A groundbreaking is being held today that marks the beginning of a restoration of 2,500 linear feet of shoreline along the Buffalo River. This critical habitat is found in an area that has come to be known as Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park. The partners driving the initiative include Erie County, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and the Buffalo-Niagara Riverkeeper.
Habitat restorations along the Buffalo River continue to reap untold rewards. This is the same river that was considered to be “dead” in the 1920s, as its banks were lined with industry, with no environmental regulations. Before industry killed the river (dredging and pollution), these lands were considered pristine and fertile. Today, efforts are underway to reduce shoreline erosion, restore structural habitat within the river, and revive native plant communities through plantings and invasive species management.
Today’s groundbreaking is the result of a $1.34 million contract to Tidewater Inc. of Elkridge, MD from The Corps of Engineers, which is being directed towards this Buffalo River Area of Concern. The project is being made possible via an Interagency Agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Corps of Engineers with funding provided by the EPA with Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds.
Photo: www2.erie.gov | Site – 1670 Seneca Street | 20+ acres of natural habitat and shoreline