We will assess the vulnerability of existing wetlands and identify additional policies to protect and manage them
Wetlands play an important role in maintaining and even improving our water quality. They filter and absorb pollutants from storm water runoff, lower high levels of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and trap silt and other fine matter to reduce cloudiness in local waterways. In addition to water quality improvements, they provide flood protection, erosion buffers, important wildlife habitat, public enjoyment, and they sequester CO2. But we have lost 86% of our wetlands in the last century. Some of this loss is due to environmental change, such as rising sea level; but the majority of it was due to development.

To further wetlands protection in New York City, in 2005 the City Council sponsored, and Mayor Bloomberg signed Local Law 83 which formed the Wetlands Transfer Task Force to assess available City-owned properties that contain wetlands. By September 30, 2007, the Task Force is required to submit its conclusions and recommendations to the Mayor and Council Speaker on the feasibility of transferring such wetlands to the Department of Parks & Recreation and to other agencies that can protect them against loss.

State regulations provide a framework for local governments to adopt their own freshwater wetland protections, in order to strengthen the New York State Freshwater Wetlands Act. Many other municipalities also regulate their tidal wetlands.

We will launch a study to identify gaps, or areas not effectively addressed under existing Federal and State laws. Specifically, we will assess where existing regulations fall short of protecting New York City's remaining wetlands. This assessment will be the first step in the development of a comprehensive policy to protect and manage wetlands in the city.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
The Wetland Transfer Task Force (WTTF), co-chaired by the DPR, issued its final report on September 26. The WTTF report recommends the transfer of 255 acres of city-owned wetlands to DPR, including the 70-acre Arlington Marsh Cove, and an additional transfer of 12 acres to DEP for inclusion in the Bluebelt program. The city formed an interagency wetlands policy task force in October, and it is completing an initial study of gaps in existing State and Federal laws and other threats to the protection of wetlands in New York City. The findings of that report will inform the task force's recommendations regarding a municipal wetlands policy.