Natural coastal changes - like the gradual erosion of our beaches - cannot be prevented. Over the course of time though, these same natural processes that lead to erosion can also lead to coastal restoration and new habitat formation.

Structures like bulkheads and seawalls can protect individual properties from erosion, but not entire shorelines. Beaches impeded by manmade structures like bulkheads can actually experience more erosion thanks - and less natural rejuvenation. 

The sandy beaches most affected by erosion are also critical habitat and nesting area to rare and endangered birds like the Piping plover and the Least tern and also act as protection against hurricanes and other large storms.

Making Progress

• Exploring new coastal management policies that foster natural beach and dune formation and allow for ecosystem restoration; 

• Collaborating with local officials to create voluntary buy-out plans after big storms like hurricanes; and

• Enhancing the effectiveness of coastal erosion hazard laws.

Get Involved

You can help restore our beaches and bays, too! Here's what you can do:

• Support coastal policies and regional plans for long-term barrier beach management that work with natural processes - not against;

• Ask questions about your town's coastal policies; and

• Support the buy-out of hurricane damaged oceanfront properties from willing sellers.

Find out more about how we're working to restore the Great South Bay.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © istockphoto/Kathy Hicks (fence); Photo © Harold E. Malde (sunset); Photo © Lynn Mc Bride (storm).