Queens, NY – A critical first step in the plan to save Jamaica Bay’s wetlands is set to begin, with the pumping of tons of sand into the Big Egg Marsh. The measure, which is designed to raise the marshes and thereby stop them from being drowned by sea water, is the first recommendation of a Blue Ribbon Panel convened by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens & Brooklyn).

In November of 2000, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) determined that Jamaica Bay’s wetlands, which are home to a number of rare animals, birds, and plants, are disappearing at an alarming rate, and may erode completely by 2025. In response to this environmental crisis, Rep. Weiner convened a Blue Ribbon Panel of world class scientists who developed a series of goals designed to save the wetlands.

First and foremost, the Panel found, the marshland’s sediment layer needs replenishing.  For a marshland to survive, the sediment layer must be constantly renewed so that its surface elevation keeps pace with rising sea level.  If that doesn’t happen, the marshland will be overrun by sea water, drowning marsh grasses, and destroying its fragile eco-system.  That’s what’s happening in Jamaica Bay.

In an effort to reverse the deterioration, 4,000 cubic yards of sand, or enough to cover 2 full acres, will be dredged from the bottom of Jamaica Bay and pumped into the Big Egg Marsh.  Using a high pressure spray nozzle mounted on a boat, sediment will be applied in thin layers on the marsh’s surface, filling in depressions without damaging the grasses that remain. 

The sand transfer should be completed in 2 – 3 weeks.  Success will be measured in both the short and the long term.  By next summer, scientists hope to see new spartina—marsh grass--growing in the marshes.  Over the long term, it is hoped that the raised sediment layer will return the marsh to a fully functioning wetlands ecosystem. 

           “The Jamaica Bay wetlands are drowning, but this sand could just be the life preserver they need,” said Rep. Weiner.  “It’s urgent that we take concrete steps to save this beautiful but disappearing treasure before it is too late.”

           The cost of the Big Egg Marsh restoration is $400,000.  Last year, Rep. Weiner secured a $598,000 grant from the Natural Resources Protection Program to fund the Blue Ribbon Panel’s recommendations, $200,000 of which is going to the Big Egg Marsh project.   Gateway is providing the remaining $200,000.