To: Tamara A. Greco, NYSDEC Region 2 and Governor Andrew Cuomo
Save Graniteville Wetlands Forest
Need to save 18 acres of freshwater, forested wetland with 1,800 trees, 6 vernal ponds, and the appropriate environment for endangered species such as the Eastern Mud Turtle and others. This wetland saved the community of Graniteville, Staten Island, NY during Hurricane Sandy. We were not flooded. Others were.
Why is this important?
Comment on Application # 2-6401-00287/00002 seeking an Article 24 Freshwater Wetlands Permit: We are living in a Post-Sandy world and need to retain all the resiliency we can, especially natural. These trees absorb water from flash flooding storms we are constantly having due to climate change. They also absorb air pollution from Newark Airport and chemical factories in nearby Linden, NJ. My neighbors and I in Graniteville, Staten Island were spared the devastation - loss of life and property - that the East and South Shores communities of Staten Island suffered because of this wetland forest. The East and South Shore communities will be protected by a $400 million-plus seawall to be built and have incorporated their wetlands into the Bluebelt to ensure they won't be ravaged again. By destroying the Graniteville Wetlands Forest for a Big Box Store, we are destroying the only protection we have.