Hudson RiverNet
News from the Hudson River Estuary Program

Along the Hudson River estuary's 300 miles of shoreline, communities are experiencing increased flooding from the rising sea-level and changing rainfall patterns. The Hudson River Sustainable Shorelines project has developed science-based recommendations for shore zone management that preserve or enhance natural benefits while meeting engineering needs. 

DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program has just released a short video on the importance of sustainable shorelines, the third installment in our series on Climate Smart Communities adaptation actions. Sustainable Shorelines highlights the shorelines of the Hudson River, futuristic shoreline projects in New York City, and how sustainable shorelines can help us achieve a more resilient future.

The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Adaptation Inspiration video series on DEC's YouTube channel introduces actions in the CSC certification program through the work of inspirational communities and partners in the Hudson Valley. 

Sea-level Rise: Planning Coastal Development highlights how the City of Kingston and residents of Piermont are adapting to sea-level rise and coastal flooding. The video reviews the causes of sea level rise and showcases the communities' positive approaches to adapting to this consequence of climate change. Learn more about flood-adaptive planning through DEC's climate resilience web pages.

Adapt: The Key to Climate Resilience highlights climate smart adaptation strategies for Climate Smart Communities certification. Visit New York State’s Climate Smart Communities website to learn more. 

Deadline August 20th for Comments on DEC's Draft Flood Risk Management Guidance

DEC has released two flood risk management guidance documents for public review. Public comments are due by August 20, 2018. The documents were developed under the Community Risk and Resiliency Act (CRRA), which requires applicants for some State permits, State funding, and certain facility-siting regulations to consider future physical climate risk due to sea-level rise, storm surge, and flooding. The proposed guidance also addresses mitigating risk due to sea-level rise, storm surge, and flooding in approving and funding public infrastructure. CRRA added mitigation of these hazards to the State's list of smart-growth criteria for public infrastructure. The full documents are available online.

Interested in the latest climate adaptation news and opportunities in the Hudson Valley? Sign up for our Climate Resilience in the Hudson River Estuary newsletter!