Overview of the Region
The Cayuga-Oswego region is situated on the southeastern edge of Lake Ontario with approximately 53 miles of shoreline, primarily comprised of coarse beaches, seawalls, and steep bluffs. With its scenic views, unique historic and natural features, and proximity to nearby metropolitan areas, the Cayuga-Oswego Region is known both locally and internationally as a tourist attraction and an economic generator. The region benefits greatly from its shoreline, which offers recreational access to high quality beaches and boating, port access for commercial shipping to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, and electrical power generation at the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station. With the combination of diverse shoreline uses, the Cayuga-Oswego region is situated to become a leader in an array of resiliency efforts. In doing so, the region has the capacity to significantly contribute to resilient local and regional economies and help to maintain the Empire State’s role as a global leader.
Cayuga County is largely inland from Lake Ontario with 10 miles of shoreline distinguished by the Village of Fair Haven and the popular beaches at Fair Haven State Park. The county shoreline touches the open water of Lake Ontario, as well as Little Sodus Bay. Little Sodus Bay is a protected bay that is separated from Lake Ontario by the West Barrier Bar as well as a jetty and break wall on its north eastern side. The shoreline is characterized by a variety of natural features (e.g., bluffs and coarse beaches) and artificial features (e.g., seawalls and jetties).
Oswego County shoreline communities consist of six towns and one city. The region makes up a much greater portion of the region’s shoreline extending 43 miles to the north along the southeastern edge of Lake Ontario. This portion of the region is distinguished by the Oswego River, which flows into Lake Ontario at the City of Oswego, as well as Sandy Pond which is situated at the northern end of the region’s shoreline in the Town of Sandy Creek. The shoreline is characterized by a variety of natural features (e.g., coarse beaches, bluffs, and open shore wetlands) and artificial features (e.g., seawalls, rip rap, and slope stabilization). The county’s shoreline is heavily populated and economically important with seasonal and year-round residences, NYS State Parks, and the Port of Oswego.
