Support for Revising the Long Island Sound Study Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan

The Long Island Sound is a valuable coastal estuary that supports diverse marine ecosystems, local economies, and millions of residents across Connecticut and New York. To maintain and enhance the health and resilience of the Sound, the Long Island Sound Study (LISS)—a collaborative partnership among federal, state, and local agencies—is tasked with updating its Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) every ten years. For the 2025 update, LISS sought coordination and facilitation support to guide interdisciplinary partners across water quality, habitat, resilience, and public engagement toward a shared vision for coastal restoration and sustainability.

As a subcontractor to the Great Lakes Environmental Center in a project for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1, ERG supported the CCMP update by facilitating the development of goals, objectives, and actions across four thematic areas: clean waters and healthy watersheds, thriving habitats and abundant wildlife, sustainable and resilient communities, and an informed and engaged public. ERG led planning and facilitation for over 40 in-person and virtual meetings with agency staff, scientists, and stakeholders; supported project administration and coordination; and developed clear and accessible outreach materials. Drawing on our extensive experience in coastal and marine management, we also facilitated internal review processes and synthesized public feedback to ensure that the CCMP reflects both current science and the needs of the communities that depend on Long Island Sound.