Climate Smart Communities Certification; Hudson River Tidal Wetlands Guide

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 05/01/2018 03:29 PM EDT
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Aerial view of tidal wetlands in the Hudson River. Photo by Jeff Anzevino/Courtesy Scenic HudsonHudson RiverNet
News from the Hudson River Estuary Program

Climate Smart Certification Online Portal

Kingston on the Rondout. Photo by Steve StanneDEC has launched a new certification portal that streamlines the application process for local governments seeking to become Certified Climate Smart Communities. The Climate Smart Communities Certification program recognizes the leadership local governments have taken to reduce emissions and protect their communities from a changing climate. [View of the Rondout Creek at Kingston, flowing towards the Hudson River. Kingston is a Silver Certified Climate Smart Community. Photo by Steve Stanne.]

Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is a New York State program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. Benefits include leadership recognition, free technical assistance, and access to grants.

Registered communities have made a commitment to act by passing the CSC pledge. Certified communities are the foremost leaders in the state; they have gone beyond the CSC pledge by completing and documenting a suite of actions that mitigate and adapt to climate change at the local level. DEC Hudson River Estuary Program developed the CSC Certification program in 2013 with funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and created the certification portal through NYSERDA funding.

Protecting the Pathways

Scientists monitor marsh plants to track changes in tidal wetlands over timeScenic Hudson has released Protecting the Pathways, a new interactive guide to preserving Hudson River tidal wetlands. Here, you can explore interactive maps, learn about the Hudson's tidal wetlands and their fate under sea-level rise, and find out what you can do to help.

At the heart of Hudson River estuary ecosystem are approximately 7,000 acres of tidal wetlands. Encompassing both salty and freshwater habitats such as mud flats, grassy marshes, and forested swamps, the Hudson’s tidal wetlands are vital for the species and functions of the estuary.

Tidal wetlands also provide many benefits to people. They provide a buffer that protects homes, businesses and farms from storm surge and river flooding. Wetlands also absorb the destructive energy of storm surges. Explore more at Protecting the Pathways. [Photo:Scientists monitor tidal plants to track changes over time.]

[Banner: Aerial view of tidal wetlands in the Hudson River. Photo by Jeff Anzevino, Courtesy of Scenic Hudson.]