The Western New York Environmental Alliance (WNYEA) is a coalition of independent organizations that collectively represents the environmental voice for the Western New York Region, creating a virtual town square for all things green in Western New York. With more than 100 member organizations, affiliates and supporters, WNYEA wants to ensure that the environment is the key factor in local and regional planning.
How We WorkThe WNYEA works by promoting a consensus around important environmental issues and policies. It takes action through its advocacy process, where member organizations raise action items that the Board of Directors vote on for the annual Action Agenda. The Action Agenda serves as our road map for advocacy and discussions in that year.
WNYEA always welcomes new members, affiliates, and supporters to participate in our shared agenda for action. Visit our Membership page to view the active roster and learn about membership options. There are numerous opportunities to participate and engage in the work of WNYEA and our Network. |
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Spring 2023
Stop the STAMP!
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The Western New York Environmental Alliance stands up for the environment, and for environmental justice. Today a great injustice is being perpetrated upon one of our regions most significant environmental areas (Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent wildlands,) and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation.
One of Western New York’s greatest treasures is a 20,000-acre wetland-grassland complex located known as “Alabama Swamp.” It is sometimes called the Sixth Great Lake, a glacial lake now largely underground making a watery landscape essential to the wildlife that live here or pass through. It is also home to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation who have been its informal stewards and are a major reason why this natural land still exists as a wildlife refuge and birders’ paradise.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) has purchased 1,260 acres of habitat and farmland to build a Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) adjacent to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation territory and a few miles south of the wildlife refuge. The Tonawanda Seneca have resisted STAMP for many years and are currently fighting the GCEDC's application for an "incidental take" permit that would allow the destruction of habitat used by endangered and threatened species. Their letter, posted below, offers a unique view into the traditional ecological knowledge base of the Haudenosaunee people.
Please read the comments, and submit comments of your own to the DEC about this project. A public hearing will be held on May 11, at 6 PM at the Town of Alabama Fire Department, 2230 Judge Road. You can register to speak upon arrival and/or provide written comments by May 11 to Thomas Haley, DEC Region 8 Permits Administrator. Email: DEP.R8@dec.ny.gov (put GCEDC STAMP in the subject line).
Things to address include:
- the GCEDC must demonstrate a “net conservation benefit” compensating for destruction of over 600 acres of open field, which they have not.
- there will be further indirect take consequences for wildlife and people from the proposed volume of traffic, noise, pesticide use, night lighting, impervious surfaces, and wastewater generated by the buildout.
- the Tonawanda Seneca would be directly impacted by the loss of species like the Short-eared owl and Northern Harrier -that are of cultural importance to the Nation.
Thanks for any help!
One of Western New York’s greatest treasures is a 20,000-acre wetland-grassland complex located known as “Alabama Swamp.” It is sometimes called the Sixth Great Lake, a glacial lake now largely underground making a watery landscape essential to the wildlife that live here or pass through. It is also home to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation who have been its informal stewards and are a major reason why this natural land still exists as a wildlife refuge and birders’ paradise.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) has purchased 1,260 acres of habitat and farmland to build a Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) adjacent to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation territory and a few miles south of the wildlife refuge. The Tonawanda Seneca have resisted STAMP for many years and are currently fighting the GCEDC's application for an "incidental take" permit that would allow the destruction of habitat used by endangered and threatened species. Their letter, posted below, offers a unique view into the traditional ecological knowledge base of the Haudenosaunee people.
Please read the comments, and submit comments of your own to the DEC about this project. A public hearing will be held on May 11, at 6 PM at the Town of Alabama Fire Department, 2230 Judge Road. You can register to speak upon arrival and/or provide written comments by May 11 to Thomas Haley, DEC Region 8 Permits Administrator. Email: DEP.R8@dec.ny.gov (put GCEDC STAMP in the subject line).
Things to address include:
- the GCEDC must demonstrate a “net conservation benefit” compensating for destruction of over 600 acres of open field, which they have not.
- there will be further indirect take consequences for wildlife and people from the proposed volume of traffic, noise, pesticide use, night lighting, impervious surfaces, and wastewater generated by the buildout.
- the Tonawanda Seneca would be directly impacted by the loss of species like the Short-eared owl and Northern Harrier -that are of cultural importance to the Nation.
Thanks for any help!
To Read the Complete TONAWANDA SENECA NATION Letter Click on the "Download File" link below!
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CAMPAIGNS AND PROJECTS
Our Outer Harbor
Keeping Buffalo's Outer Harbor green and public has been the ongoing work of the Our Outer Harbor coalition. This group is one of the critical and ongoing campaigns of the WNYEA. Preserving this valuable public land and shorelines, and helping to make sure that our region adopts green strategies for public enjoyment and climate resilience is a primary goal of our Outer Harbor Campaign. This coalition is deeply involved in issues involving coastal resiliency, biodiverse habitat, public access and enjoyment, and opposing inappropriate development including private condo's, non water dependent businesses, and large uncontrolled events and parties such as the 2021 Military focused Air Show that had its stage at Wilkeson Pointe Park, adjacent to the Times Beach Nature Preserve. This outrageous event was an insult to nature, and the peacefulness of the outer harbor. We have been challenging current use proposals by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) including the development of a new Amphitheater, with parking for 8,000. The activation of this facility, which will be accessible only to private ticket holders. eliminates public access. The chaotic parking, noise, and traffic patterns, disrupt wildlife and human access to the Outer Harbor. The outer harbor is part of the designated RAMSAR Niagara River Wetland of International Importance. It is the western gateway to the Niagara River Globally Significant Important Bird Area. Nature and true public access do not appear to be concerns of ECHDC. The OOH Coalition is fighting to resisting the privatization of public lands, and keeping the outer harbor lands, shorelines and waters green and ecologically valuable for recreation and wildlife. More HERE Please consider signing our Petition encouraging creating public lands on the outer harbor as a forever park. DESIGNATE BUFFALO'S OUTER HARBOR ON LAKE ERIE'S COAST AS PARKLAND 
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Decade of Biodiversity
In June of 2021 the Board of the Western New York Environmental Alliance decided to declare the beginning of the “Decade of Biodiversity”.
As far as we know, our home planet which is the place that has allowed all life including human life to evolve, may be unique in the universe. Earth’s fundamental life support system is based in the biodiverse life forms that help to create abundant clean air, water, and food. As we continue to evolve as a species, it is increasingly clear that we must find ways to nurture nature, even as nature nurtures us. Read more about this action agenda here. |
West Valley Nuclear
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The Western New York Environmental Alliance has partnered with the West Valley Action Network and the Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) to host a series of informational videos regarding the West Valley Nuclear disposal site and it's ongoing decommissioning activities. These programs and additional information can be found HERE
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