PA Lake Erie bluff recession – a deep dive into the science and latest resources
Pennsylvania Sea Grant is launching a webinar series to highlight recent research and state-of-the-art science conducted along the Pennsylvania Lake Erie shoreline to aide in efforts to assess bluff erosion along the Pennsylvania Lake Erie coast. Bluff recession poses a threat to the Pennsylvania Lake Erie economy, environment, and safety of its residents. The 76.6-mile long Pennsylvania Lake Erie shoreline includes Presque Isle State Park, Erie Bluffs State Park, several public access points, and privately owned properties. Researchers from Pennsylvania Sea Grant and Penn State Behrend have assessed recession rates of the Lake Erie bluff using state-of-the-art remotely sensed data, including LiDAR and orthoimagery. The data and new information collected as a result of the effort will be integrated with existing Pennsylvania Lake Erie-related ecological and economic data, services, guidance, and information in order to assist decision-makers, planners and homeowners, and to better sustain Lake Erie’s natural shoreline.
Funding was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener Program.
For more information or to register click here.
Given the economic and environmental impacts associated with bluff retreat, and the potential for future acceleration in bluff-retreat rates on the Lake Erie coast, there is a need for high-resolution bluff monitoring data, better understanding of bluff dynamics, and updated bluff management guidance for municipalities and property owners. This State of Knowledge Report reviews the international literature pertaining to cohesive bluff coasts with a specific focus on the state of bluff science, engineering, and management. The report identifies gaps in scientific/engineering data and knowledge concerning: (i) bluff behavior and change mechanisms in the natural environment; (ii) forcing agents and mechanisms that induce bluff instability; and (iii) methods and practices in bluff monitoring, analysis, prediction, and hazard management. The SOK Report findings are then used to develop a suite of constructive recommendations relating to bluff erosion issues on the Lake Erie coast of Pennsylvania.
To download the report click here.