New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction has started on Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s (BNW) living shoreline project at Ellicott Island Bark Park in Erie County’s Ellicott Creek Park. Heavy construction wrapped up at the end of July and the entire project is expected to reach substantial completion by October.
LDC Construction Inc. is the contractor and WSP provided engineering services to the project.
The initiative includes re-engineering about 15,000 sq. ft. of shoreline and riparian area to address ongoing usage and water level fluctuations. The design incorporates four nature-based strategies to enhance the southern tip of Ellicott Island. Key components include simulating natural environments and establishing a stabilized water access area to improve water clarity at a popular dog access point.
BNW’s objectives for the project are to:
- Stabilize the eroding shoreline with bioengineering techniques
- Implement green infrastructure to reduce stormwater pollution and erosion
- Remove invasive species and introduce diverse native plantings
- Create conditions favorable for emergent vegetation
- Decrease turbidity by stabilizing the water access point
“Much of the Niagara River Watershed has faced shoreline degradation and habitat loss. Our living shorelines model will help address these issues and build resilience against coastal and climate challenges,” said Jill Jedlicka, BNW executive director. “We are thankful for our partners at Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, NYS Canal Corp., NYPA, NY Sea Grant, WSP Inc., LDC Construction Inc., and the Friends of Ellicott.”
The park suffered from riparian habitat loss, shoreline erosion, and high water turbidity due to heavy foot and paw traffic and frequent boat wakes. These issues were most severe at the southern end of the island, which became the project’s focal point.
Construction will enhance the land-water interface with native plantings, improving water quality and supporting wildlife such as freshwater mussels, fish, wading birds, waterfowl, beneficial insects, and pollinators. The environmental benefits include reduced erosion, nutrient uptake, stormwater retention, and mitigation of algae blooms in Tonawanda Creek.
Funding was provided by the New York Power Authority through the Niagara River Greenway Ecological Standing Committee and Niagara Relicensing Ecological Standing Committee. Additional support comes from Erie County and Cornell University, in partnership with New York Sea Grant, under an agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
