Tour Highlights
On August 3rd, 2018, the APA LI Section toured the Sunken Forest Preserve and the Village of Ocean Beach on Fire Island. Nearly 20 planners from Long Island and the region boarded a water taxi from Bayshore and began the journey to Sailors Haven. At the ferry terminal, the group was met by Dave Raymond, Park Ranger and Kaetlyn Jackson, Park Planner from the National Parks Service who would provide a fascinating tour of the Preserve. The group was treated to many stories on the history of Fire Island and the ecological and geological significance of the Preserve. After a water taxi ride to the Village of Ocean Beach and a mid-day stroll along the maritime-inspired car-less streets, the group met up with Kevin Schelling from the Village’s Department of Public Works who began a tour of the many resiliency projects being constructed post-Sandy. Kevin shared his experience riding out Superstorm Sandy on Fire Island and a story of how he and his brother waded through waist-deep floodwaters during the worst of the storm to shut off a well valve to preserve the only remaining source of potable water. The group toured the new ferry terminal and meeting space that is designed to allow a significant storm surge to penetrate and pass through the space. A highlight of the tour was viewing the new water pump facility constructed on the bay side of the barrier island. The new pump facility is raised significantly above base-flood elevation and includes a new command center room to be used during major storm events. Overall, the scale of reconstructing Village facilities to be more resilient and multi-functional was a common theme throughout the tour. The group left Fire Island with an even greater appreciation for the natural beauty of our barrier islands, and how a small community can work together to plan and implement resiliency projects that meet the needs of residents and the demands of a tourism destination. Until next summer!
Photos
APA New York Metro Chapter Long Island Section 
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