Fire Island National Seashore
Located off of the southern coast of Long Island, New York, Fire Island National Seashore is set on a barrier island that stretches from east to west. Approximately 32 miles (55 km) long and averaging less than a mile (about 0.5 km) in width, the island is bordered to the north by a series of bays, and to the south by the vast Atlantic Ocean. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife make Fire Island National Seashore a special place for the diverse plants, animals, and 17 vibrant communities of people who all inhabit the island. Climate change will impact Fire Island National Seashore through increased temperatures and sea level rise, which may alter the natural ecosystems present, and change both the habitats available for species and resources available for park visitor recreation.
In 2007, Fire Island National Seashore’s GHG emissions totaled 6,290 metric tons of carbon equivalent (MTCE). This total includes emissions calculated from Park Operations, Residents/Visitors, and Concessioner operations. The largest emission sector for Fire Island National Seashore is Energy - totaling 4,472 MTCE. The majority of these emissions result from the purchase of electricity among the Park’s visitors, residents, and concessioners. Fire Island National Seashore includes within its boundaries 17 vibrant communities. In an effort to focus their emissions reductions goals, the Park chose to isolate Park Operations (excluding Residents/Visitors and Concessioners) emissions and base goals within this context. Park Operations emissions totaled 170 MTCE, resulting from Energy (41 percent), Transportation (27 percent) and Waste (32 percent) activities.
The graph below shows baseline emissions in 2007 broken down into sectors:
Fire Island National Seashore has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our Park Operations to 20% below 2007 levels by the year 2015 by implementing emission mitigation actions.
Example Fire Island National Seashore Planned Actions
Planned actions fall under 2 main strategies. These strategies and specific examples of actions include:
1) Reduce emissions from park facilities and operations by identifying and implementing emission mitigation actions
- Within the next 5 years replace all 125 T12's to T8's.
- Replace Boiler at Lighthouse Annex Facility and re-evaluate year round use for parts of the building.
- Establish a park-wide policy in sustainable design using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
- Investigate the possibility of 4 x 10 hour days in the off-season, which will allow for shutting down buildings for longer periods.
- Work idea of “Economy of Motion” into all park travel by consolidating the number of trips for vehicles, equipment, and watercraft. Conserve fuel through proper operation.
2) Increase climate change outreach and education efforts
- Incorporate climate change concerns into checklist for environmental review of new projects.
- Develop a new Eco Visitor Center to reach visitors, school groups, partners and allies, communities, and park employees.
- Include information on climate-friendly actions in the park and the CFP program in the Fire Island NS brochure to reach visitors, school groups, partners and allies, communities, and park employees.
- Interact with Partners and Allies, who may include: FIA, contractors, Fire Island Year-Round Residents Association, Coast Guard Aux., Boaters' Associations, State and Local Parks, and NGO's.
- Work with NPCA/Stony Brook/Brookhaven Lab/LIPA to have a renewable options show/conference; (hold at Field Five at Robert Moses); potentially partner with the state.
To read more about what we are doing at Fire Island National Seashore about Climate Change with Climate Friendly Parks, check out Fire Island National Seashore’s CFP Action Plan!