Project Description: Changes in coastal topographical landforms vary both spatially and temporally. Understanding these variations is key to early recognition of interaction of change, restoration trajectories, and management policies affecting natural and cultural resources in coastal parks and refuges. An understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of geomorphological change is vital to optimal management of any coastal park, refuge or habitat because the interface of marine and land systems: 1) is highly dynamic and driven by multiple forcing mechanisms, 2) results in alterations to resource dynamics at habitat and ecosystem levels, and 3) can eventually result in the loss of static resources.
Rutgers University will conduct geomorphological monitoring, data collection, data processing, data analysis, and reporting at New York, New Jersey, and Delaware beaches that have had beach nourishment in the post-Sandy period for the purpose of evaluating the efficacy of beach nourishment to meet project objectives and provide ecosystem resilience. Results of this project will contribute to improved stewardship by partner agencies (NPS, USFWS, and New Jersey Audubon) and other federal, state, and private conservation land management agencies; provide a regional evaluation of beach nourishment a management tool for resilience; and provide an increased understanding of ecological resilience; and contribute to improved scientific understanding of beach and dune geomorphological change.
Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Norbert Psuty, Rutgers University
Partner Institution: Rutgers University
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Federal Agency Technical Contact: Patricia Rafferty
Project Type: Research
Project Discipline: Natural Resources
Start Year: 2017
End Year: 2022
Initial Funding Amount: $966,642.00
Federal Grant Number: P17AC01486
Location: Riis Beach (Gateway National Recreation Area, NY); Pierce’s Point, Reed’s Beach, and Moore’s Beach (NJ); Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service, DE)
Products Associated with this Project:
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