An example of flooding-related root failure in NYC in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. NYC Parks and Recreation
Superstorm Sandy was the sixth most costly hurricane in the history of the U.S. In NYC, 48 people died, thousands were evacuated, and there was an estimated loss of $19 billion in economic impacts. The storm eroded miles of coastline; flooded 17% of the city, including subway tunnels; overwhelmed water treatment plants; and downed trees across the five boroughs. Between Sandy and the nor’easter that followed it, NYC lost more than 10,000 trees to storm winds and saltwater.
In the recent NY ReLeaf Region 2 event, presenters explored the City’s response to Sandy and the long-lasting impacts to the City’s trees and green infrastructure. NYC Parks staff spoke about the immediate storm response, how the City handled the immense amounts of woody debris, and how the lessons learned from Sandy have changed the City’s storm response. Here are the presentations (in Power Point) from the day’s presenters.
Superstorm Sandy: The Immediate Response
Jeremy Barrick – Assistant Superintendent of Environmental Stewardship, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, formerly Deputy Chief of Forestry at NYC Parks during Sandy
Bill Logan – Founder, Urban Arborists
Superstorm Sandy: Learn & Adapt
James Kaechele – Manager, NYC Tree Time
The Giving Trees: Finding Takers for Urban Wood in NYC
Fiona Watt – Senior Advisor, NYC Parks
Forestry Response Since Superstorm Sandy
Jessica Einhorn – Director of Tree Preservation, NYC Parks