Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper plans walking tours of Wright Park Beach next week as part of community engagement ahead of a shoreline protection project.

The city of Dunkirk is launching the design phase of a major shoreline protection effort in partnership with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSCI) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Outreach and community discussion for the project is being facilitated by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.

The Wright Park Beach Shoreline Naturalization and Protection Project will focus on restoring and stabilizing the shoreline, bluffs, and habitat at Wright Park Beach. This popular Lake Erie destination has faced significant erosion from stormwater, lake level fluctuations, and waves as high as 30 feet — damaging infrastructure and threatening the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

“Dunkirk’s waterfront is a vital asset for our community and it’s imperative that we take action to protect it from the increasing impacts from climate change,” said Mayor Kate Wdowiasz. “This project will safeguard critical infrastructure along our shoreline while enhancing important recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to our community.”

The Wright Park Beach tours are set for Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dress appropriately for the weather and walking on the beach. Meet at the corner of N. Serval Street and Lake Front Boulevard. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Registration is encouraged, but not required, at bnwaterkeeper.org/Dunkirk.

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is doing public engagement and outreach regarding potential restoration alternatives for the Wright Park Beach shoreline and a companion Dunkirk Lakefront Framework Plan, which will establish a comprehensive vision for the waterfront along Lakefront Boulevard between the marina and Wright Park Beach.

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is a multinational coalition of government executives representing communities in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region, who are working to promote economic prosperity in our communities and protect our fresh water for the benefit of current and future generations. With more than 350 member communities, the Cities Initiative is leading the way in advancing the environmental, economic, and social health of the region by addressing issues impacting its residents.