1. US Policy: Federal Programs, Project Implementation & Natural Infrastructure Post-Sandy Initiatives Stuart F. Gruskin Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer New York State Climate, Risk, and Resilience 2013

2. The Role of Natural Systems “Environmental and land use protections will serve as New York’s first line of resilience to climate change over the coming decades.” -NYS 2100 Commission Bass Creek, Mashomack Preserve

3. Policy NYS 2100 Commission NYC SIRR FEMA-JFO State/local initiatives Funding Sandy relief appropriation Federal/state agency implementation HUD/ACOE DOI, EPA, DOT, etc. NYS Gov + agencies The Challenges …

4. Breach at Old Inlet: avoid ‘knee jerk’ reaction and use natural breach to help Great South Bay Mastic Beach: work with community leaders on open space potential using FEMA, NYS funds Sunken Meadow state park: restoration work following natural removal of earthen dam, project submitted to DOI CRZ: ‘bottom up’ planning initiative to comprehensively guide use of post-Sandy resources Coastal Resilience tool use Post-Sandy projects include …

5. Oakwood Beach – Buyout Initiative

6. Oakwood Beach – Coastal Resilience Analysis Number of residential buildings meeting all selected criteria: 160 3ft+ HWM during Hurricane Sandy within existing FEMA 100 year floodplain adjacent to parks (<50m) adjacent to wetland (<50m) or in identified wetland advancement areas

7. Oakwood Beach – Restoration Scenarios Potential post-buyout options (NYS DEC, NYC Parks, NYC DEP, ACOE, NYC SIRR)

8. NYC: Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency Report due within the next few weeks NYC has allocated $294 million to be spent based upon recommendations

9. Howard Beach Case Study Howard Beach after the storm ….

10. Howard Beach Case Study What are the natural systems opportunities in a dense urban area? What will it cost, how will it be paid, and what are the benefits?

11. Lessons Learned Engage with state/local governments, that is where decisions will be made … seize opportunities served up, create opportunities when possible Focus on ‘ready’ projects, may require ‘reprogramming’ pending work …heavy pressure to get money out Although it sounds new, it’s not really new, it’s what the Conservancy does best: science, collaboration, convening, delivering results Find points of entry with federal agencies … take advantage of unique Conservancy blend of science and policy, and ability to overcome inherent government silos Recognize difficulties and constraints faced by government partners Keep Trustees and donors in the loop as events move rapidly