Waterfront landowners in New York’s Great Lakes region can now access free help to assess and address shoreline erosion issues, thanks to a program offered by New York Sea Grant (NYSG). The initiative provides both virtual and in-person support to evaluate storm damage, develop remediation plans, and navigate regulatory requirements.
NYSG’s Great Lakes Coastal Processes and Hazards Specialist Roy Widrig expects that heavy winter snowfalls and melting snowpack will cause property owners and community leaders to have concerns about shoreline stability in 2025. Through the NYSG Virtual Site Visit portal, landowners can submit property details, upload photos, and receive tailored guidance. The free evaluations, valued between $1,000 for individual assessments and up to $10,000 for neighborhood-level consultations, can also include in-person visits if needed.
Shoreline erosion is a growing concern in the region due to severe weather events, including heavy rain, flooding, and storms. Natural forces such as Nor’easters, seiches—wind-driven waves in Lake Erie—and meteotsunamis have intensified erosion and damage to waterfront properties.
Widrig specializes in natural and nature-based solutions for erosion management, streambank stabilization, and lakeshore protection. His expertise includes advising property owners on structural and ecological approaches to shoreline stabilization, as well as state and local permitting requirements.
New York Sea Grant, a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, provides this service in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Great Lakes Program. More information can be found at www.nyseagrant.org.
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