The Village of Cayuga is seeking a state permit to stabilize 563 feet of Cayuga Lake shoreline, replacing a timber crib wall with a mix of planted and rock-based erosion controls.
The proposal at 6205 Railroad St. in the Town of Aurelius is open for written comments through Nov. 5, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Oct. 21 notice.
The village proposes removing an approximately 400-foot timber crib wall and using live willow stakes, vegetated riprap and fiber rolls to stabilize the shore. Riprap consists of rock placed to protect a bank; the proposal combines it with vegetation and other erosion-control materials.
The work would involve excavation and fill below the lake’s mean high-water level, requiring a permit under Article 15 of the state Environmental Conservation Law. DEC identifies this part of Cayuga Lake as a Class B(T) protected waterbody.
DEC says the proposed work would reduce erosion and sediment entering the lake while improving water quality. The application remains under review.
Erosion has been a waterfront priority
The village’s waterfront planning has documented erosion around John Harris Park. An October 2025 draft of its Local Waterfront Revitalization Program described erosion behind existing shoreline rock, undercutting that raised concerns about the stability of the land and boardwalk, and erosion along natural sections of the park’s shore.
That draft identified shoreline restoration south of the park’s beach as a high priority. It recommended evaluating both rock protection and nature-based approaches and coordinating shoreline work with park and recreation-trail improvements. The draft listed a $150,000 estimate and a three- to five-year timeframe for that planning proposal.
FingerLakes1 reported in September that the village adopted its waterfront program July 8 and received state approval Aug. 20. The broader program includes shoreline erosion work among its proposed projects.
How to review the application
DEC classified the shoreline application as an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review process and recorded a negative declaration, finding no significant environmental impact. No coordinated review was performed and no lead agency was designated.
A cultural resources survey identified resources in the project area. The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation determined the proposed activity would have no adverse effect on registered or eligible archaeological sites or historic structures, and DEC says no further review under the State Historic Preservation Act is required.
Application materials are available for inspection during normal business hours through Evan Williamson at DEC’s Region 7 office, 5786 Widewaters Parkway, Syracuse, NY 13214. DEC recommends making an appointment at 315-426-7438.
Written comments must reach Williamson by Nov. 5. They may be emailed to dep.r7@dec.ny.gov or mailed to the Region 7 address and should identify application 7-0520-00183/00002.
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