The largest island on the Niagara River is getting a touch-up along a portion of its shoreline, as a concrete bulkhead will soon be replaced by what partners call a "living shoreline."
The project will cover approximately 100 feet of shoreline on the north end of the island, facing the city of Niagara Falls and a small island just off of Grand Island in the river.
"The location that was chose was strategic, because of its proximity to Grass Island," said Jill Jedlicka, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, one of the partners involved in the project. "It's a highly important ecological area within the river itself."
A "living shoreline," as partners define it, enhances the natural habitat while stabilizing riverbanks and controlling erosion. Grand Island is rich in wildlife, from birds to fish to numerous furry mammals.
Other partners include the Sandy Beach Park Club, Town of Grand Island, Greenway Commission and Greenway Ecological Standing Committee. The conversion is bring funded by money from the New York Power Authority's 2007 re-licensing agreement.
