attempt to control unauthorized vehicle use of the
Town right-of-way that intersects the Lake Ontario
The Town should devote special attention to the beach at Jefferson Park Road. A measure of local
privately owned and currently undeveloped portions control over barrier system resources should be
of the north and south spits. Measures should be established by strict local implementation of the
established to ensure the protection of the natural Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act.
and recreational values in these areas. The Town
should work with the owners of the undeveloped
portions of the north and south spits to ensure that COUNTY AGENCIES
any future plans for the use and development of
these areas are consistent with natural resource The principal role of Oswego and Jefferson County
protection objectives. While the Town has recently agencies in future management of barrier system
declined to assume local implementation of the resources should focus on the provision of technical
CEHAA, the Town should reconsider local im- assistance to communities and individuals. Assis-
plementation in the future to guide future develop- tance should be provided in response to specific
ment on the barrier system in a manner most requests from the towns. The county planning
consistent with the resource sensitivities and natural departments, soil and water conservation districts
values of the barrier system. and Oswego County Environmental Management
Council should maintain active participation in the
The Town should also work with the owners of Ontario Dune Coalition. The newly established
Sandy Island Beach to address use of the Town right- Jefferson County EMC should also become an active
of-way through the beach area and the associated participant in TODC activities.
activities (unauthorized ATV use, for example) that
contribute to degradation of barrier system resources Planning Departments
in this area. This area will continue to be heavily
impacted by visitors if access through the right-of- Through the provision of technical assistane,
Through the provision of technical assistance,
way is not better monitored and managed.
way is not better monitored and managed. primarily to the towns, the Oswego and Jefferson
~~~~Town of EllisbuCounty planning departments can contribute to
Town of ~Elhsburg ~future resource management efforts in the barrier
system. Future updates of the county land use plans
Much of the barrier system land within the Town should address protection of barrier system resourc-
of Ellisburg is removed from local jurisdiction by es.
virtue of its being located within the State's Black
Pond and Lakeview wildlife management areas and � Assist communities in the review of development
Southwick Beach State Park. The remaining private- proposals that may affect the barrier system.
ly owned barrier system land is developed with
seasonal and year-round cottages. The Town should Assistance should involve the provision of re-
request that the DEC and the OPRHP prepare source information and the identification of
management plans that address the relationship potential impacts, as well as help in understand-
between use and protection of their lands and the ing the requirements of State and federal legisla-
effects of uses of these State lands on adjacent tion and regulatory programs affecting the barrier
privately owned property. system.

Future uses and possible redevelopment activities in
the North Jefferson Park - Jefferson Park - Sunset

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 135

� Assist communities in the formulation of planning as well as technical assistance in the review of
and zoning initiatives to protect the barrier proposed projects relative to the protection of barrier
System. system resources. The Jefferson County EMC should
also become involved with the promotion of resource
The planning departments should also assist the management in the barrier system.
town boards and town planning boards in formu-
lating and establishing special planning and 0 Conduct educational programs and special
zoning measures to protect the barrier system. projects that focus on the barrier system.
These measures might include new zoning
districts and regulations as well as subdivision These programs should include efforts to help
and site plan review requirements. local governments understand and comply with
the requirements of State and federal environ-
� Update county land use plans to address protec- mental legislation. Also, the EMCs can continue
tion of the barrier system. to provide informational materials to citizens and
local officials to promote greater awareness of the
As neither the Oswego County nor Jefferson value of barrier system resources.
County land use plans now specifically address
the barrier system, future updates of these plans 0 Assist communities in the review of development
should incorporate recognition of the uniqueness proposals that may affect the barrier system.
and resource sensitivity of the system. The plans
should incorporate general policies, goals and Assistance may involve the provision of resource
strategies for protection of the system. information, the identification of potential
impacts and help in understanding the require-
Soil and Water Conservation Districts ments of State and federal legislation and regula-
tory programs affecting the barrier system.
The principal role of the soil and water conservation
districts (SWCDs) in the future management of the Oswego County Health Department
barrier system should involve the provision of tech-
nical assistance to private landowners and be direc- The County Health Department can contribute to
ted toward the establishment of appropriate erosion the protection of barrier system resources through
control measures. Since the districts are not regula- its enforcement of State Health Code regulations.
tory agencies, private homeowners who are reluctant
to go to regulatory agencies such as the Corps of * Strengthen enforcement of Health Code require-
Engineers or the DEC for assistance may feel more ments.
comfortable asking the SWCDs for assistance.
The County Health Department should attach
o Provide technical assistance to private landowners added emphasis to the monitoring of develop-
for the application of appropriate erosion control ment activities in the barrier system to ensure
measures. that the requirements of the State Health Code
are adhered to. Complaints that existing facilities
This assistance should include information on are not functioning properly should be inves-
nonstructural erosion control measures, including tigated and violations should be eliminated
the planting of stabilizing grasses and the con- without delay. The Health Department should
struction of dune walkover structures. investigate strengthening the existing Health
Codes.
Environmental Management Councils

The Oswego County EMC should continue to play
an important role in providing educational programs

136 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

STATE AGENCIES Resource Management Resnonsibilities

As described in Chapter Two, the State agencies To summarize, there are several areas in which the
with the most active roles and responsibilities affect- DEC should strengthen its current roles with regard
ing resource management in the barrier system are: to resource management:
the Department of Environmental Conservation; the
Department of State; the Office of Parks, Recreation * Prepare detailed, long-range management plans
and Historic Preservation; the St. Lawrence-Eastern for each of the three wildlife management areas
Ontario Commission; and the New York Sea Grant in the barrier system.
Extension. All of these agencies can and should
assume an expanded role in contributing to improved These plans should address not only fish andI
resource management and increased public aware- wildlife species management but also habitat
ness of the special significance of the coastal barrier protection and the management and control of
system. recreational uses in the Black Pond, Lakeview
and Deer Creek WMvAs. In the case of the Black
The State of New York owns an estimated 41% or Pond WMA, the management plan should beI
6.7 miles of the barrier system shoreline, including developed in coordination with The Nature
parts of three wildlife management areas and State Conservancy. (See Chapter Three.) In the case
park land managed by the Department of Environ- of the Lakeview WAMA a new plan should be
mental Conservation and the Office of Parks, Recre- developed in coordination with the OPRUP. (See
ation and Historic Preservation, respectively. In Chapter Four.) Plans should be coordinated
addition to its responsibilities for management of its with any town plans, including town master plansI
own lands, the State is also involved in the manage- and LWvRPs, that may be developed.
ment of barrier system resources, including private
lands, through its various regulatory and permitting * Develop coordinated approaches to resource
programs. management in the barrier system.
While the immediate State role in barrier system Although management responsibilities in the
management should focus on the management of barrier system are divided between the DEC's
State-owned lands, it is also possible for the State Region 6 and Region 7, the three WNIA-s are
to become involved in the control and management components of one unique ecological system and
of uses on private lands should local efforts in this are subject to similar management problems,
regard prove to be inadequate. State acquisition of including dune erosion and difficulties in enforc-
currently undeveloped, privately owned land on the ing existing use regulations. As a result, the two
barrier system is one example of a State action that DEC regions should work together in developing
could be considered in the future. and implementing similar management ap-
proaches to common problems in the WMAs.
Department of Environmental Conservation These approaches should be reflected in the
long-range management plans described above.
The DEC exercises both resource management and These plans should contain consistent policies for
regulatory responsibilities in the barrier system. the protection of the sand dunes and other
Management responsibilities are directed toward barrier system resources.
managing fish and wildlife resources in the three
wildlife management areas. Regulatory responi- * Strengthen enforcement of existing regulations
sibilities include permit authority over activities governing uses and activities in the WVMAs.
affecting navigable waters and freshwater wetlands,
authority for protecting water quality and coastal Although the DEC's ability to adequately enforce
erosion hazard areas and other responsibilities. existing use regulations in the WMAs is subject
to fiscal constraints (affecting the number of

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 137

available Conservation Officers, for example), the on a level that currently does not exist.
problems now caused by uncontrolled and
unauthorized human activities in the WMIAs must 0 Consider a State-federal land swap.
be addressed through improved enforcement.
Higher priority should be attached to enforce- As described in the following section on federal
ment of existing prohibitions against all activities agency management options, acquisition of State-
that will cause disturbance of the sand dune owned lands is a management option that has
ecosystem. been carried out in other areas. A future land
swap between the federal government and the
*Place new and improved signs to guide resource State of New York might involve the transfer of
use and activity in the W*MAs. State-owned lands in the barrier system to the
federal government in exchange for the State
These signs should identify special, protected receiving federal lands elsewhere in New York
resource areas as well as areas where limited State. Such a land swap might result in stricter,
recreational activities can take place. The signs federal use controls being imposed on portions
should be of similar style in each of the WMAs of the barrier system.
and should be designed to educate the public as
well as inform the public of various use regula- * Consider establishing a DEC environmental
tions. For example, informational signs placed education center to promote sand dune manage-
near the main entrances to the WMAs can ment and appreciation in the region, perhaps at
emphasize the fact that the WVMAs are com- the Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area.
ponents of a larger ecological system. These
signs should help to promote the image of the The DEC operates several environmental educa-
barrier system as a regional resource with a tion centers in the State, including a wetlands
variety of linked component parts. The inform a- education center in the Adirondacks. Because
tional signs should be coordinated with the logo of the unique resource character of the eastern
or design of an overall barrier system sign theme Lake Ontario coastal barrier system, it is appro-
as discussed earlier. priate to consider the possibility of establishing
a similar environmental education center to pro-
There are also several other possible ways in which mote study and understanding of barrier system
the DEC might affect resource management in the resources. Such a center, which could be estab-
barrier system in the future. lished at one of the WMvAs, should include a
classroom facility and educational exhibits and
*Consider State acquisition of lands currently would also establish a management presence that
under private ownership. would serve to discourage unauthorized activities.
Should town controls and private landowner a Carry out long-range management plannng
options to protect barrier system resources prove coordinated with the Office of Parks, Recreation
to be ineffective or inadequate, the possibility and Historic Preservation, for the Lakeview
exists that the State could exercise its power of WMA.
eminent domain to acquire and protect sensitive
barrier system resource areas from development. As described in Chapter Four, because of the
I ~~~As described earlier, this power was exercised by interrelationship between use of the Lakeview
the State to acquire land slated for private WMvA and Southwick Beach State Park, im-
campground development in what is now the proved management coordination is necessary
Deer Creek WMA. Currently undeveloped, between the DEC and the OPRHP. Without this
privately owned land in the barrier system might coordination, the continued spillover of users
be considered for State acquisition in the future. from the park can be expected to result in
Acondition of acquisition would be a commit- increased adverse impacts on the coastal barrier
ment for resource management and protection at the Lakeview WMA- Improved coordination

138 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

(to replace the washed-out bridge that has following in carrying out its regulatory reviews.
affected the park's trail system, for example) is
also needed to ensure optimum public enjoyment 0 Incorporate recognition of the uniqueness and
of these public lands. resource sensitivity of the barrier system in the
review of development proposals affecting the
0 Consider the transfer of some management system.
responsibilities for portions of the coastal barrier
at the Lakeview and Deer Creek WMI~As to the All development proposals affecting the eastern
OPRUP. Lake Ontario coastal barrier system should be
viewed as having the potential for negative
This long-range management option should be impacts on a unique and sensitive resource.
considered if resource values currently being
degraded in the WM~vAs can not be protected 0 Address the potential for cumulative impacts to
through more conservative measures. For the affect the barrier system.
Lakeview WVMA, one management option to
consider is the designation of a special recre- Individual projects may appear relatively minor
ational use area within a relatively small section in significance, but over a period of time these
of the Wv4IA near the park. (See Chapter Four.) individually minor actions can cause collectively
This designation might allow for more concen- significant impacts and the piecemeal loss of
trated and active recreational activities by park important environmental resources. The DEC
visitors in a clearly defined and carefully man- considers cumulative impacts in its regulatory
aged section of the WMA near the park. This process, but does so primarily through the
section could include, at a minimum, the area of application of professional judgement applied to
the dune walkover and the nature trail leading case-by-case reviews. The DEC should par-
to the walkover. Authorization for expanded ticipate with other State as well as federal
recreational use here would have to be balanced agencies concerned with resource protection in
by increased protection of natural areas else- the region to address the difficulties associated
where in the WMA. Because of proximity to the with cumulative impact assessment and in devel-
State Park, primary responsibilities for monitor- oping new methods for considering cumulative
ing and enforcement would most logically be impacts in its review and permitting programs.
assumed by the OPRHP.
0 Strengthen enforcement of existing permitting
For the Deer Creek WMA, one long-term requirements.
management option to consider (as described in
Chapter Six) is operation of the barrier portion To the extent possible, the DEC should attach
of the WMA by the OPRHP as a closely super- added emphasis to monitoring development
vised recreational area. This transfer of respons- activities in the barrier system to ensure that the
ibility from the DEC to the OPRIHP should be requirements of existing regulatory requirements
considered in order to better protect the area are adhered to. Any unauthorized work in wet-
from currently uncontrolled human activities. lands and navigable waters should be eliminated
by the offending party without delay. "After-the-
Revulatorv Resnonsibilities fact"t permits that would bring future violations
into compliance should not be issued except
In addition to its resource management respon- under the most extenuating of circumstances.
sibilities, the DEC's regulatory programs, in coord-
ination with the federal regulatory programs, must Department of State
continue to protect the barrier system's naturalI
values from future development pressures. To help Of the several State agencies with roles and re-
ensure this protection, the DEC should consider the sponsibilities in the barrier system, the DOS's4

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 139

programs and involvement in resource management ted, preserved, and where practical, restored so as to
are perhaps less understood than, for example, those maintain their viability as habitats."
of the DEC and the OPRHP-agencies that own "Activities or development in the coastal area will be
land in the barrier system and have a management undertaken so as to minimize damage to natural protective
presence in the area. Nonetheless, the DOS, acting features including beaches, dunes, barrier islands and bluffs."
through its Division of Coastal Resources and
Waterfront Revitalization and its existing programs "Mining, excavation or dredging in coastal waters shall not
significantly interfere with the natural coastal processes
and requirements, must continue to have an impor- which supply beach materials to land adjacent to such
tant role in ensuring the future protection of barrier waters and shall be undertaken in a manner which will not
system resources. cause an increase in erosion of such land."
Incorporate recognition of the uniqueness and Protect, maintain and increase the level and types of access
*Incorporate recogsition of the barruniqueness and tto public water-related recreation resources and facilities."
resource sensitivity of the barrier system into the
review of development proposals affecting the "Prevent impairment of scenic resources of Statewide
system. significance."
"Preserve and protect tidal and freshwater wetlands and
The DOS evaluates all major fedeall and State preserve the benefits derived from these areas."
actions in the barrier system and all major
actions requiring federal or State permits for � Provide funding and technical support for special
consistency with the New York Coastal Manage- studies and Local Waterfront Revitalization
ment Program. In conducting this evaluation, the Programs.
DOS should view all development proposals
affecting the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier The DOS can also affect resource management
system as having the potential for negative and protection in the barrier system through its
impacts on a unique and sensitive resource. support for special studies and local planning
programs. This support can take the form of
Some actions that may affect the barrier system funding as well as technical assistance. For
in the future and which the DOS should be example, the DOS should allocate funds for
prepared to address include possible future special studies to more precisely identify the age
proposals to: stabilize the North Sandy Pond of the relict sand dunes and assess longshore
inlet; develop the currently undeveloped barrier drift conditions in the area. The DOS may also
spits in the North and South Sandy Pond Re- be able to contribute to local comprehensive
source Area; and expand or develop new com- planning, particularly in the Sandy Pond and Port
mercial facilities such as marinas, campgrounds Ontario areas, through its Local Waterfront
and beach access areas. The DOS should also Revitalization Program. The DOS's active
be prepared to address State agency activities in involvement with the Ontario Dune Coalition
the WMAs and Southwick Beach State Park. also provides an important opportunity for
continued technical assistance to the barrier
In addition, the DOS should be concerned with system communities and to local residents.
smaller scale development proposals affecting
sensitive resource areas and the possible cumula- In addition, the barrier system should be evalu-
tive impacts of this type of development. ated for inclusion in the DOS's developing Scenic
Areas of Statewide Significance Program.
Some of the State coastal management policies
(established in the New York Coastal Manage- Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preser-
ment Program) that are particularly important vation
to consistency determinations for federal and
State actions are:
The OPRHP's role in resource management in the
barrier system should focus on management of
"Significant coastal fish and wildlife habitats will be protee-

140 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

Southwick Beach State Park and on planning to OPRIHP. The purpose of such transfer would be
accommodate an increasing park user population to control existing recreational use in the best
with its potential for "spill-over" impacts on the possible manner and to better ensure long-term
adjacent Lakeview WIN'A and residential areas. A protection of barrier system resources through
long-term option for consideration would have the expanded management controls.
OPRUP assuming management responsibility and/or
ownership of the barrier portion of the Deer Creek 0 Consider managing the barrier portion of the
Wildlife Management Area in the southern part of Deer Creek WMA as a State park facility.
the barrier system.
As discussed in Chapter Six, this option would
* Establish improved coordination with the DEC change the current management and/or owner-
with regard to management planning for South- ship status of the barrier portion of the WMA.
wick Beach State Park and Lakeview WMA. Again, the purpose of such a change would be
to manage existing recreational use in the area
This coordination should be for the purpose of by establishing tight controls on an area that is
addressing immediate problems such as the currently subject to severe resource degradation
replacement of the bridge on the nature trail caused by uncontrolled use.
near the dune walkover and for long-term
planning. One of the OPRHP's principal roles New York Sea Grant Extension
in contributing to resource management in the
barrier system should focus on the preparation The principal role of the Sea Grant Extension should
of a long-range management plan for Southwick be to provide technical assistance and information
Beach State Park that is prepared in coordina- to the public and to support special research pro-
tion with a management plan for the Lakeview jects.
Wildlife Management Area. This coordination
is needed in order to ensure optimum user a Provide technical assistance and information to
benefits consistent with the capacity of the area's private landowners on the application of appro-
resources to accommodate this use. priate erosion control measures.

In addition to management of Southwick Beach, Assistance should include information on the
there are several other ways in which the OPRIIP planting of stabilizing grasses and the construc-
could conceivably exercise an expanded management tion of appropriate dune-walkover structures to
role in the barrier system: protect sand dunes and stabilizing vegetation
from human disturbance. While the newly
*Consider expansion of Southwick Beach State constructed dune-walkover at the Lakeview
Park to include a portion of Lakeview WMA. WMvA serves as an example of the type of
walkover structure appropriate for use on public
As described in Chapter Four, since current use lands where large numbers of people are ex-
pressures appear to be becoming too great to pected, structures for use on private properties4
handle within existing park boundaries and in the dune system should be much less substan-
resource values throughout the WMA are being tial. The Sea Grant Extension can assist private
adversely affected by uncontrolled and unauth- landowners in designing and constructing such
orized recreational uses spilling over from the walkovers. Several demonstration projects should
park, transfer of a portion of the coastal barrier be initiated and publicized.
from the DEC to the OPRHP should be con-
sidered. At a minimum, management respon- * Provide information on fluctuating lake levels
sibilities for the northern portion of the WMA, and the factors affecting lake levels.
including the dune walkover structure and the
barrier beach segment of the Southwick-Lake- The Sea Grant Extension can contribute to
view nature trail, should be transferred to the

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 141

increasing public knowledge and information ing functions for the implementation of the
about lake level regulation and the role of the State's Coastal Management Program. This sup-
International Joint Commission in controlling port can come through the provision of technical
water levels. The Sea Grant Extension should assistance to individual communities and the
also review lake level information published by sponsors of development projects affecting the
the Corps of Engineers in order to be able to re- barrier system. SLEOC can help the towns with
spond to public concerns that data on lake level jurisdiction in the barrier system understand the
trends and the relationship of existing levels to oftentimes confusing requirements of the various
long-term averages as published by the Corps of federal and State regulatory programs. SLEOC
Engineers is sometimes misleading and in- can help the towns of Ellisburg, Sandy Creek and
accurate. Richland develop more effective land use plans
and/or regulations to guide development and
P * ~~Conduct special research on topics pertinent to protect natural resources in the barrier system.
resource management in the barrier system.
0 Support special projects addressing the barrier
There are a number of special research topics system.
that the Sea Grant Extension can pursue, either
independently or in conjunction with other A good example of the type of special project
agencies. These include underwater land owner- that can contribute to improved resource man-
ship conditions and the public's rights of access agement in the barrier system is the ongoing
along the foreshore in the barrier system. Sandy Pond Resource Management Study being
Longshore drift conditions, the precise age of the conducted by the Town of Sandy Creek with
r ~ ~~relict sand dunes and the costs and benefits of funding from SLEOC. This study is addressing
various structural and nonstructural dune sta- land use planning and resource management in
bilization measures are examples of other per- an area of Sandy Creek that includes the portion
tinent research topics. In addition, the Sea of the barrier system within the Town's juris-
Grant Extension should coordinate research diction. Specific recommendations for land use
efforts with such organizations as the Great and resource protection will be developed in the
Lakes Consortium. Sandy Pond Resource Management Study.

St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission Contingent on the future availability of funds,
SLEOC should consider supporting other special
The role of the St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario studies that may address the barrier system either
Commission should include: providing technical directly or indirectly.
assistance to the three barrier system towns in
preparing and implementing local land use manage- * Contribute to the protection of barrier system
ment plans; promoting special planning studies; and values through the Project Review process.
review of proposed development projects that could
have negative impacts on barrier system resources. Although the St. Lawrence Eastern-Ontario
Commission does not have permitting authority
* Provide technical assistance to local communities and can not deny a proposed project, work on
in preparing and implementing local land and projects may not proceed while SLEOC's manda-
water use management plans addressing the tory project review process is being carried out.
barrier system. SLEOC's project review often results in project
modifications that can satisfy development as
SLEOC has an important opportunity to con- well as environmental protection objectives. Of
tribute to local efforts to guide future develop- all the agencies involved in the review of devel-
ment and resource protection in the barrier opment proposals in the area, SLEOC has the
system. SLEOC can provide important support- most direct relationships with both local com-
munities and project sponsors. In addition to

142 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

continuing to serve as a valuable mediator are subject to the Corps' programs may have impor-
between project sponsors and local governments, tant indirect as well as direct effects on all barrier
SLEOC may also be able to provide an enhanced system resources.
coordinating role between the various agencies
involved in the review process and the project Several constraints, however, affect the Corps' ability
sponsor. Opportunities for SLEOC to contribute to carry out its regulatory authorities. The Buffalo
to more effective overall project review in the District is currently overburdened with permit
barrier system stem from the multi-disciplinary applications and delays of several months are now
approach the agency takes to project review, its common in processing applications in the region,
knowledge of local conditions, its understanding including applications for relatively minor projects.
of regulatory requirements and its good working Because of under-staffing and the distance between
relationships with the towns of Ellisburg, Sandy the Buffalo District's main office and the eastern
Creek and Richland. Lake Ontario area, the Corps is not able to conduct
site visits for most permit applications in the region
and relies instead on other agencies for site-specific
FEDERAL AGENCIES comments and information regarding local conditions.

The principal role of the federal government in Also, lack of awareness of regulatory requirements
future management of barrier system resources will on the part of some developers and negative atti-
be carried out through the Corps of Engineers' tudes toward land use controls on the part of others
Section 10 and 404 regulatory programs and the contribute to noncompliance with the Corps' regula-
Corps' navigation-related programs. These programs tory programs. The Corps' ability to enforce its
should be carried out in a manner that ensures the regulatory requirements is hindered by the lack of
future protection of barrier system resources. The personnel to effectively monitor coastal development
Corps of Engineers and Fish and Wildlife Service in the region. The Corps' Watertown field office
should also support and participate in activities of with monitoring responsibilities for the entire eastern
the Ontario Dune Coalition. Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River region is
staffed by only one person.
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
U. S. Army Corps of Engeers In addition to the above factors affecting the Corps'
Through its regulatory and navigation programs, the review of development proposals with potential for
Buffalo District of the Corps of Engineers can impacting the barrier system, the relative scale of
directly and indirectly exert an important influence development activities in the region (in comparison
on the future condition and use of natural resources to activities throughout the Buffalo District'sjurisdic-
in the barrier system. tion) also influences the Corps' review. The Corps
considers most of the permit applications now being
As described in Chapter Two, the Corps' Section 10 reviewed in the eastern Lake Ontario region to be
and 404 regulatory programs focus on proposed l
and 404 regulatory programs focus on proposed relatively minor in scope (e.g., open pile docks and
development activities in navigable waters and expansion of existing boating-related facilities in
wetlands. These programs are important to protec- contrast to major dredging, filling and breakwater
tion of barrier system resources because, as em- construction as seen elsewhere on the Great Lakes).
phasized throughout this report, the barrier system As a result, the eastern Lake Ontario region, includ-
phasized throughout this report, the barrier system igtecatlbrirssei o ao rao
is an integrated natural system consisting of not only ing the coastal barrier system, is not a major area of
sand dunes but also beaches, wetlands and embay- concern for the Corps with regard to development
ments. Activities affecting one component of the activities and associated environmental impacts.
system have the potential to affect other components
as well. While the Corps' programs do not directly Regulatorv Responsibilities
address the upland and sand dune sections of the
barrier systems, future development proposals that Recognizing the existing constraints affecting the

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 143

Corps' review of development proposals that may violations into compliance should not be issued.
impact the coastal barrier system, the Section 10
and 404 regulatory programs must continue to serve Navigation-Related Responsibilities
to protect the barrier system's natural values from
future development pressures. To help ensure this In addition to its regulatory programs, the Corps'
protection, the Corps should consider the following navigation-related programs may also haveimportant
in carrying out its regulatory review: effects on future resource management in the barrier
system. The Corps is responsible for maintaining the
* Incorporaterecognitionofbarriersystem unique- Port Ontario Harbor of Refuge project and is
ness and resource sensitivity into the review of currently evaluating the feasibility of constructing a
development proposals. navigation improvement project at the channel
connecting North Sandy Pond with Lake Ontario.
All development proposals affecting the eastern In carrying out its navigation-related responsibilities,
Lake Ontario coastal barrier system should be the Corps can contribute to resource management
viewed as having the potential for negative in the barrier system in the following ways:
impacts on a unique and sensitive resource. In
its review of development proposals, the Corps * Monitor and evaluate longshore sediment trans-
should take into consideration the potential port conditions at the mouth of the Salmon
impacts of barrier system development on River.
adjacent wetlands and water bodies.
In the course of maintaining the Port Ontario
* Address the potential for cumulative impacts to Harbor of Refuge project it will be necessary for
affect the barrier system. the Corps to monitor and evaluate sedimentation
conditions affecting the project. Studies of the
Individual projects may appear relatively minor effect of the north jetty on longshore sediment
in significance, but over a period of time these transport, the type of material being transported,
individually minor actions can cause collectively the rate of entrance channel sedimentation and
significant impacts and the piecemeal loss of other conditions can provide important infor-
important environmental resources. The Corps mation pertinent to future barrier system man-
must consider cumulative impacts in its regula- agement decisions.
tory process, but does so primarily through the
application of professional judgement applied * Avoid future navigation improvements at North
to case-by-case reviews. The Corps should Sandy Pond that would affect the integrity of the
participate with other federal and State agencies barrier system or result in other significant
concerned with resource protection in the region adverse impacts on barrier system resources.
to address the difficulties associated with cumula-
tive impact assessment and to develop new In evaluating the feasibility of potential naviga-
methods to consider cumulative impacts in its tion improvement projects between North Sandy
review and permitting programs. Pond and Lake Ontario, project alternatives that
would affect the integrity of the barrier system
* Strengthen enforcement of existing requirements. (by dredging a new channel through the barrier,
for example) should be avoided. Longshore
To the extent possible, the Corps should attach sediment transport conditions at the North Pond
added emphasis to the monitoring of develop- inlet should also be carefully monitored and
ment activities in the barrier system to ensure evaluated.
that the requirements of existing regulatory
requirements are adhered to. Any unauthorized Also, navigation improvements should not be
work in wetlands and navigable waters should be pursued if such improvements would stimulate
eliminated by the offending party without delay. additional water-related and other types of
"After-the-fact" permits that would bring future

144 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

development that would have significant adverse result in stricter use and management controls
impacts on barrier system resources. being imposed on portions of the barrier system.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Other Federal Agencies

In carrying out its review and commenting respon- The future role of other federal agencies such as the
sibilities relative to the Corps of Engineers' regula- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
tory programs, the Fish and Wildlife Service should: (NOAA), the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency
� Incorporate recognition of the uniqueness and (FEMA), the International Joint Commission (IJC)
resource sensitivity of the barrier system into and the Department of the Interior (DOI) should
review of permit applications to the Corps of also be noted.
Engineers.
NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
� Participate with other federal and State agencies Management (OCRM) provides the major funding
in addressing the difficulties associated with for coastal resource management in New York State.
cumulative impact assessment. In the future, additional funding is needed to con-
tinue coastal resource protection efforts. The
In addition to its commenting role in the federal OCRM should seek additional regulatory authority
regulatory process, the FWS also manages the and financial resources through reauthorization of
nation's system of National Wildlife Refuges. As the federal Coastal Zone Management Act in 1990.
described earlier, a portion of the Deer Creek Marsh
area was once considered by the FWS for acquisition The Environmental Protection Agency has a com-
and designation as a National Wildlife Refuge prior menting role in the Corps of Engineers' regulatory
to acquisition of the marsh by the State. The FWS programs. Like the FWS and the Corps, the EPA
is also currently looking at important privately owned should also incorporate a recognition of the unique-
waterfowl habitat areas throughout the eastern Lake ness and sensitivity of the eastern Lake Ontario
Ontario and St. Lawrence River area that may be coastal barrier system into its review of development
appropriate for acquisition in accordance with the proposals submitted for federal permits.
FWS's North Atlantic Waterfowl Management Plan
(see Chapter Two). In the future, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency may also be involved in resource manage-
It is unlikely, however, that federal acquisition of ment in the area through emergency assistance to
any of the remaining privately owned wetland areas private shorefront property owners whose property
in the barrier system would prove to be feasible in is damaged by flooding and erosion. Particularly
the future. On the other hand, federal acquisition important, with regard to reducing the need for
of State-owned lands represents a management structural shore protection projects, are provisions
option that has been carried out in other areas. For of a 1988 amendment (Section 544 of the Housing
example, to maximize protection of the barrier and and Community Development Act of 1987) to the
wetland areas that are currently owned by the State National Flood Insurance Act. Section 544 estab-
of New York and managed by the DEC as wildlife lishes a new insurance plan intended to encourage
management areas, it is possible to consider the shorefront property owners to relocate erosion-
possibility of a future land swap between the Fish threatened structures before they are destroyed.
and Wildlife Service and the State of New York. Property owners with flood insurance may either
Such a swap might involve the transfer of a portion demolish the threatened structure or move it further
of the State-owned barrier and associated wetland away from the shorefront. The structure must be
habitat to the federal government in exchange for certified by an appropriate State or local land use
federal lands elsewhere in New York State being authority to be "subject to imminent collapse or
transferred to the State. Such a land swap might subsidence as a result of erosion or undermining

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 145

caused by waves or currents of water exceeding barrier system.
anticipated cyclical levels."'
0 Promote research and study of barrier system
T'he International Joint Commission's continued conditions, issues and managementopportunities.
monitoring of lake level fluctuations and trends will
provide important data pertinent to future manage- The educational institutions can contribute to the
ment decisions and the projection of future erosion body of knowledge on existing conditions in the
rates on the barrier system. The IJC should increase barrier system and also identify and test various
its public information efforts in order to more clearly approaches for resource management through
describe the complexities of Lake Ontario regulation special research and study directed toward the
and to better address public concerns over the extent system. Group as well as individual research
to which the regulation of flows through the St. Law- and study efforts should be promoted. The
rence River, as opposed to natural factors, can educational institutions should work with govern-
influence Lake Ontario water levels. ment agencies, conservation organizations (in-
cluding the Ontario Dune Coalition) and others
The Department of the Interior should continue to concerned with resource management in the
study and evaluate the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system to identify specific projects and
barrier system as well as other barrier systems of the research priorities.
Great Lakes for possible inclusion in the National
Coastal Barrier Resource System. Also, the DOI 0 Provide opportunities for training and education.
should consider the four relict dune areas for
designation as National Natural Landmarks. Elementary and secondary schools as well as
colleges and universities should conduct field trips
to the barrier system and otherwise enhance
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS their students' research experience through use
of the barrier system as an outdoor classroom.
The beaches, sand dunes, wetlands, embayments and Field experience in a variety of natural science
other resources associated with the eastern Lake disciplines can be pursued. In addition, the
Ontario coastal barrier system provide important colleges and universities should continue to
opportunities for scientific research and study. sponsor special intern programs through which
Several public and private universities and colleges qualified students can obtain valuable experience
have used the various elements of the barrier system working on projects for agencies such as the
as outdoor classrooms. Some students have pre- DEC and for conservation groups such as the
pared theses and dissertations that have addressed Ontario Dune Coalition. Continuing support
the area and thereby contributed to the body of should be provided for TODC's Dune Naturalist
knowledge that exists on the barrier system. Several Intern Program.
New York academic institutions participate in the
Great Lakes Research Consortium which serves to 0 Disseminate information and contribute to public
focus and coordinate research on takes Erie and awareness of barrier system resources and values.
Ontario and which is addressing a number of issues
pertinent to resource management in the barrier In general, through research, special projects and
system. In addition to colleges and universities, other educational activities, the educational
elementary and secondary schools in the northern institutions should contribute to the dissemination
New York and eastern Lake Ontario region can take of information on the barrier system and help
advantage of the unique opportunities that the increase public awareness of the need for in-
barrier system provides for learning about ecological formed resource management. Educational
systems and the natural environment. Public and institutions should participate in the activities of
private educational institutions can make important the Ontario Dune Coalition. The Great Lakes
contributions to resource management in the coastal Research Consortium should address research
topics of special concern to the barrier system.

146 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

SUMMARY OF MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES AND OPTIONS FOR
IMPLEMENTING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND OBJECTIVES

PRIVATE LANDOWNERS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS

- Apply Appropriate Erosion Control Measures -
- Practice Wise Use and Development Techniques -
- Identify Violations and Contribute to Enforcement of Existing Regulations -
- Support Public and Private Resource Management Efforts -
- Use Private Initiatives to Protect Undeveloped Lands -

CONSERVATION GROUPS

- Promote Environmental Protection Objectives -
- Review and Comment on Development Proposals -
- Actively Manage the El Dorado Beach Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) -
- Continue and Expand Environmental Advocacy Role (The Ontario Dune Coalition) -
- Work with Private Landowners to Protect Undeveloped Lands -

TOWN BOARDS AND DEPARTMENTS

- Adopt Special Land Use Policies and Plans -
- Work with Private Landowners to Protect Undeveloped Lands -
- Consider Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs -
- Adopt Zoning and Other Land Use Requirements -

COUNTY AGENCIES

Planning Denartments

- Assist Communities in the Review of Development Proposals -
- Assist Communities in the Formulation of Plans and Land Use Requirements -
- Address Barrier System Protection in Future Updates of the County Land Use Plans -

Soil and Water Conservation Districts

- Provide Technical Assistance for Nonstructural Erosion Control -

Environmental Management Council

- Conduct Educational Programs and Special Projects -
- Assist Communities in the Review of Development Proposals -

Health Department

- Strengthen Enforcement of Health Code Requirements -

Figure 86: Summary of Major Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and
Objectives.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes 147

SUMMARY OF MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES AND OPTIONS FOR
IMPILEMENTING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND OBJECTIVES
(Continued)

STATE AGENCIES

Department of Environmental Conservation

- Prepare Detailed, Long-Range Management Plans for Each WMA -
- Coordinate Resource Management Approaches Between Regions 6 and 7 -
- Strengthen Enforcement of Existing WMA Regulations -
- Place New and Improved Signs in the WMAs -
- Consider Future Acquisition of Lands Currently Under Private Ownership -
- Consider Future State-Federal Land Swap -
- Establish Barrier System Environmental Education Center -
-Improve Coordination with OPRHP for Management of Lakeview WMA and Southwick Beach SP -
- Consider Transfer of Some Authorities in Portions of Deer Creek and Lakeview WMAs to OPRHP -
- Incorporate Recognition of Barrier System Uniqueness & Sensitivity into Permitting Processes -
- Address the Potential for Cumulative Impacts to Affect the Barrier System -
- Strengthen Enforcement of Existing Permit Requirements -

Dep)artment of State

- Incorporate Recognition of System Uniqueness & Sensitivity in Coastal Program Consistency Reviews -
- Provide Funding and Technical Support for Special Studies and Planning Efforts -

Office of Parks. Recreation and Historic Preservation

- Improve Coordination with the DEC for Management of Southwick Beach SP and Lakeview WMA -
- Consider Expansion of Southwick Beach State Park to Include a Portion of Lakeview WMA -
- Consider Management of the Barrier Portion of the Deer Creek WMA as a State Park Facility -

Sea Grant Extension

- Provide Technical Assistance and Information to Private Land Owners -
- Provide Information on Fluctuating Lake Levels and the Causative Factors -
- Conduct Special Studies and Research -

St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission

- Provide Communities with Land and Water Use Planning Assistance -
- Support Special Projects Addressing the Barrier System -
- Contrib~ute to Protection of Barrier System Resources through Project Review Process -

Figure 86: Summary of Major Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and
Objectives.. (continued).

148 Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and Objectives

SUMMARY OF MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES AND OPTIONS FOR
IMPLEMENTING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND OBJECTIVES
(Continued)

FEDERAL AGENCIES

CorDs of Engineers

- Incorporate Recognition of System Uniqueness and Sensitivity into Permitting Processes -
- Address Potential for Cumulative Impacts to Affect the Barrier System -
- Strengthen Enforcement of Existing Permitting Requirements -
- Monitor and Evaluate Longshore Sediment Transport Conditions -
- Avoid Future Navigation Improvements at North Pond with Adverse Impacts on the Barrier System -

Other Federal Aaencies

- Incorporate Recognition of System Uniqueness and Sensitivity into Permit Comments -
(FWS and EPA)

- Address Difficulties Associated With Cumulative Impact Assessment -
(FWS and EPA)
- Continue Coastal Management Support -
(NOAA)

- Provide Relocation Assistance to Shorefront Property Owners -
(FEMA)
- Increase Research and Public Information on Lake Levels and Water Regulation -
(IJC)
- Evaluate Barrier System for Inclusion in National Coastal Barrier Resource System -
- Consider Designation of Relict Dunes as National Natural Landmarks -
(DOI)

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

- Promote Barrier System Research and Study -
- Provide Opportunities for Training and Education -
- Disseminate Information and Contribute to Public Awareness -

Figure 86: Summary of Opportunities and Options for Implementing Management Guidelines and
Objectives...(continued).

APPENDIX-

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
PERTINENT TO RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING
IN THE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO
COASTAL BARRIER SYSTEM

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-i

INTRODUCMION

This Appendix contains a bibliography of various studies, documents, maps and other sources of
information on the eastern Lake Ontario coastal barrier system. Sources listed include reports
that directly address the barrier system, studies that have addressed the larger region within which
the barrier system is located and some relevant sources of information from other states and
areas.

Information sources are listed by subject (e.g., geology and soils, natural resources inventories,
State wildlife management areas) and by sources (e.g., federal agencies, New York State agencies).
Persons that can be contacted for additional information within each agency and organization are
also listed.

Some references judged by the authors of this report to be particularly interesting and valuable
are noted with an asterisk (*).

REFERENCES LISTED ACCORDING TO SUBJECT?

Bibliographies

Leatherman, Stephen P. and Alan J. Steiner. "An Annotated Bibliography of the Effects of Off-Road
Vehicle and Pedestrian Traffic on Coastal Ecosystems", Vance Bibliographies, Monticello, Illinois, Sept. 1987.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, References on dune systems, Napanee, Ontario, Canada (not dated).

Poulin, Kathleen and James Haynes, State University of New York (SUNY) at Brockport (for New York
Sea Grant), "Construction Techniques, Environmental Impacts and Laws/Regulations for Recreational
Development on the Great Lakes: An Annotated Bibliography and Discussion of Critical Needs in New
York", SUNY College at Brockport, Brockport, New York. July 1986.

St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission (SLEOC), List of publications (unpublished list), Watertown, New
York, 1987.

Smith, Gerald, "Draft Annotated Working Bibliography of Impacts of Off Road Vehicles and Pedestrians
on Vegetation and Wildlife with Particular Reference to Sand Dune Ecosystems in the Northeastern U.S.",
The Nature Conservancy, New York Field Office, Albany, New York, January 1985.

Valauskas, Edward, "Shifting Sands: Coastal Management in the Great Lakes Region, A Selected and
Annotated Bibliography of Materials in the Merriam Center Library", Council of Planning Librarians,
Chicago, Illinois, August 1986.

Brennan Beach

Campground rules, Brennan Beach Campground, Richland, New York.

A-2 Sources of Information

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS-DEC) Region 7, Special Permit
Conditions, State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit for Brennan Beach discharge,
(date unknown) (Available from DEC - Region 7, Cortland, New York.)

Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, SLEOC and R. Brennan, "Soils Management Plan
for Portions of Brennan Beach Campground", September, 1984 (Available from Oswego County Soil and
Water Conservation District, Oswego, New York.)

Coastal Area Management

St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission (SLEOC), Comments to Coastal Barriers Study Group, United
States Department of Interior (USDOI), regarding first draft recommendations for Coastal Barrier Resource
System (CBRS), Watertown, New York, June 23, 1987. ()

SLEOC, Comments to New York State, Department of State (NYS-DOS) regarding proposed CBRS
additions in SLEOC service area, Watertown, New York, June 10, 1985. (*)

SLEOC, "Planning, Managing Coastal Resources", Watertown, New York, (not dated).

SLEOC, (by Wray, Clifford C. Jr., Douglas Quinn and Eileen Stegemann) "Oil Spill Response Model,
Eastern Lake Ontario", Watertown New York, December 1981.

SLEOC, "Executive Summary, Report on Coastal Resources", Watertown, New York, (not dated).

NYS-DOS, Information provided to SLEOC regarding USDOI report on Coastal Barrier Resources System
(CBRS), Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization, Albany, New York, May 28, 1985.
(*)
State of New York, "Coastal Management Program and Final EIS", Division of Coastal Resources and
Waterfront Revitalization, Albany, New York, August 1982.

U.S. Department of the Interior, "Coastal Barrier Resources System Draft Report to Congress", Washington,
D.C., April 1985. (*)

Coastal Erosion on the Great Lakes

Great Lakes Commission, "Great Lakes Shore Erosion and Flooding Assistance Programs", Ann Arbor,
Michigan, 1987

Herdendorf, C.E., "Shoreline Changes of Lakes Erie and Ontario", Proceedings of the Conference on
Changes in the Physical Aspects of Lakes Erie and Ontario, Bulletin of the Buffalo Society of Natural
Sciences, Vol. 25, No. 3, 1975.

Jefferson County Journal, "Erosion Hazard Area in Error Lakeshore Summer Resident Says", Oct. 2, 1985.
NYS-DEC, "Coastal Erosion Management Regulations", 6 NYCRR 505.

New York State Environmental Conservation Law, "Article 34 - Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas".

Ray, Pulak K and Robert Sweeney (Great Lakes Laboratory, SUNY Buffalo), and T.W. Kana and C.Y.
McCants and M. Murday (Research Planning Institute, Inc.) and Cyril Galvin, "An Inventory of the U.S.
Shoreline of Lake Ontario and Evaluation of Structural Modifications for Damage Reduction", for the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District, Lake Ontario Shore Protection Study, Buffalo, New
York, April 1980.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-3

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), North Central Division, "Help Yourself - A Discussion of Erosion
Problems on the Great Lakes and Alternative Methods of Shore Protection", (not dated).

Coastal Processes (General)

Dewberry and Davis, "Description and Assessment of Coastal Dune Erosion", Fairfax, Virginia, September
1986.

Dolan, Robert and Harry Lins, "Beaches and Barrier Islands", in "Scientific American', July 1987.

Leatherman, Stephen, Editor, "Environmental Geologic Guide to Cape Cod National Seashore", National
Park Service Cooperative Research Unit, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, 1979. (*)

Leatherman, Stephen and Robert Zaremba, "Overwash Processes and Foredune Ecology, Nauset Spit,
Massachusetts", USACE, Environmental Impact Research Program, Miscellaneous Paper EL-84-8,
Washington, D.C., December 1984.

Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area

Minutes of meeting among concerned agencies to discuss proposed DEC channelization projects in Lakeview
Marsh and Deer Creek Marsh, September 2, 1981. (Available from Oswego County Environmental
Management Council, Oswego, New York.)

NYS-DEC, Order Establishing Regulations Governing Public Use, Hunting, Trapping and Fishing in Deer
Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area, DEC Region 7, Cortland, New York, (not dated).

NYS-DEC, Summer Intern Surveys of: Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area; Lakeview Wildlife
Management Area; and Black Pond Wildlife Management Area, DEC Region 7, Cortland, New York,
February 1986. (*)

NYS-DEC, Region 7, Field notes on survey points for monitoring shoreline and dune migration in the Deer
Creek Wildlife Management Area, 1985. (Not available for public review.)

NYS-DEC, Region 7, "Public Use Survey of Five Representative Wildlife Management Areas in Region 7 -
Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area", Cortland, New York, 1983-1984. (*)

"Project Performance Agreement Between Cooperating Agencies for Deer Creek Marsh Barrier Beach and
Dune Formation Stabilization Demonstration Project', January 3, 1980. (Available from Oswego County
Environmental Council, Oswego, New York.)

Shearer, Robert (Oswego County EMC), Comments at Deer Creek pre-acquisition hearing (not dated).
(Available from Oswego County EMC, Oswego, New York.)

SLEOC, Comments on permit application by Dykes Riggs to dredge mouth of Deer Creek, (not dated).
(Available from SLEOC, Watertown, New York.)

SLEOC, "Deer Creek Barrier Beach Dune Stabilization Demonstration Project - Initial Six Month Report',
Watertown, New York, January 1981. (*)

SLEOC, News Release: "Deer Creek Dunes Stabilization", Watertown, New York, March 3, 1980.

SLEOC, Memo on site description, location, proposed application and changes regarding Deer Creek
stabilization project, Watertown, New York, April 18, 1980.

A-4 Sources of Information

SLEOC (By Jim S. Uhlig), "Vegetative Analysis of Deer Creek Barrier Beach", Watertown, New York,
January 1981. ()

USACE, Buffalo District, Public notice for permit application by Dykes Riggs to dredge mouth of Deer
Creek, October 19, 1977.

Dune Walkover Structures

Ontario Dune Coalition, "Project Proposal to New York State Department of State for Dune Walkover
Structure", (not dated). (Available from NYS-DOS, Albany, New York.)

Roy Mann Associates, Inc., "Planning Guidelines for Residential and Path Development in Michigan's Sand
Dunes and Wetlands", for Michigan's Coastal Zone Management Program, Michigan Department of Natural
Resources, Lansing, Michigan, May 1975.

Walton, Todd and Thomas Skinner, "Beach Dune Walkover Structures", Florida Cooperative Extension
Service, Marine Advisory Program, Florida Sea Grant, December 1976.

Eastern Lake Ontario Dune System

Bonnano, Sandra, "Dune Naturalist Intern Report to the Ontario Dune Coalition", October 4, 1988.
(Available from the Ontario Dune Coalition.) (*)

SLEOC, "A Proposed Coastal Management Program for the Eastern Shore Dune-Bay-Wetland Complex",
Watertown, New York, August 1979. (*)

SLEOC, NYS-DEC, Save Oswego County, Inc., "Our Lake Ontario Sand Dunes: Their Value and
Protection" (brochure). (Available from SLEOC, Watertown, New York.)

Sutton, Robert, Thomas Lewis and Donald Woodrow, "Post-Iroquois Lake Stages and Shoreline
Sedimentation in Eastern Ontario Basin", Journal of Geology, Vol. 80, 1972. (*)
Sutton, et. al., "Sand Dispersal in Eastern and Southern Lake Ontario", Journal of Sedimentary Petrology,
Vol. 44, 1974.

Trask, B., "Heavy Mineral Analysis of Eastern Lake Ontario Sands," unpublished dissertation, Syracuse
University, Syracuse, New York, 1976.

Fish and Wildlife Habitat

U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, North Atlantic Waterfowl Management Council,
"Draft Management Plan for North Atlantic Region", 1987. (Available from USFWS Regional Office,
Newton Corner, Massachusetts.)

Fort Drum

Fort Drum Steering Council, "Fiscal Impact Analysis of Fort Drum Expansion", Watertown, New York, 1987.

Geoloqv and Soils

Oswego County Environmental Management Council, "The Wetlands of Oswego County New York: The
Interrelationships of Glaciation, Surficial Geologic Deposits and Wetland Formation", Oswego, New York,
March 1983. (*)

SLEOC, "Technical Report No. 2: Coastal Resources, Geology", Watertown, New York, February 1977.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-5

SLEOC, "Technical Report No. 3: Coastal Resources, Soils", Watertown, New York, October 1977.

SLEOC, "Technical Report No. 3b: Coastal Resources, Soils - Interpretative Supplement for Jefferson
County", Watertown, New York, October 1977.

SLEOC, "Technical Report No. 3c: Coastal Resources, Soils - Interpretative Supplement for Oswego
County", Watertown, New York, October 1977.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, "Soil Survey of Oswego County, New York",
September 1981. (Available from Oswego County Soil and Water District.)

Great Lakes (General)

Cobb, Charles E., "The Great Lakes Troubled Waters", in "National Geographic", July 1987.

Hacher, Jan J. and Thomas Martin, "Management: A Complex Puzzle", Michigan Natural Resources
Magazine", Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, Michigan, 1986.

Great Lakes Water Levels

Great Lakes Commission, "Water Level Changes, Factors Influencing the Great Lakes", Ann Arbor,
Michigan, 1986.(*

NYS-DOS, "A Briefing Report for the State and Provincial Legislative Caucus on Great Lakes Diversions
and Lake Levels", Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization, Albany, New York, May
1986.

O'Neill, Charles R. Jr., New York Sea Grant Extension, "Questions and Answers on Lake Ontario Water
Levels", January 1987. (Available from NYS Sea Grant Extension, SUNY Oswego.) (*)

USACE, Buffalo District, "Fact Sheet: Water Levels of Lake Ontario", Buffalo, New York, Revised May
1986.

USACE, Detroit District, "Monthly Bulletin of Lake Levels for the Great Lakes", Detroit, Michigan,
(published monthly).

Lakeview Wildlife Management Area

Jankowitz, Rachel, "Report on Internship Project at Lakeview Wildlife Management Area", SUNY-College
of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, March, 1988.

NYS Conservation Department, "Order Establishing Regulations Governing Public Use of that Portion of
the Lakeview Game Management Area Designated as Natural Beach", January 13, 1970. (Available from
DEC Region 6, Watertown, New York.)

NYS-DEC, Region 6, Regulations pertaining to use of Lakeview Wildlife Management Area. (Available from
DEC Region 6, Watertown, New York.)

SLEOC, Seaway Trail Unit, "Sportsman's Guide to Lakeview Wildlife Management Area" (brochure).
(Available from SLEOC, Watertown, New York.)

United States Department of Interior, National Park Service, North Atlantic Region, Summary description
of the National Natural Landmarks Program" and "Natural Landmark Brief for Lakeview Marsh and Barrier
Beach", Boston, Massachusetts (not dated). (*)

A-6 Sources of Information

Worley, Ian A., Botany Department, University of Vermont, "Evaluation of Lakeview Marsh and Barrier
Beach for Eligibility for Registered Natural Landmark", Burlington, Vermont, October 1972. (*)

Littoral Rights

Platt, David, Sea Grant Law Program, SUNY Buffalo, "Beach Access on the Great Lakes: Who has Rights
to the Beach?", Buffalo, New York, (not dated).

Local Plannine and Zoning

State of New York General Municipal Law, Article. 12-B, Sections K-M.

Jefferson County Planning Board, "Jefferson County Land Use Plan", Watertown, New York, April 1978.

Oswego County Planning Board, "Oswego County 1985 and 2000 Land Use Plan", Oswego, New York, June
1977.

Sandy Creek Regional Planning Board, "A Guide to Developing a Homesite or Business in the Town of
Sandy Creek", Sandy Creek, New York.

SLEOC, "Model Local Land Use Controls", Watertown, New York, April 1979.

Town of Richland: zoning, subdivision, mobile home and floodplain laws.

Town of Sandy Creek: mobile home, sanitary code and floodplain laws.

Town of Ellisburg: zoning, subdivision, mobile home, sanitary code and floodplain laws.

Maps. Charts and Photos

Aerial Photography:

* New York State DEC and DOS, April 1979, Black and white and color vertical photos (color photos
available for viewing at DOS), Scale 1"=1000'. (Black and white photos can be purchased from L.
Robert Kimball Associates, 615 West Highland Ave., Ebensburg, Pennsylvania 15931.)

* U.S. Geological Survey, National High Altitude Photography Program: Black and white photos, April
1985, Scale 1:80,000; Color infrared photos, April 1986, Scale 1:58,000. (Can be purchased from National
Cartographic Information Center.)

* Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, Black and white vertical photos (can be borrowed
if necessary):
- Nov. 10, 1938, covering area from Sandy Island Beach to Deer Creek outlet.
- July 2, 1965, covering area from North Pond inlet south to South Pond.
- Sept. 6, 1955, covering area from lower part of Lakeview Marsh south to Salmon River, scale
1"=400'.
- 1974, from "Soil Survey of Oswego County, NY", 1981, covering area from South Colwell Pond to
South Pond, scale 1:15,840.

* Oswego County EMC, Black and white vertical photos, (can be borrowed if necessary):
- Oswego County, 1955, scale 1"=400'.
- Oswego County, 1974, scale 1"=1000'.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-7

* L.R. Johnston Associates, Westport, Connecticut, Color slides of coastal barrier system, August and
October 1987.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

* Town of Richland, New York, effective February 15, 1978.
* Town of Sandy Creek, New York, effective October 15, 1981.
* Town of Ellisburg, New York, effective August 15, 1978.

Jefferson County Tax Maps, Scale 1 "=800':

* Town of Ellisburg, August 1976, Map Numbers 110, 110.16, 110.20, 116.08, 117, 123, 123.17 & 128.05.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Lake Ontario Charts:

* Chart No. 14802, Clayton to False Ducks Island, Scale 1:80,000.
* Chart No. 14803, Six Miles South of Stony Point to Port Bay, Scale 1:80,000.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Coastal Erosion Management Program,
Preliminary Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Maps:

* Town of Richland, July 22, 1985, Scale 1"=200'.
* Town of Sandy Creek, July 22, 1985, Scale 1"=200'.
* Town of Ellisburg, July 22, 1985, Scale 1"=200'.

NYS-DEC, Freshwater Wetlands Maps, Scale 1:24,000 (match USGS 7.5 minute series topographic quads):

* Oswego County, June 19, 1986.
* Jefferson County, August 20, 1986.

New York State Department of Transportation, 7.5 Minute Series Topographic Maps:

* Henderson Quadrangle, 1980, Scale 1:24,000.
* Ellisburg Quadrangle, 1980, Scale 1:24,000.
* Pulaski Quadrangle, 1975, Scale 1:24,000.

Oswego County Tax Maps, Scale 1"=400':

* Town of Sandy Creek, Map Numbers 007, 017, 027 & 037.
* Town of Richland, Map Numbers 047 & 058.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, 7.5 Minute Series Topographic Maps:

* Henderson Quadrangle, 1959, (Photoinspected 1980), Scale 1:24,000.
* Ellisburg Quadrangle, 1958, Scale 1:24,000.
* Pulaski Quadrangle, 1956, Scale 1:24,000.

Marine Facilities

Black River/St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Council, (Prepared for NYS-DOS), "New
York Great Lakes Marine Access Survey", 1987.

NYS-DOS, "Jefferson County Marine Facilities" from "NY Great Lakes Marine Access Survey", Division of
Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization, Albany, New York, 1986.

A-8 Sources of Information

NYS-DOS, "Oswego County Marine Facilities" from "NY Great Lakes Marine Access Survey", Division of
Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization, Albany, New York, 1986.

Natural Resources Inventories

SLEOC, "A Natural Resources Inventory, Town of Richland, New York", Watertown, New York, October
1981.

SLEOC, "A Natural Resources Inventory, Town of Sandy Creek, New York", Watertown, New York, March
1981.

Geis, Jim and Janet Key, "Coastal Wetlands along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in Jefferson
County", State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New
York, August 1977.

New York State Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitats

Hart, Thomas, Andrew Milliken and Bryan Swift, "Coastal Habitat Protection in New York State", in
"Coastal Zone 87", May 1987.

NYS-DEC, "Technical Memorandum: Procedures Used to Identify, Evaluate and Recommend Areas for
Designation as Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats", Albany, New York, July 1984.

NYS-DOS, Fact Sheet on New York State's Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats, Division of
Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization, Albany, New York (not dated).

NYS-DOS, Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats, Jefferson County, Division of Coastal Resources
and Waterfront Revitalization, Albany, New York (not dated).

N`YS-DOS, Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats, Oswego County, Division of Coastal Resources
and Waterfront Revitalization, Albany, New York (not dated).

North and South Sandv Ponds

Cutter, Tom, Letter to Oswego County Planner describing natural resource values in the Sandy Pond area,
September 20, 1976. (Available from SLEOC, Watertown, New York.) (*)

Mandel, Belinda, "The Dune Study: My Experiences", (Observations of beachgoers in the Sandy Pond/South
Spit area), Summer 1986. (Available from the Ontario Dune Coalition.) (*)

NYS-DOS, Letter to USACE commenting on USACE North Sandy Pond Navigation Improvement Project,
Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization, Albany, New York, March 25, 1986. (*)

New York State Sea Grant Extension, "North Sandy Pond Charter Industry Economic Impacts and Value",
SUNY, Oswego, New York, July 16, 1986.

USACE, Buffalo District, Description of North Sandy Pond Navigation Improvement Project, Buffalo, New
York, February 21, 1986. (*)

USACE, Buffalo District, "Improvements by Local Interests at North (Sandy) Pond, NY", Letter to Chief
of Engineers, Buffalo, New York, November 3, 1950.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Improvements by Local Interests at North (Sandy) Pond, NY", Letter to Division
Engineer, Chicago, Illinois, March 15, 1957.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-9

USACE, Buffalo District, "New Channel for Small Craft, North (Sandy) Pond, NY", letter to Chief of
Engineers, Washington, D.C., August 8, 1950.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Section 107 Initial Appraisal Report of Navigation Improvements on North Sandy
Pond, Oswego County, New York", February, 23, 1987 (*)

USACE, Buffalo District, "Section 107 Initial Appraisal Report, North Sandy Pond, Oswego County, New
York, Appendix C: Coastal Engineering", (not dated).

Weir, Gary M., "Inlet Information and Washover Process at North Pond, East Lake Ontario", Thesis
submitted to the State University of New York at Buffalo, New York, September 1977.

Off-Road Vehicles

Leatherman, Stephen and Fred Anders, "Effects of Off-Road Vehicles on Coastal Foredunes at Fire Island,
New York", in "Environmental Management", VoL 11, No. 1, 1987.

Leatherman, Stephen and Fred Anders, "Disturbance of Beach Sediment by Off-Road Vehicles", in
"Environmental Geology", Vol. 9, No. 3, 1987.

Leatherman, Stephen and Paul Godfrey, "The Impact of Off-Road Vehicles on Coastal Ecosystems in Cape
Cod National Seashore: An Overview", UM/NPSCRU Report No. 34, 1979.

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, information on New York All-Terrain Vehicles Law, Albany, New
York, (not dated).

The Ontario Dune Coalition

Minutes from meetings of The Ontario Dune Coalition meetings: January 1, 1986; March 3, 1987; and June
2, 1987.

The Ontario Dune Coalition Newsletter, Issue No. 1, Summer 1987.

The Ontario Dune Coalition Newsletter, Issue No. 2, Summer 1988.

The Ontario Dune Coalition Newsletter, Issue No. 3, Summer 1989.

Syracuse Post Standard, "Dune Their Best", July 27, 1987.

Syracuse Herald Journal, "Dune", August 13, 1985.

Port Ontario Harbor of Refuae

Robert R. Bottin, Jr., U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, "Port Ontario Harbor, New York,
Design for Wave Protection and Prevention of Shoaling", November 1977 (in" Phase II General Design
Memorandum, July 1980"), Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 1980.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Port Ontario Harbor, New York, Phase II General Design Memorandum,
Detailed Design", Buffalo, New York, July 1980.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Port Ontario Harbor, New York, Supplement to Phase II General Design
Memorandum", Buffalo, New York, October 1982.

A-10 Sources of Information

USACE, Buffalo District, "Final Environmental Impact Statement, Port Ontario, Oswego County, NY",
Buffalo, New York, June 1979. (*)

Sand Dune and Barrier Beach Management (General).
Bowles, Jane and M. Anwar Maun, "A Study of the Effects of Trampling on the Vegetation of Lake Huron
Sand Dunes at Pinery Provincial Park", in "Biological Conservation", 1982.
Buerger, Robert, "Stopping the Sands of Time: Stabilizing Sand Dunes", in "Coastlines", New York Sea
Grant Extension Program, Ithaca, New York, (not dated).
Gabriel, Stephen, "Implementing a Beachwatch and Sand Dune Development Program, A Community
Handbook", New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Coastal Resources, Bureau
of Coastal Planning and Development, 1980. (*)
Godfrey, Paul, "Management Guidelines for Parks on Barrier Beaches", National Park Service, Asseteague
Island National Seashore, Berlin, Maryland, (not dated).
Peterson, Joan and Dr. Eckhart Dersch, "A Guide to Sand Dune and Coastal Ecosystem Functional
Relationships", Extension Bulletin E-1529, Department of Resource Development, Michigan State University,
Lansing, Michigan, (not dated).
Jagschitz, John and Robert Wakefield, "How to Build and Save Beaches and Dunes: Preserving the
Shoreline with Fencing and Beachgrass", Marine Leaflet Series Number 4, Agricultural Experiment Station
Bulletin 408, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, October 1971.

Leatherman, Stephen, Barrier Island Handbook, University of Maryland, 1982. (*)

Leatherman, Stephen, "Approaches to Coastal Hazard Analysis: Ocean City, Maryland", in "Cities on the
Beach", 1987.
Leatherman, Stephen and C. Madore, "Dune Stabilization of the Province Lands, Cape Cod National
Seashore", NPSCRU Tech. Report #52, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, 1981.
Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Office, "Barrier Beach Management Sourcebook", Boston
Massachusetts, 1983. (*)
New York State Sea Grant Extension Program, "Stabilizing Sand Dunes with Beach Grass', (video tape),
SUNY, Oswego, New York, 1981.
Tanski, Jay and David Newton "Managing Coastal Erosion through Community Action", Sea Grant Extension
Program, Marine Science Research Center, SUNY, Stony Brook, New York, (not dated).

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, "Dune Stabilization and Creation Using Straw
or Hay Bales", August 1986. (Available from Oswego County SWCD.)

Sand Dune Ecoloev
Dindal, Prof. D.L., "Dune ecology notes, including beach and dune cross section, characteristic plant species
on beach/dune communities at Selkirk Shores, etc.', (not dated). (Available from SUNY, College of
Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York.)

Sand Dune Manaeement in Other Great Lakes States
Daniel, Glenda, "Dune Country, A Hiker's Guide to the Indiana Dunes", Swallow Press, Chicago, 1984.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-11

Franklin, Kay and Schaeffer, Norma, "Duel for the Dunes, Land Use Conflict on the Shores of Lake
Michigan", University of Illinois Press, Chicago 1983. (*)

Hill, John R., "The Indiana Dunes - Legacy of Sand", State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources,
Geologic Survey Special Report 8, Bloomington, Indiana, 1974.

Hultsman, Wendy (for National Park Service), "Visitor Use and Evaluation of Impact Mitigation at Indiana
Dunes National Lakeshore", Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Porter, Indiana, November 1986.

Planning and Zoning Center, Inc., (for Michigan Department of Natural Resources), "Managing Sand Dune
Development in Michigan: State and Local Options", Lansing, Michigan, December 1986. (*)

School of Engineering, Great Lakes Coastal Research Laboratory, Purdue University, "Executive Summary,
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Shoreline Situation Report", June 1980.
Shirley Heinze Environmental Fund, "The Indiana Dunes Story", Beverly Shores, Indiana, 1984.(*)

United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Midwest Region, "Visitor Impacts on
Dunes, At Indiana Dunes, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores", Omaha,
Nebraska, January 1986.

Waldron, Larry (for Eastern National Park and Monument Association), "The Indiana Dunes", Eastern
Acorn Press, 1983. (*)

Sandy Island Beach/Sandy Pond South SDit

Brennan, Michael, "Town of Sandy Creek Permit Application for Sandy Pond Estates Mobile Home Park",
December 15, 1986. (Available from Oswego County EMC.)

Brennan, Michael, "Town of Sandy Creek Permit Application for Sandy Island Beach RV Park", (not dated).
(Available from Oswego County EMC.)

Devenpeck, William, Letters to NYS-DEC regarding destruction of dunes at Sandy Island Beach, September
7, 1985 and November 5, 1985. (Available from Oswego County EMC.)(*)

Oswego County EMC, Letter from concerned homeowner regarding migratory dune on south spit, July 24,
1984. (*)

Oswego County EMC, Notes from various meetings and discussions regarding migrating dunes on south spit
(*)

Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, SLEOC and owners of Sandy Island Beach, "Draft
Soil Management Plan for Sandy Island Beach", 1987. (Available from Oswego County Soil and Water
Conservation District.)

State Parks

"A Guide to Lakeview-Southwicks Interpretive Nature Trails", Southwick Beach State Park.

Cohn, Barry, "Accretion and Erosion of a Lake Ontario Beach, Selkirk Shores, New York", Proceedings of
16th Conference Great Lakes Research, International Association of Great Lakes Research, 1973.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS-OPRHP), "Information Packet
for Public Scoping Session on the Preparation of a Draft Master Plan and Draft EIS for Selkirk Shores
State Park", September 1986.

A-12 Sources of Information

NYS-OPRHP, "Park Analysis Statement Selkirk Shores State Park".

NYS-OPRHP, "Selkirk Shores State Park, Summary of Scoping Meeting" and "Potential Schematic
Alternatives for the Major Issues of Boating Access and Vehicular Circulation at Selkirk Shores State Park",
October 21, 1986.

NYS-OPRHP, Southwick Beach State Park regulations.

REFERENCES LISTED ACCORDING TO SOURCE

Federal Agencies

U.S. Army Corns of Engineers

Bottin, Robert R. Jr., U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, "Port Ontario Harbor, New York,
Design for Wave Protection and Prevention of Shoaling", in "Phase II general Design Memorandum",
Vicksburg, Mississippi, November 1977.

Kana and C.Y. McCants and M. Murday (Research Planning Institute, Inc.) and Cyril Galvin, "An Inventory
of the U.S. Shoreline of Lake Ontario and Evaluation of Structural Modifications for Damage Reduction",
for the USACE, Buffalo District, Lake Ontario Shore Protection Study, April 1980.

Resio and Vincent, "Design Wave Information for the Great Lakes", TRH-76-1, Report 2, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi, March 1976.

USACE, Buffalo District, Description of North Sandy Pond Navigation Improvement Project, Buffalo, New
York, February 21, 1986. ('9

USACE, Buffalo District, "Fact Sheet Water Levels of Lake Ontario", Revised May 1986.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Final Environmental Impact Statement, Port Ontario, Oswego County, NY", June
1979.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Improvements by Local Interests at North (Sandy) Pond, NY", letter to Chief
of Engineers, Buffalo, New York, November 3, 1950.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Improvements by Local Interests at North (Sandy) Pond, NY", letter to Division
Engineer, Chicago, Illinois, March 15, 1957.

USACE, Buffalo District, "New Channel for Small Craft, North (Sandy) Pond, NY", letter to Chief of
Engineers, Washington, D.C., August 8, 1950.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Port Ontario Harbor, New York, Phase II General Design Memorandum",
Detailed Design, July 1980.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Port Ontario Harbor, New York, Supplement to Phase II General Design
Memorandum", October 1982.

USACE, Buffalo District, "Section 107 Initial Appraisal Report of Navigation Improvements on North Sandy
Pond, Oswego County, New York, February 23, 1987. (*)

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-13

USAGE, Buffalo District, "Section 107 Initial Appraisal Report, North Sandy Pond, Oswego County, New
York, Appendix C: Coastal Engineering", (not dated).

USAGE, Detroit District, 'Monthly Bulletin of Lake Levels for the Great Lakes', Detroit, Michigan,
(published monthly).

USAGE, North Central Division, "Help Yourself - A Discussion of Erosion Problems on the Great Lakes
and Alternative Methods of Shore Protection', (not dated).

Persons Contacted: Mr. Denton Clark Mr. Frank St. Elmo
Buffalo District Watertown Field Office
1776 Niagra St . 163 Arsenal St.
Buffalo, NY 14207 Watertown, NY 13601
(716) 876-5454 (315) 782-4791

U.S Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, North Atlantic Waterfowl Management Council,
"Draft Management Plan for North Atlantic Region", 1987. (Available from USFWS, Regional Office,
Newton Corner, Massachusetts.)

Persons Contacted: Mr. Carl Schwartz Mr. George Haas
USFWS USFWS
Cortland Field Office Regional Office
Cortland, NY Newton Corner, Massachusetts
(607) 753-9334 (617) 965-5100

National Park Service
Daniel, Glenda, "Dune Country, A Hiker's Guide to the Indiana Dunes", Swallow Press, Chicago, 1984.

Franklin, Kay and Schaeffer, Norma, "Duel for the Dunes, Land Use Conflict on the Shores of Lake
Michigan', University of Illinois Press, Chicago 1983. (1)
Hill, John R., "The Indiana Dunes - Legacy of Sand', Department of Natural Resources, Geologic Survey
Special Report 8, Bloomington, Indiana, 1974.

Hultsman, Wendy (for National Park Service), "Visitor Use and Evaluation of Impact Mitigation at Indiana

Dunes National Lakeshore', Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Porter, Indiana, November 1986.
School of Engineering, Great Lakes Coastal Research Laboratory, Purdue University, "Executive Summary,

SilyHeinze Environmental Fund, "The Indiana Dunes Story', Beverly Shores, Indiana, 1984.(*)
U..Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 'Visitor Impacts on Dunes, At Indiana Dunes,
SleigBear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores", Omaha, Nebraska, January 1986.
Walron Lary(for Eastern National Park and Monument Association), "The Indiana Dunes", Eastern
Acorn Press, 1983.(*

A-14 Sources of Information

Persons Contacted: Dr. Ron Hiebert Mr. Kent Turner
Mr. Rod Hesselhart Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
1100 N. Mineral Springs Road (919) 473-2111
Porter, Indiana 46304
(219) 926-7561

New York State Agencies

Devartment of Environmental Conservation

Jankowitz, Rachel, "Report on Internship Project at Lakeview Wildlife Management Area",
SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, New York, March, 1988. (Available from DEC Region 6, Watertown, New York.)

NYS-DEC, "Coastal Erosion Management Regulations, 6 NYCRR 505".

NYS-DEC, Order Establishing Regulations Governing Public Use, Hunting, Trapping and Fishing in Deer
Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area. (Available from DEC Region 7, Cortland, New York.)

NYS-DEC, Summer Intern Surveys of: Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area; Lakeview Marsh Wildlife
Management Area; and Black Pond Wildlife Management Area", February 1986. (Available from DEC
Region 7, Cortland, New York.)

NYS-DEC, "Technical Memorandum: Procedures Used to Identify, Evaluate and Recommend Areas for
Designation as Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats", Albany, New York, July 1984.

NYS-DEC, Region 6, Regulations pertaining to use of Lakeview Wildlife Management Area.

NYS-DEC, Region 7, Field notes on survey points for monitoring shoreline and dune migration in the Deer
Creek Wildlife Management Area, 1985. (Not available for public review.)

NYS-DEC, Region 7, Public Use Survey of Five Representative Wildlife Management Areas in Region 7 -
Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area, 1983-1984.

NYS-DEC, Region 7, Special Permit Conditions, State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES)
permit for Brennan Beach discharge, (not dated).

NYS Environmental Conservation Law, Article 34 - Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas.

Persons Contacted: Mr. Lee Chamberlain Mr. Ward Dukelow
NYS-DEC Region 6 NYS-DEC Region 7
317 Washington St. PO Box 5170 Fisher Ave.
Watertown, NY 13601 Cortland, NY 13045
(315) 785-2263 (607) 753-3095

Department of State. Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization

Hart, Thomas and Andrew Milliken and Bryan Swift, "Coastal Habitat Protection in New York State", in
"Coastal Zone 87", May 1987.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-15

Jefferson County Marine Facilities (from NY Great Lakes Marine Access Survey), 1986.

Mandel, Belinda, "The Dune Study: My Experiences", (Observations of beachgoers in the Sandy Pond/South
Spit area), Summer 1986. (*)

NYS-DOS, "A Briefing Report for the State and Provincial Legislative Caucus on Great Lakes Diversions
and Lake Levels", May 1986.

NYS-DOS, Fact Sheet on New York State's Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats.

NYS-DOS, Information provided to SLEOC regarding Department of Interior (DOI) report on Coastal
Barrier Resources System (CBRS), May 28, 1985. (*)

NYS-DOS, Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats, Jefferson County. (*)

NYS-DOS, Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats, Oswego County. (*)

NYS-DOS, Letter to USACE commenting on USACE North Sandy Pond Navigation Improvement Project,
March 25, 1986.

Ontario Dune Coalition, "Project Proposal to New York State Department of State for Dune Walkover
Structure". (*)

Oswego County Marine Facilities (from NY Great Lakes Marine Access Survey), 1986.

State of New York, Coastal Management Program and Final EIS, August 1982.

United States Department of Interior, National Park Service, Summary description of the National Natural
Landmarks Program" and "Natural Landmark Brief for Lakeview Marsh and Barrier Beach", (not dated).

Worley, Ian A., Botany Department, University of Vermont, "Evaluation of Lakeview Marsh and Barrier
Beach for Eligibility for Registered Natural Landmark", October 1972.

Persons Contacted: Mr. Tom Hart
Ms. Nancy Nugent
NYS-DOS
Division of Coastal Resources &
Waterfront Revitalization
162 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12231-0001
(518) 474-3642

St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission

Black River/St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Council, (Prepared for NYS-DOS), "New
York Great Lakes Marine Access Survey", 1987.

SLEOC, Comments to Coastal Barriers Study Group, USDOI, regarding first draft recommendations for
CBRS, June 23, 1987. (*)

SLEOC, Comments to NYS-DOS regarding proposed CBRS additions in SLEOC service area, June 10,
1985. (*)

SLEOC, "Executive Summary, Report on Coastal Resources", (not dated).

A-16 Sources of Information

SLEOC, "List of Publications", (unpublished list) 1987.

SLEOC, Memo on site description, location, proposed application and changes regarding Deer Creek
stabilization project, April 18, 1980.

SLEOC, "Model Local Land Use Controls", April 1979.

SLEOC, "A Natural Resources Inventory, Town of Richland, New York", October 1981.

SLEOC, "A Natural Resources Inventory, Town of Sandy Creek, New York", March 1981.

SLEOC, News Release: "Deer Creek Dunes Stabilization", March 3, 1980.

SLEOC, (by Wray, Quinn and Stegemann) "Oil Spill Response Model, Eastern Lake Ontario", December
1981.

SLEOC, "Planning, Managing Coastal Resources" (not dated).

SLEOC, "A Proposed Coastal Management Program for the Eastern Shore Dune-Bay-Wetland Complex",
August 1979.

SLEOC, "Technical Report No. 2: Coastal Resources, Geology", February 1977.

SLEOC, "Technical Report No. 3: Coastal Resources, Soils", October 1977.

SLEOC, "Technical Report No. 3b: Coastal Resources, Soils - Interpretative Supplement for Jefferson
County", October 1977.

SLEOC, "Technical Report No. 3c: Coastal Resources, Soils - Interpretative Supplement for Oswego
County", October 1977.

SLEOC (By Jim S. Uhlig), "Vegetative Analysis of Deer Creek Barrier Beach", January 1981.

U.S. Department of the Interior, "Coastal Barrier Resources System Draft Report to Congress", April 1985.
(*)
Person Contacted: Mr. Tom Cutter
SLEOC
317 Washington St.
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-2460

Office of Parks. Recreation and Historic Preservation

Cohn, Barry, "Accretion and Erosion of a Lake Ontario Beach, Selkirk Shores, New York", Proceedings of
16th Conference Great Lakes Research, International Association of Great Lakes Research, 1973.

NYS-OPRHP, "A Guide to Lakeview-Southwicks Interpretive Nature Trails", Southwick Beach State Park.

NYS-OPRHP, "Information Packet for Public Scoping Session on the Preparation of a Draft Master Plan
and Draft EIS for Selkirk Shores State Park", September 1986.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-17

NYS-OPRHP, "Park Analysis Statement Selkirk Shores State Park",

NYS-OPRHP, Southwick Beach State Park regulations.

Person Contacted: Mr. Rocco Crescenzi
Thousand Islands Park Commission
Southwick Beach State Park Manager
Southwick Beach State Park
(315) 846-5338

Denartment of Transportation

New York State Department of Transportation, 7.5 Minute Series Topographic Maps:

* Henderson Quadrangle, 1980, Scale 1:24,000.
* Ellisburg Quadrangle, 1980, Scale 1:24,000.
� Pulaski Quadrangle, 1975, Scale 1:24,000.

Sea Grant Extension Program

O'Neill, Charles R. Jr., New York Sea Grant Extension, "Questions and Answers on Lake Ontario Water
Levels", January 1987.

New York State Sea Grant Extension, SUNY Oswego, "North Sandy Pond Charter Industry Economic
Impacts and Value", July 16, 1986.

New York State Sea Grant, "Stabilizing Sand Dunes with Beach Grass" (video tape), 1981.

Persons Contacted: Mr. Dave White Mr. Spencer Rogers
NYS Sea Grant Extension North Carolina Sea Grant
SUNY Oswego Box 130
Oswego, NY 13126 Kure Beach, NC
(315) 341-3042 (919) 458-5780

Other States and Jurisdictions

Maine

Milne, Janet E., "The Landowner's Options, A Guide to the Voluntary Protection of Land in Maine,"
Maine's Critical Areas Program, State Planning Office, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Chapter, Maine's
Coast Heritage Trust, Third Edition, 1985.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Office, "Barrier Beach Management Sourcebook," 1983.

Michigan

Planning and Zoning Center, Inc., (for Michigan Department of Natural Resources), "Managing Sand Dune
Development in Michigan: State and Local Options", December 1986. (*)

A-18 Sources of Information

Person Contacted: Ms. Christy Fox
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Lansing, Michigan
(517) 373-1950

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, References on dune systems, Napanee, Ontario, Canada (not dated).

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, "Sandbanks Provincial Park", Napanee, Ontario, Canada, (not dated).

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, "Sandbanks Provincial Park, Napanee, Ontario, Canada, Summer
1985".

County Agencies

Osweeo County Environmental Manaeement Council

Brennan, Michael, "Town of Sandy Creek Permit Application for Sandy Pond Estates Mobile Home Park",
December 15, 1986.

SLEOC, "Deer Creek Barrier Beach Dune Stabilization Demonstration Project - Initial Six Month Report",
January 1981. (*)

Devenpeck, William, Letters to NYS-DEC regarding destruction of dunes at Sandy Island Beach, Sept. 7,
1985 and Nov. 5, 1985. (*)

Minutes of meeting among concerned agencies to discuss proposed DEC channelization projects in Lakeview
Marsh and Deer Creek Marsh, September 2, 1981.

Oswego County EMC, Letter from concerned homeowner regarding migratory dune on south spit, July 24,
1984. (*)

Oswego County EMC, Notes from various meetings and discussions regarding migrating dunes on south spit.
(*)

Oswego County EMC, "The Wetlands of Oswego County New York: The Interrelationships of Glaciation,
Surficial Geologic Deposits and Wetland Formation", March 1983. (*)

"Project Performance Agreement Between Cooperating Agencies for Deer Creek Marsh Barrier Beach and
Dune Formation Stabilization Demonstration Project", January 3, 1980.

Shearer, Robert (Oswego County EMC), Comments at Deer Creek pre-acquisition hearing (not dated).

Person Contacted: Mr. Mark Lichtenstein
Oswego County EMC
Oswego County Office Complex
70 Bunner St.
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 349-3564

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-19

Oswego County Planning Denartment

Oswego County Planning Board, "Oswego County 1985 and 2000 Land Use Plan", Oswego, New York, June
1977.

Person Contacted: Mr. Marty Weiss
Oswego County Planning Department
46 E. Bridge St.
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 349-8292

Jefferson Countv Planning Denartment

Jefferson County Planning Board, "Jefferson County Land Use Plan", Watertown, New York, April 1978.

Person Contacted: Mr. Doug Shelling
Jefferson County Planning Department
163 Arsenal St. P.O. Box 6059
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3144
Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District

Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, SLEOC and owners of Sandy Island Beach, "Draft
Soils Management Plan for Sandy Island Beach", 1987.

Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, SLEOC and R. Brennan, "Soils Management Plan
for Portions of Brennan Beach Campground", September 1984.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, "Soil Survey of Oswego County, New York",
September 1981.

Person Contacted: Mr. John De Hollander
Oswego County SWCD
2 Erie St.
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 343-0040

Jefferson Countv Soil and Water Conservation District

Person Contacted: Mr. Bill Chamberlain
c/o Jefferson County SWCD
Washington St.
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 782-2749

A-20 Sources of Information

Towns

Town of Richland

Zoning, subdivision, mobile home and floodplain laws.

Person Contacted: Dr. C. Howard
Chairman, Planning Board
(315) 298-5174

Town of Sandy Creek

Sandy Creek Regional Planning Board, "A Guide to Developing a Homesite or Business in the Town of
Sandy Creek".

Sandy Creek Regional Planning Board, "Comprehensive Analysis of Community Resources in the Town of
Sandy Creek, New York (1976-1979)".

Town of Sandy Creek, "Designation of Critical Environmental Area: Sandy Ponds Area", 1987.

Sanitary code, mobile home and floodplain laws.

Person Contacted: Mr. Tom Jones
Sandy Creek Regional Planning Board
(315) 387-5505

Town of Ellisbure

Zoning, subdivision, mobile home, sanitary and floodplain laws.

Person Contacted: Mr. Bill Chamberlain
Town of Ellisburg
(315) 782-2749

Universities

State University of NY (SUNY) College of Environmental Science & Forestry (CESF) Svracuse

Person Contacted: Dr. Don Leopold
Biology Department
SUNY-ESF Syracuse
(315) 470-6784

SUNY Buffalo

Weir, Gary M., "Inlet Information and Washover Process at North Pond, East Lake Ontario", Thesis
submitted to the State University of NY at Buffalo, Sept. 1977.

New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Dunes A-21

Syracuse University

Trask, B., "Heavy Mineral Analysis of Eastern Lake Ontario Sands," unpublished dissertation, Syracuse
University, 1976.

Private Non-Profit Organizations

Audubon Society

Person Contacted: Mr. Gerry Smith
RR#1 Box 498
Mexico, New York 13114
(315) 963-8291

The Nature Conservancv

Person Contacted: Mr. Gerry Smith
The Nature Conservancy
RR#1 Box 498
Mexico, New York 13114
(315) 963-8291

The Ontario Dune Coalition

Bonnano, Sandra, "Dune Naturalist Intern Report to The Ontario Dune Coalition", October 4, 1988. (*)

Minutes from Dune Coalition meetings: January 1, 1986; March 3, 1987; and June 2, 1987.

Newsletter, Issue No. 1, Summer 1987.

Newsletter, Issue No. 2, Summer 1988.

Newsletter, Issue No. 3, Summer 1989.

Ontario Dune Coalition, "Project Proposal to New York State Department of State for Dune Walkover
Structure", (not dated).

Syracuse Post Standard, "Dune Their Best", July 27, 1987.

Syracuse Herald Journal, "Dune", August 13, 1985.