ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights three major living shoreline initiatives that attempt to balance the ecological and engineering needs of New York's shorelines—the Hudson River Sustainable Shorelines Project. It discusses the Coastal Green Infrastructure Research Plan for New York City and Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines. The Hudson River Sustainable Shorelines Project seeks to protect, conserve, and enhance Hudson River Estuary shorelines, their resilience to climate change and sea level rise, and their ability to serve as vital habitats and corridors. The second overarching objective of the HRSSP is to improve the understanding of the ecological, engineering, and economic trade-offs of different shoreline management options. In 2006, ASA Analysis & Communication and Alden Research Laboratory, Inc. were contracted to investigate options for restoring ecological functions and enhancing shoreline habitats. Understanding the legal and decision-making arenas framing shoreline decisions is necessary to influence decision making. New Jersey's living shorelines program has made remarkable strides over the last decade.
