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RYE, N.Y. -- A small crowd gathered under the sun on the grounds of the Edith Read Sanctuary Tuesday morning as County Exective Robert P. Astorino cut the ribbon to commemorate the completion of the Manursing Lake Restoration Project."A restoration project of this kind is more than just cosmetics although it is that too," said Astorino. "Its purpose is to improve this valuable ecosystem and treasure we have on Long Island Sound.The project replaced an outdated tidal gate with one that mimics natural tidal flows from the Sound into the man-made saltwater lake (also known as Playland Lake), allowing for restoration of the ecosystem to a more natural habitat.Due to the prior stagnance of tidal activity, the area around the lake was overgrown with the invasive species of reed grass Phragmites, which limited the area's biodiversity. Now with a more natural, diverse ecosystem, the area serves as a filter for the lake-water and protects the shoreline from erosion."It's good for the fish, good for the fowl and good for the people and the economy," said Willie Janeway, regional director of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, stressing the connection between a healthy environment and the wellbeing and productivity of society.The cost of the project toatled $1.39 million: $400,000 from a state DEC grant, $190,000 from the Long Island Sound Shore Futures Fund administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and $800,000 from County funds, $300,000 of which was mandated by the a 2008 state DEC consent order requiring funds to be used on environmental projects.
Planning for the project began in 2008, and work was completed over two years.Rye Mayor Doug French, who was present for the ceremony, was grateful for the project that beautified the County-owned land in Rye's "backyard.""I just want to thank the County for being diligent on this project," said French. "They really came through."
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