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Press Releases | |
June 30, 1999
"Dr. Beach" Seeks Photos, Surveys and Documents for Coastal Erosion ResearchSouthampton College/E.L.I.C.C.A. Study Will Track Centuries of Shore Position Changes
Contact:
Jane Finalborgo
Joe Dionisio
(516) 287 8313
Fax: (516) 283 4081Southampton, NY -- Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a world-renowned coastal scientist and a visiting professor at Southampton College of Long Island University, is seeking the public's help for a study of beach erosion in The Hamptons.
The College, in collaboration with the Eastern Long Island Coastal Conservation Alliance (E.L.I.C.C.A. Ltd.), seeks old photographs, maps, storm photos, or surveys to gain a historical perspective of coastal changes on Long Island.
Researchers for the multi-year study of beach erosion include Leatherman, known internationally as "Dr. Beach," marine science professor Sandra Shumway, and 1999 Southampton College graduate Doug Christel.
Anyone with materials to contribute should call Dr. Leatherman at 516-204-1245, or e-mail him at sleatherman@southampton.liu.edu. All materials will be returned.
"Any survey since the 1600s is valuable for this research," said Dr. Leatherman. "Original land charters can document land loss. Whenever properties are sold, land surveys are required, which could be very useful in this study. Beachfront owners may also have historical photos of storm impact or records of their house being moved away from the shore. This will be a very valuable and fun project that pulls together information from libraries, museums and individuals. It's like a treasure hunt."
The Southampton College/E.L.I.C.C.A. alliance was kicked off June 11 with a reception at The Meadow Club of Southampton. E.L.I.C.C.A. Ltd., a not-for-profit corporation, was formed by citizens concerned with beach quality in The Hamptons.
"The College brings credibility, visibility and academic objectivity to the study," said Dr. Leatherman. "That's why it's such a great partnership."
During the first year of the Southampton College/E.L.I.C.C.A. project, an illustrated booklet will be produced that chronicles local shoreline transformations. The Hamptons? South Shore: The History of Beach Changes and Storm Impact will be published by Labor Day.
Year 2 of the project will examine the numerous methods of beach restoration, regardless of their success or failure. These include soft approaches (beach nourishment and dune building), semi-hard (sand bags, geotubes, subsurface dune restoration systems) and hard approaches (seawalls, bulkheads, groins, offshore breakwaters, jetties).
Year 3 of the study will include a national survey of beach restoration approaches, and outline options for citizens and government.
To underscore that the study has no agenda, researchers will make no recommendations.
Leatherman currently serves as director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research & International Hurricane Center in Miami. He has written or edited 14 books, including the recently published America's Best Beaches. He also appears frequently on NBC's Today Show.
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