Debbie DeVore South Florida Coastal Program U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Vero Beach, FL
www.cbtrust.org
30% of Mobile Bay has been armored as of 1997 using rip-rap, seawalls, and bulkheads (Douglass and Pickel) >75% in some heavily populated counties in California 18 miles/year permitted in Virginia since 1994, 230 miles permitted between 1993 2004 >50% of South River in Maryland has been armored (credit: Dr. Chris Boyd)
50% of west coast developed Miami Tampa Bay 45% of east coast developed
They cause erosion - to adjacent structures and vertically in front of the structure Reflect wave energy Require maintenance after storms and are not a permanent solution
Decreased amount of organic matter and biological organisms needed for maintenance of wetlands Loss of habitats intertidal and sandy beach
High-energy beaches and dunes, though sheltered coastal areas are also impacted Sheltered shoreline
Recommended Convenient Familiar hold the line approach
Living Shorelines x
Conduct Site Assessment Including bank erosion, bank elevation, bathymetry, fetch, wave energy, prevailing wind direction, vegetation presence, soil type, etc. Project Design Cost Estimate Apply and Receive Permits Hire Contractor Construct Project
Do nothing. Set structures back from the edge of the river, bay, or beach
Shoreline stabilization using living plant material (emergent and submerged aquatic vegetation), oyster shells, earthen material or a combination of natural structures with rip rap or offshore breakwaters to protect the shoreline against erosion. Living shorelines provide a more natural approach for erosion control, while allowing access for coastal and estuarine organisms
Plant vegetative cover such as submerged aquatic vegetation (e.g., seagrass) or emergent intertidal vegetation (e.g., cordgrass sp.) Typically use in low-energy environments (tidal creeks, tributaries, streams, rivers)
Plant Unit Cost Range ($/unit) Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) Marshay cordgrass (S. patens) Plug 1.25 $2-3 Plug $3 Gallon Plug $1.25 $2-3 Plug $3 Gallon Mangrove Gallon pot $10 $5 Gallon Salt grass (Distichlis spicata) Bitter panicum (Panicum vaginatum) Plug 2 - $.60 4 - $1 Freshwater species Gallon pot $5-6 Cost Installed ($/unit) $2 Plug $3 Plug Node $1 $2 Plug $3 Plug Spacing: Varies for species & depending on site objective (typically 2, 3, or 4 centers) Maintenance: Minimal maintenance typically required; supplemental planting, remove debris, trimming, fertilize, minimize disturbance
Use natural, nonstructural, or biodegradable materials Typically use in low-energy environments (tidal creeks, tributaries, streams, rivers) January 2001 April 2004
Technique Unit Cost Range ($/unit) Snow fencing 100 $45.00 Coir Log 10 lengths $57.25 Erosion Control Blankets Straw Blanket Coconut Straw Blend Coconut Fiber Geotextile tube 15 circumference 22 circumference 30 circumference Yd 2 $0.29 $0.52 $0.65 Linear foot (2007 prices) $115-175 $175-225 $140-200 Misc. Costs: Delivery and freight charges; mobilization and demobilization ($40-50k per project for Geotextile tubes) Maintenance: Most of these fabrics are biodegradable, some require removal; geotextiles have a longer life, but are UV sensitive.
Structure built parallel to the shoreline that protects land by reducing wave energy Use in medium and higher energy environments
Technique Unit Cost Range ($/unit) Oyster Shell Loose Shell (yd 3 ) Bag $50-60 $5 ($30 for bag w/spat) Concrete Bags Bag $4-6 (~$12-16/lf) Limestone Rock Linear foot $125-200 Reef Balls Delivery Linear foot Varies depending on distance $44 installed (~$36-38 w/volunteers) $1700-2100 ReefBlk Linear foot $150 installed Wave Attenuation Device Linear foot $180-250 Misc. Costs: freight and delivery charges (these tend to fluctuate); installation; filter fabric for sediment stabilization Maintenance: possible need for additional shell or rock over time; possible repair after storms
Soil stabilization method that combines hard structures with more natural materials Cost = shoreline or marsh planting + price of breakwater installed
Type Unit Cost Range ($/unit) Vinyl* Linear foot $125-200 Vinyl w/toe protection Linear foot $210-285 Wooden Linear foot $115-180 Wooden w/toe protection Linear foot $200-265 Concrete Linear foot $500-1,000 Sheetpile Linear foot $700-1,200 Revetment Cubic yard (yd 3 ) $25-45 ($120-180/lf installed) * Costs based on 4-8 height Misc. Costs: possible earthwork or backfill; labor and materials included Maintenance: scour typically occurs, toe protection likely needed, additional fill and vegetation may need to be installed over time
Is it possible to incorporate a Living Shoreline into a property that is already bulkheaded?
Develop a Cookbook of LSL best management practices Information to provide landowners and practitioners with more environmentally friendly alternatives for shoreline protection Work with regulators to ensure that LSL options are the preferred method for shoreline stabilization in appropriate areas and to promote a green tape regulatory process
Translate regulations into clear language for LSL permit applicants Make funding opportunities available for constructing LSLs Ensuring a reliable and appropriate plant supply for LSLs Spread the word to target audiences through workshops and other outreach opportunities
Promote habitat integrity and connectivity Conserve coastal and marine resources Reduce non-climate change ecosystem stressors Integrate biological carbon sequestration activities into landscape conservation practices Share climate change information, education and training opportunities with external audiences
Build broad support and action through continuous education, two-way outreach, and the appropriate messages Nurture a coordinated state response and facilitate the climate change dialogue Manage the landscape for wildlife resiliency Review conservation methods and priorities in light of a dynamic environment Build on strategic and funding opportunities Provide inspired leadership in the face of uncertainty
QUESTIONS? DEBBIE DEVORE South Florida Ecological Services Office Vero Beach, Florida Debbie_DeVore@fws.gov 772-562-3909 x324 http://www.fws.gov/verobeach/coastal.htm