Complements Ongoing Efforts to Protect Habitat at Yanty Marsh Area
On May 21, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) announced the completion of a $6.7 million shoreline resiliency project at Area 1 of Hamlin Beach State Park. Reshaping and restoring much of the park’s historic lakefront promenade, the completed project repairs damage caused by flooding, coastal erosion, and wave action from a severe storm event in 2017 and fortifies the park against future storm damage by introducing new landscape features.
“As strong storms present an ever-increasing risk to New York’s public lands, it is crucial that we build back better to protect our state parks and coastal communities from the dangers created by floodwaters and shoreline erosion,” said ORPHP Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser. “Thanks to historic Environmental Protection Fund investments made by Governor Hochul, our state legislators, and the National Park Service, we have been able to ensure that Hamlin Beach State Park is enjoyed by future generations.”
The project utilized $6.7 million in total funding from various sources, including $2.5 million from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and a matching contribution from the National Parks Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund. A vital source of funding for capital projects that protect the environment and enhance communities, the EPF supports stewardship efforts for millions of acres of public lands across New York. A record $425 million has been allocated to the EPF in the 2027 New York State Executive Budget, allowing for additional investments to be made in open space conservation.
The new landscape features added to Hamlin Beach State Park’s historic promenade help stabilize the park’s shoreline, reduce coastal erosion, manage floodwaters, and dissipate energy from waves. In addition to strengthening the coastline, these improvements enhance the visitor experience – making it easier and safer for park patrons to enjoy Lake Ontario vistas and the park’s recreational options.
The new elements include: rounded cobbles that direct flood waters to targeted areas, native species plantings that reintroduce habitat and stabilize loose shoreline soil, supplemental rip-rap in areas with heavy wave action, additional boulders that protect the park’s iconic fishing jetty, and the conversion of 10 acres of upland lawns to grassy meadows, which allows for greater stormwater and floodwater absorption.
Recreation trails, parking spaces , and other amenities were also modified to improve resiliency and combat erosion, including:
- Relocating existing multi-use trails outside of areas prone to flooding
- Reducing parking spaces to improve ground permeability
- Delineating new overlook landing areas to allow for improved lakefront viewing
- Setting aside additional green space for future recreation enhancements including picnic and play areas
U.S. Congressperson Joe Morelle said,“Everyone deserves access to safe, resilient public spaces where families can connect with nature and enjoy all that our region has to offer. This investment at Hamlin Beach State Park will help protect our Lake Ontario shoreline, preserve critical habitats, and ensure visitors can continue to enjoy this treasured resource for years to come. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued partnership in strengthening our communities and safeguarding our natural environment for future generations.”
This project complements a separate restoration project taking place at the Yanty Marsh section of Hamlin Beach State Park. The ongoing work on the eastern side of the park restores habitat for sensitive native bird populations, restores wetland habitat, and prepares the park for future rises in lake water levels. Restoration and resiliency enhancements at the Yanty Marsh section are expected to be complete this fall.
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