By The Environment TV.

Gabriella Velardi-Ward, coordinator of the Staten Island Coalition for Wetlands and Forests (CWF), explains what’s happening in their battle to save the 18 acre portion of the Graniteville Wetland/Swamp. Using caution tape, the members of CWF join in outlining the vernal pond that is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. No construction can take place within this area due to its jurisdiction. If this forested wetland is not saved, instead of flood waters protection, the surrounding community will have 18 acres of hard surface. This commercial project will contain a big box store, BJs, a parkng lot for 835 cars, a gas station and two other large buiildings. If this happens, the surrounding Environmental Justice community will be at greater risk of climate change flooding. Gabriella explains that this forested wetland protected the surrounding community from flooding during Hurricane Sandy. She explains some of the legal process as well as the climate emergency implications due to the loss of our green infrastructure. The dream of CWF is to create a nature trail park here, with an educational focus, to teach children as well as adults the importance of trees, wetlands and all of nature, to our health and our future.