U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer has urged the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to approve the Town of North Hempstead’s grant application for tidal wetland restoration in Hempstead Harbor, Port Washington from the 2015 Long Island Sound Futures Fund.
The revitalization of Hempstead Harbor is imperative to strengthening the shoreline and protecting the surrounding community of North Hempstead.
Schumer urged the NFWF to swiftly approve this grant application, which will support the greater mission of the Long Island Sound Study.
“ This is a great plan to further clean-up Hempstead Harbor and the surrounding areas for the better enjoyment of the residents, nature and wildlife, which is why the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation should promptly approve this grant application and provide North Hempstead with the funding needed to strengthen Hempstead Harbor ,” said Schumer.
“ We need speedy approval from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in order to continue the process of restoring the sound for ourselves and the future of Long Island ,” said the Senator.
Hempstead Harbor consists of the adjacent areas of Hempstead Harbor Park, Morgan Memorial Park, Tappen Beach, and Sands Point Preserve. In the late 1800’s these areas were used for gravel mining. The impacts of mining continue to shape the ecological makeup of the Harbor.
The Harbor also provides the local community with approximately 34 acres of sandy beach. Conducive to the numerous choices for recreation along its shores, the harbor is entrenched in the livelihoods and day-to-day life of community residents.