Representative Projects

Peconic Estuary Conceptual Habitat Restoration Project.

Land Use Ecological Services and Inter-Fluve, Inc. have partnered for this Suffolk County project for development of conceptual restoration plans for five projects within the County. Restoration projects include Moore’s Drain/Silver Lake Alewife Access, Ligonee Brook Diadromous Fish Passage Restoration, Napeague Harbor Circulation Enhancement, Shell Beach Revegetation, and Forge Road/Peconic Lake Diadromous Fish Passage Restoration. Restoration efforts shall focus on evaluation of historic conditions using aerial photography, navigation charts, and local knowledge; evaluation of existing conditions, including bathymetry, barriers to fish passage, and vegetation inventory; and development of conceptual restoration plans and recommendations that may include removal of man-made alterations and debris, dredging, construction of fish passage structures, and/or revegetation with native species. This project is currently in the planning phase, with data collection expected to begin in the spring of 2012.

Long Island Wetlands Trends Analysis and Wetlands Loss Characterization Matrix Project.

Land Use Ecological Services is responsible for field reconnaissance and groundtruthing components of the New York State tidal wetlands mapping project, application of a methodology for characterization of wetlands from infrared aerial imagery, assisting with photointerpretation of infrared aerial imagery, and directing the development of a matrix aimed at researching and identifying the causes of marsh loss in New York State’s estuaries. Data collection began in the late fall of 2011 for this project.

Elders Point West Tidal Wetland Restoration

Location: Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn & Queens Counties, NY

Body of Water: Jamaica Bay
Point of Contact: Matt O’Neil, Galvin Brothers
Principal: William Bowman, PhD.

Land Use Ecological Services was contracted as the Wetland Specialist for this 25-acre wetland restoration project. Restoration of wetlands includes removal of invasive vegetation; nourishment and grading of the island with dredged sand; transplantation of existing Spartina alterniflora hummocks to restoration areas; and planting of additional low marsh, high marsh, and upland vegetation. Land Use is responsible for the restoration of wetlands, including: quality of plant material, plant storage, planting procedures, quality of fertilizer, plant spacing, condition of relocated hummocks, waterfowl barriers, invasive eradication, and plant replacement. This project commenced in December 2009 and is ongoing.

Gerritsen and Mill Creeks Restoration

Location: Marine Park, Gerritsen Creek, Brooklyn, NY
Body of Water: Gerritsen Creek

Point of Contact: Matt O’Neil, Galvin Brothers
Principal: William Bowman, PhD.

Land Use Ecological Services was contracted as the Wetland Specialist for this 75-acre tidal wetland, grassland, and woodland restoration project. Restoration of wetlands includes removal of invasive vegetation; removal of sediment and grading along the creek, including creation of “natural” drainage channels, for creation of low marsh, high marsh, and transition zone habitats; placement of sediment to create grassland and woodland habitats; transplantation of native shrubs and grasses for use at other wetland restoration sites; and planting of low marsh, high marsh, and upland vegetation. Land Use is responsible for the restoration of wetlands, including: quality of plant material, plant storage, planting procedures, quality of fertilizer, plant spacing, waterfowl barriers, invasive eradication, and plant replacement. This project commenced in February 2010 and is ongoing.

TOWN OF ISLIP, TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, VILLAGE OF SALTIRE, VILLAGE OF OCEAN BEACH, & FIRE ISLAND BEACH EROSION CONTROL DISTRICTS, FIRE ISLAND, NY.

Land Use Ecological Services provides ongoing permitting, environmental inventories and monitoring, and construction supervision for beach nourishment, beach scraping, and other shoreline protection projects undertaken on Fire Island within the developed communities. Projects include extensive environmental review with Land Use processing all required regulatory authorizations [USACOE, USDOI (National Park Service/Fire Island National Seashore), NYSDEC, NYSDOS, NYOGS, Town of Islip, Town of Brookhaven, Village of Saltaire, Village of Ocean Beach].

In conjunction with the permitting process, Land Use has completed biological assessments, essential fish habitat assessments, finfish surveys, surf clam surveys, invertebrate surveys, vegetation surveys, avian surveys, and endangered species inventories. Impacts were assessed and environmental protection measures were developed to allow construction of storm protection projects to commence.
Currently, Land Use is responsible for all environmental permit compliance and monitors completed projects within onshore deposition/project areas and offshore borrow sites. Monitoring includes surveys for finfish, invertebrates and vegetation, as well as endangered species such as the Piping plover (Charadrius melodus), Least tern (Sterna antillarum), and Seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus). Project requires daily coordination with regulatory personnel.

Nissequogue River Northeast Branch Restoration Project
Phase I (North of Route 347)

Land Use Ecological Services and H2M were retained by the Town of Smithtown to assess existing environmental conditions within the northeast branch of the Nissequogue River corridor; to develop a restoration project for the river corridor that addressed storm water management, sediment retention, and invasive species; to prepare and process the NYSDEC permit application; and to oversee implementation of the restoration project. Environmental investigations and assessment included delineation of freshwater wetlands within the 25-acre project area; inventory and mapping of ecological communities and protected or rare species; development of sediment sampling protocol; and sediment core collection and analysis. The restoration project, inclusive of sediment removal, installation of storm water controls, invasive species removal, and restoration of freshwater wetlands and adjacent areas was completed in 2010.

Phase II (South of Route 347)
Land Use worked with the Town of Smithtown and H2M to develop a restoration plan for 2,500 linear feet of the Nissequogue River corridor south of Route 347. Restoration plan addressed sediment retention, storm water management and habitat restoration. Responsibilities were similar to those described above for Phase I.

Paumanok Preserve—Biological Inventory, Trail Design, and Education Program

Land Use Ecological Services and H2M were retained by the Town of Huntington to conduct a comprehensive biological inventory of the Paumanok Preserve; to design an ADA-compliant interpretive nature trail with narrative storyboards; and to develop and implement an education program with Walt Whitman High School. The biological inventory included woody and herbaceous plants, birds, mammals, herpetiles, and insects found in the wetland and woodland habitats present in the Paumanok Wetlands Preserve. Land Use also developed three lesson/laboratory plans utilizing the Paumanok Preserve as an outdoor classroom, for use in Walt Whitman High School Life Sciences classes.

Village of Patchogue Aquatic Invasive Plant Management

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained to develop a plan for the eradication of invasive aquatic plants in Great Patchogue Lake. NYSDEC reported in 2006 that the infestations of variable-leaf milfoil and fanwort in Great Patchogue Lake were among the most severe in New York State. Land Use successfully applied for and received a grant, in the amount of $17,500, from the NYSDEC Invasive Species Eradication Grant Program to introduce sterile grass carp to the lake and monitor the reduction of invasive aquatic plant biomass in the lake. Land Use developed a rigorous protocol for monitoring the abundance and composition of the aquatic plant community in Great Patchogue Lake and assessing the effectiveness of the grass carp in reducing the abundance of invasive plants within the lake. Land Use was responsible for obtaining all necessary permits from the NYSDEC for the introduction of the grass carp.

DAVIS PARK EMERGENCY DUNE RESTORATION PROJECT, DAVIS PARK, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained by the Town of Brookhaven following the April 2007 nor’easter that caused considerable damage to beachfront structures and infrastructure, resulting in a FEMA funded emergency project for protection of structures and infrastructure. Land Use conducted beach profiles to assess the volume of sand lost by the storm, and then worked with representatives from NYSDEC, FEMA, SEMO (State Emergency Management Office), and the Town of Brookhaven to develop project parameters to restore the eroded dune for stabilization of structures currently on the beach. Once project parameters were in place, Land Use prepared and processed all regulatory applications required to implement the project. Prior to commencement of work, Land Use will conduct surveys to determine the presence of Seabeach amaranth, an endangered species. Land Use is also charged with overseeing sand placement activities to ensure compliance with all permits. Finally, Land Use will conduct pre- and post-construction profiles to determine changes in sand volume and beach profile as a result of this project.

KACE, LONG ISLAND, LLC, MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING, SOUTHOLD, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, inc. was retained by Kace, LI, LLC to perform all environmental analyses, develop wetland protection measures, and prepare the Ecology section(s) of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed multi-family development. Land Use is currently conducting a thorough investigation of all flora and fauna of the site, inclusive of vegetation, avian, mammal, reptile, and amphibian inventories.

The project is currently in the SEQR process.

HARBOR VIEW ESTATES, COPIAGUE, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained by McDonald Family Enterprises to perform all environmental analyses, develop wetland protection measures, and prepare the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Final EIS for the proposed multi-family development. Environmental analyses included inventories of vegetation, avians, mammals, herpetiles, and finfish at the site, as well as preparation of an Essential Fish Habitat Assessment. Project is currently in the final stages of approval.

CITY OF GLEN COVE WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT, GLEN COVE, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained by Glen Isle Development Company to perform environmental analysis and restoration plans for the City of Glen Cove Waterfront Redevelopment Project. Environmental analysis included a natural resources inventory to catalog flora and fauna found within the project site and an Essential Fish Habitat Assessment for the project area. Project design parameters incorporate several environmental restoration and protection measures, including relocation and restoration of intertidal wetlands, and re-vegetation of the Mill Pond freshwater wetland.

This project is still in the SEQR process. Land Use is responsible for permitting of the waterfront redevelopment area, wetland designs, and environmental protection measures.

Atlantis Marine World, Peconic River, Riverhead, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was responsible for preparation and processing of all environmental regulatory permits relating to construction of the initial fifteen million dollar Atlantis Marine World facility. Design work included the preparation and permitting of a shoreline restoration project that resulted in creation of inter-tidal and high marsh tidal wetlands.

Land Use supervised all shoreline construction activities and is presently commencing work on Phase II of the Aquarium expansion which will incorporate a further shoreline restoration area. In addition to these activities, Land Use was also responsible for the design and construction of the educational wetland exhibits as well as preparation of the Employee Training Manuel utilized in the Peconic Estuary Ecology Tour. The training manual is used to train Atlantis Marine World and Cornell University educators in the geology and ecology of the Peconic River.

MANHASSET GLEN II, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION, PLANDOME, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained by Lalezarian Developers, Inc. to provide all regulatory permitting of the Manhasset Glen II subdivision. Subdivision design incorporated a comprehensive wetland restoration project designed to replace diverse emergent wetland areas that had historically been filled at the site. Project design parameters incorporated extensive environmental protection measures and required diversion of existing stream as well as an establishment of planting beds and re-vegetation specifications.

All environmental permits have been issued and construction will commence shortly. Land Use was responsible for all permitting, wetland designs, and environmental protection measures. Land Use will supervise construction.

JONES INLET MARINA, FREEPORT, NY

Land Use Ecological Services was retained to prepare and submit all regulatory applications for the redevelopment of a deteriorated large vessel marina facility. Project parameters included shoreline/habitat restoration design and development/implementation of stringent environmental protection measures for dredging of adjacent waterways.

EQUINOX HEALTH CLUB, THOMASTON, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained by Ascent Real Estate Advisors for a proposed health gym. Land Use designed the wetland restoration and buffer area plan, inclusive of grading and vegetative plantings. In addition, Land Use prepared and submitted the NYSDEC application for Article 25 permit and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for coverage under SPDES regulations.

FOREST CITY DALY HOUSING, INC., HEMPSTEAD HARBOR, ROSLYN, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained by Forest City Daly Housing, Inc. to design, permit, and implement a comprehensive shoreline restoration project in conjunction with construction of a senior assisted living facility and public open space promenade. Permits required included NYSDEC, USACOE, and NYSDOS. Project specifications incorporated establishment of freshwater wetlands for storm water filtration as well as removal of debris and old structures from shoreline.

Segments of the shoreline area were slated for re-establishment of tidal wetlands and shorebird foraging habitat. All permits have been issued and construction will commence shortly. Land Use will supervise all aspects of shoreline restoration.

Town of Brookhaven, Stony Brook Creek Restoration, Stony Brook, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained by the Town of Brookhaven Department of Environmental Protection to design, permit and implement a wetland restoration project funded under the N.Y.S. Environmental Quality Bond Act.

Project parameters included the identification of restoration areas dominated by Phragmites australis, methodology for removal, re-vegetation specifications and environmental protection measures. Permits have been issued by USCOE, NYSDEC, Town of Brookhaven and NYSDOS. Construction is being scheduled. Land Use will supervise all aspects of construction and re-vegetation with high marsh and intertidal marsh species.

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAUREL HOLLOW- VILLAGE, POND/BEACH RESTORATION & STORMWATER FILTRATION SYSTEM, LAUREL HOLLOW ROAD, LAUREL HOLLOW, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained by the Village of Laurel Hollow to design, permit, and supervise the restoration of the Village pond and provide for re-nourishment of the Village beach area. Project entailed assessments of pond sediments, removal methodology, and disposal parameters. Project also included the construction of additional sediment control measures and installation of wetland filtration within pond area. Permits issued included USCOE, NYSDEC, NYSDOS as well as coordination with US Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. Project was funded under NY State Environmental Quality Bond Act with construction slated for 2004. Land Use will supervise construction.

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, PECONIC RIVER CANOE LANDING RAMP, EDWARDS AVE, CALVERTON, NY

Donated shoreline re-vegetation seed mix and erosion control blankets for new canoe landing and portage facility. Instructed DEC personnel on installation techniques and hydroseeded for NYSDEC.

Swan Lake Golf Course, Peconic River, MANORVILLE, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained to design, prepare, submit, and process the necessary applications for NYSDEC Art. 24 Freshwater Wetland authorization and the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act. These applications were submitted for the development of erosion control measures adjacent to Peconic River wetlands as well as golf tee relocation. Project included assessing area wetland resources and providing for appropriate environmental protection measures.

CRESCENT COVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, SEAFORD, NY

Project was the redevelopment of a 22-acre marina into 66 single-family dwellings with dock facility. Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was retained to design and obtain permits for a 10-acre shorebird nesting habitat reserve, as well as to catalog natural resources and assess environmental impacts of development on the natural resources.

ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL WETLAND SALVAGE & CREATION PROJECT, ARLINGTON, DUCHESS COUNTY, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. formed a joint venture partnership with the construction firm of Ben Ciccone Inc. for the purpose of bidding and constructing a complex wetland relocation and creation project mandated by NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) as a part of the Arlington High School expansion.

In addition to developing a system of wetland and endangered species protection parameters, the project specifications required that the contractor design and fabricate a specialized system for the intact removal of approximately 12” of upper wetland soils and vegetation. In response to this requirement, Land Use developed and built a specialized attachment for a long reach hydraulic excavator. This bucket attachment incorporated sharpened cutting edges within a flat “spatula” that permitted the removal of de-watered bog vegetation, organic solids and sediments. Land Use was also responsible for the intact transportation of these soils and associated vegetation to the wetland construction receiving areas. As relocation progressed, extensive wetland areas were recreated in a design that replicated the wetland area removed. This replacement of the wetland “in kind” was necessary to create specialized habitats for Blanding Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a New York State threatened species.

Additionally, Land Use supervised all aspects of the environmental protection measures employed and interfaced daily with regulatory personnel. The project required the relocation and replication of approximately four acres of emergent and deciduous wetland areas. De-watering systems were extensive as well as compliance with strict timelines that would allow for the high school expansion to be commenced on schedule. The successful wetland soil salvage technique and methodology were documented and presented at the Columbia University seminar series entitled Pollution and Water Resources – Environmental Protection of Soil and Water Resources, Volume XXX, 1989-1999, George J. Halasi-Kun, Editor (see Exhibit 1).

The de-watering and wetland soil removal system proved extremely effective and allowed for a high degree of accuracy when the work is located in and adjacent to protected wetlands that remain undisturbed.

ALLEY POND RESTORATION PROJECT, QUEENS COUNTY, CITY OF NEW YORK

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was employed by the City of New York Parks and Recreation Department to rehabilitate/restore the primary stream/pond system located within the Alley Pond Environmental Education Center.

The project required the relocation and replication of approximately 4 acres of emergent and deciduous wetland areas. Specifications called for the temporary diversion of the stream flow and the de-watering of the pond/wetland system. Once water levels were lowered, specialized equipment was utilized to remove accumulated sediments. Sediments were transported to drying area and graded into place. All restoration areas were graded per project plans and planted with native wetland species.

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. was responsible for and supervised all aspects of the project including the development of de-watering plans as well as environmental protection measures necessary to protect wetland areas designated for non-disturbance. Supervision also entailed interfacing on a daily basis with regulatory agencies to assure permit compliance.

G&L BUILDING CORPORATION, OCEANSIDE, NY

In conjunction with Fantozzi Construction Corporation, Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. instituted a two-acre tidal wetlands restoration plan required as mitigation for a commercial shopping center construction approval issued by NYSDEC.

Land Use designed, permitted, and completed the project which entailed the removal of dredge spoil sediments and the design of proposed hydrology and substrate necessary for the planting and creation of a functional tidal wetland estuary. The project parameters included the request for a design methodology for the use of heavy equipment on soft soils as well as the protection of adjacent valuable tidal wetland areas.

ALLEY CREEK TIDAL WETLANDS RESTORATION PROJECT, LITTLE NECK BAY, QUEENS COUNTY, CITY OF NEW YORK

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. completed a ten acre tidal wetlands restoration for the City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation. Project incorporated the removal of concrete and asphalt debris as well as historical fill areas. Project specifications required the use of low ground pressure equipment and methodology necessary for work within bog areas. Once appropriate grades were established, both intertidal and high marsh vegetation, S. patens and S. alterniflora were installed and planting beds monitored for successful colonization. Land Use was responsible for all construction supervision and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Town of North Hempstead, Leeds Pond Restoration Project, Manhasset, NY

Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. in conjunction with Sidney Bowne Engineering, P.C. designed, permitted, and completed the restoration of Leeds Pond within the Town of North Hempstead. Regulatory authorization and coordination included USCOE, NYSDEC, NYSDOS, National Marine Fisheries, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Pond restoration included the removal of sediments deposited by municipal storm water run-off. Project included dredge spoil de-watering, disposal, and significant environmental protection measures developed for the protection of adjoining freshwater wetlands and the Manhasset Bay estuary which is located adjacent to the pond outfall. Dredging operations were monitored for compliance with plan, permit conditions and water quality parameters.