BUFFALO, N.Y. – A recent survey of trees at Old Fort Niagara in Porter, NY, completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, is helping guide the future of shoreline protection along Lake Ontario, where natural preservation is combined with historic preservation.
The district conducted a comprehensive tree survey within the project area for the Old Fort Niagara Emergency Shoreline Stabilization project, which is focused on mitigating wave action that threatens the fort's 18th and 19th-century structures, including the French Castle. The survey was coordinated in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which manages the site.
The Purpose of the survey was to assess the current tree population in the area slated for shoreline stabilization, where the terrain is nearly vertical and shows signs of ongoing erosion. Information from the survey will inform the project’s planting plan, an important step in reinforcing the shoreline while protecting the ecological integrity of the site.
“We walked the project area to assess the number and species of trees, which need to be removed to regrade and stabilize the slope,” said Melissa Tarasiewicz, a biologist with the USACE Buffalo District. “This work will directly support long term shoreline resilience and protect this National Historic Landmark.”
The survey identified 89 live trees and 19 dead trees within the study area. Dominant tree species included honey locust and Norway maple, along with pockets of box elder, eastern black walnut, willows and black cherry.
While some trees will be removed as part of the regrading process, the final planting plan will incorporate native species to help stabilize the upper portion of the slope. The new vegetation will help reduce erosion, provide habitat and visually integrate with the historic landscape.
The shoreline protection project at Old Fort Niagara is not only about environmental protection, it’s about safeguarding the history of the fort. Located where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, the fort was built in 1726 by the French as a trading post with permission of the Seneca people, one of the Five Nations of the Iroquois League.
For years, the 18th century buildings, earthworks and masonry seawall have been threatened by worsening erosion.
“Working at Old Fort Niagara is especially rewarding because this project protects both the environment and a treasured historic landmark,” said Tarasiewicz. “It’s a rare opportunity to combine engineering, ecology and preservation in such a meaningful way.”
The Buffalo District is currently completing the project’s design documentation report and will soon begin developing the final plans and specifications. These plans will include tailored plantings for the upper slope, ensuring the area is stabilized with tree species well suited for the long-term success of protecting the shoreline along Old Fort Niagara.