Queens Bayswater Point State Park Shoreline Restoration

Negative Declaration

Queens County - The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP), as lead agency, has determined that the proposed Bayswater Point State Park - Shoreline Restoration will not have a significant adverse environmental impact. The action involves the stabilization and restoration of the shoreline at Bayswater Point State Park. Living shorelines will restore breakwater systems to protect existing parkland and create opportunities for habitat within the shoreline and lawn areas of the Park. Breakwaters including eco-concrete tide pools will be installed at various locations off-shore along strategic sections of the shoreline. No invasive species removal or herbicide application is proposed for the shoreline area. Invasive species will be removed within the project limit line as defined in the construction documents within the Phragmites Patch/Marsh and Upland Coastal Forest areas and will consist of phases of mechanical cutting and physical removal as well as herbicide treatments following the invasive species maintenance plan. Following invasive species treatment and removal, approved species will be planted in the low marsh, high marsh, upland, and coastal forest conditions based on water levels and frequency of inundation. Invasive species monitoring and maintenance activities will continue in subsequent years. This project will introduce new recreation structures including boardwalks and a fishing pier which will be ADA accessible structures, designed to enhance the visitor experience while mitigating impacts on the site's unique coastal conditions. Erosion control measures including silt fencing and turbidity curtains will be utilized during in-water and on-land excavation and construction activities. The project is located in the Bayswater Point State Park at 1479 Point Breeze Place in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York.