SOURCE:
By Vicky Stavropoulou - December 10, 2023
Summary: A total of 39 grants worth $12 million have been awarded to nonprofit organizations and a municipality to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the ecological health of Long Island Sound. The grants will fund various projects addressing issues such as nitrogen pollution, eroding shorelines, and endangered shorebirds. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Long Island Sound Study, and the National Fish and Wildlife Service, is responsible for the funding. These projects are expected to result in cleaner water, healthier habitats, and increased wildlife abundance.
Innovative Approaches to Protecting Long Island Sound
The Long Island Sound ecosystem encompasses a vast area across five states and is home to a rich diversity of marine and avian species. Recognizing the importance of preserving this vital natural resource, federal officials have recently announced the allocation of $12 million in grants to various organizations and a municipality working towards improving the ecological health of Long Island Sound.
These grants, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Long Island Sound Study, and the National Fish and Wildlife Service, will support 39 projects addressing a range of environmental challenges facing the Sound.
Efforts to combat issues such as nitrogen pollution, erosion, and the protection of endangered shorebirds will be prioritized through the allocation of these funds. By addressing these concerns, the projects aim to promote cleaner water, healthier watersheds, thriving habitats, and an overall increase in wildlife populations.
One notable project receiving funding is the Citizens Campaign for the Environment’s initiative to construct two rain gardens in the Village of Northport. These gardens will capture stormwater, reducing the flow of nitrogen, phosphorus, and fecal coliform into Northport harbor, thus improving water quality significantly.
In addition, grants have been provided to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County to remove abandoned lobster traps, New York University to restore oyster beds, and ReWild Long Island to plant native gardens. These projects, along with several others, contribute to the overall goal of preserving Long Island Sound for future generations.
This year, particular emphasis has been placed on funding initiatives in underserved communities, aiming to promote environmental education and the development of green schoolyards. By focusing on these areas, the projects hope to address environmental disparities and foster a greater sense of community engagement.
With the addition of these grants, the Long Island Sound Futures Fund has now provided a total of $121 million for 640 projects since its establishment in 2005. This significant investment highlights the commitment of various organizations and stakeholders to protect and enhance the ecological health of Long Island Sound.