To celebrate Earth Day and highlight the outstanding USACE efforts to expand benefits by aligning natural and engineering processes, the honorable Mr. Michael L. Conner, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, visited the USACE Mobile District to view coastal Engineering With Nature projects.
The visit included meetings with stakeholders and partners along the Mississippi and Alabama coastline. They highlighted ongoing EWN efforts and demonstrated the necessity and impact of successful partnerships to ensure successful and innovative projects that provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to coastal communities.
the USACE Mobile District, an Engineering With Nature Proving Ground, showcased several EWN efforts along the Gulf Coast that include ERDC partnership within Mobile’s Coastal Resiliency Program. Some of these efforts include the Deer Island Ecosystem Restoration Project, the Coast-wide Beach and Dune Ecosystem Restoration Projects, and the Little Dauphin Island Restoration Assessment, projects that provide not only coastal resilience, but also environmental benefits.
EWN researchers from the Engineer Research and Development Center discussed the importance of sound science, data collection, monitoring and adaptive management within EWN projects.
Dr. Safra Altman was presented with a coin from ASA Mr. Connor himself as a representative of the EWN Program and for her enthusiasm, technical expertise, and leadership, ensuring the success of multiple Engineering with Nature efforts in support of Mobile District.
This recognition demonstrates the value of research and development in innovative and successful coastal management and restoration efforts. Well done Safra and team!
A Video Message from Mr. Connor
Related Content
Season 2 Episode 1: Expanding Engineering With Nature
Season 2 kicks off with an announcement. Mobile District is joining EWN as the fourth EWN Proving Ground. As Dr. Todd Bridges notes, Mobile District has been doing Engineering With Nature before it was called that. He introduces our guests, Justin McDonald, Coastal Resiliency Program Manager, and Elizabeth Godsey, Coastal Engineering Technical lead, as “EWN superstars.”
