Long Point State Park in Ellery is set to see some more shoreline stabilization to mitigate erosion issues. In addition to shoreline improvements, the existing beach will be removed and relocated to the area directly in front of the bathhouse. P-J photo by Jimmy McCarthy

ELLERY — A project is aiming to mitigate erosion issues that have taken away a significant chunk of shoreline at Long Point State Park in the town of Ellery.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is currently seeking contractors through Sept. 13 for the shoreline restoration project along the state park’s shores. The project will stabilize the western shoreline from the existing beach and recreational area extending south to the peninsula, which separates the north basin of the lake from Bemus Bay.

Proposed improvements detail softening shoreline protection through plantings and live stakes, among other erosion control features.

In addition, heavy stone fill and rip-rap will be implemented along portions of the shoreline to provide the needed stabilization to prevent any further erosion.

For years, the state park’s shoreline has eroded from natural wave action and boat wakes.

According to Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown, the end of Long Point has shortened in real estate from the time he was growing up.

“I would guess it’s 10-15 feet shorter,” he said.

While Goodell has no direct involvement with the project, he said he’s glad to see the project moving forward.

Erosion issues would likely continue if the problem wasn’t remediated.

In addition to shoreline improvements, the existing beach will be removed and relocated to the area directly in front of the bathhouse.

Work initiated last fall to protect the Chautauqua Lake shores at the tip of Long Point State Park as rock rip-rap was installed by the Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District. County legislator Pierre Chagnon, R-Bemus Point, said shores have seen erosion. He said officials were pleased with the results of last year’s project.

Meanwhile, state Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean, said the project is part of the state’s $120 million investment in parks and noted that an additional $30 million was added last year. Young said she’s aware of Long Point State Park’s erosion issues.

“That’s one of the reasons why I was strongly supportive of increasing funds,” she said. “We need to protect and preserve all of our state parks and I believe Long Point (State Park) is overdue for some significant attention.”

Long Point, which juts peninsula-like into Chautauqua Lake, is one of the moraines left long ago by a retreating glacier. The park and marina contains area for use throughout the day with thickly-wooded area and a beach along the shore. The beach is currently closed for the season.

It’s unknown at this point when the shoreline project would begin.