Ice shoves, storm surge and pounding winter winds are tearing at parts of New York’s Great Lakes shoreline, raising new concerns about erosion and property damage.
State coastal specialists say this winter’s extreme conditions have intensified the natural forces that eat away at bluffs, dunes and waterfront property along Lakes Erie and Ontario.
Wind, water, ice and snow have combined to amplify shoreline erosion, threatening homes, businesses and infrastructure in lakeside communities.
Roy Widrig, a coastal processes and hazards specialist with New York Sea Grant, said property owners should avoid quick fixes.
“One-size-fits-all shoreline remediation approaches should be avoided as each property site has its own unique features, stressors, and resulting impact,” Widrig said. “New York Sea Grant provides both virtual and in-person assessments, considering each site place-by-place.”
Widrig works with landowners, municipalities and community groups to evaluate shoreline damage and explore options. Those options can range from natural and nature-based approaches, such as living shorelines and dune restoration, to repairs of hard structures like seawalls and drainage systems.
He encourages property owners to document winter storm impacts now. Photos of storm surge, seiche events along Lake Erie, and lake-effect snow and ice along Lake Ontario can help experts assess damage.
Widrig begins with a virtual review of images and descriptions submitted by property owners. He then contacts them to discuss potential remediation steps and may schedule an in-person site visit if needed.
When projects require construction or hard structures, he provides guidance on best practices, regulatory requirements and contractor selection.
Recent efforts across shoreline counties have included living shoreline installations, dune restoration projects, seawall repairs and drainage improvements.
Winter ice can also push trees and debris inland, damaging shorelines during severe storms, as seen in Cayuga County.
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