Quantifying anthropogenic shoreline modification of the Hudson River and Estuary from European contact to modern time

Abstract

Anthropogenic modifications to the shoreline of the New York Harbor estuary and the tidal portion of the Hudson River have been mapped and quantitatively assessed. Modifications studied include the filling of tidal salt‐ and freshwater marshes and the creation of fast land as well as dredging, shoreline armoring, and dike installation. Because the Hudson Estuary and River comprise a historically and commercially important harbor and waterway, shoreline modification commenced shortly after European colonization. While in the harbor segment of the estuary only about 20% of the original wetland areas remain today, the tidal Hudson River has seen a net increase in tidal freshwater wetland area of about the same magnitude resulting principally from shoreline railroad construction. Several different methods were used in compilation of the historical shoreline. Because determination of historical shorelines is important to public trust lands and to estuarine rehabilitation, data bases are being constructed incorporating those shorelines. The experience of this project suggests the benefits and problems associated with the techniques used.