Proceedings Abstracts
Integrating Habitat and Shoreline Dynamics Into Living Shoreline Applications (Smith)
The installation of successful living shoreline projects will consider the ecological importance of the biological and physical processes in maintaining healthy ecosystems along the shoreline. The enhancement of habitat along the shoreline and in the nearshore area in mid to high energy environments often requires the incorporation of structural (generally rock) components. The level of habitat improvement is typically dependent on the maintenance of biologic and physical processes and the appropriate integration of structural components.
Overview of Living Shoreline Design Options for Erosion Protection on Tidal Shorelines (Duhring)
The term “living shoreline” was recently associated with particular types of shoreline stabilization methods that emphasize the use of natural habitat features such as deeply rooted riparian vegetation, vegetated wetlands, and sand beaches. This overview of living shoreline design options for tidal tributaries describes six nonstructural and four “hybrid” or structural methods for erosion protection. Structures are included with living shoreline design options to make habitat restoration or creation possible without substantial impacts to tidal exchange or habitat functions. The use and effectiveness of other methods not included in this summary are still under investigation, such as oyster shell reefs and pre-cast concrete structures.
Recommending Appropriate Shoreline Stabilization Methods for Different Estuarine Shoreline Types in North Carolina (Bendell)
Estuarine shorelines are dynamic features that experience continued erosion by short and long term processes. As coastal populations encroach on estuarine shorelines, coastal states have begun to formulate new management strategies for estuarine shoreline erosion. These strategies try to strike a balance between the need to provide property owners with options to protect their investments from coastal hazards and the need to maintain the integrity of the natural system. The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (NCDCM) concluded that more research and discussion was needed between managers and researchers to effectively address and understand the impact of shoreline stabilization methods on the habitats and productivity of estuarine systems. The NCDCM formed the Estuarine Biological and Physical Processes Work Group to develop recommendations for appropriate shoreline stabilization methods for different shoreline types. The Work Group relied on prior research and best scientific judgment in developing recommendations. The Work Group evaluated the ecological functions and values of the different North Carolina shoreline types and the habitat changes due to the physical impacts associated with each shoreline stabilization method. The recommendations of shoreline stabilization methods are based upon the Work Group’s goal of maintaining the current shoreline type and continuation of the current ecological functions and values. The final report has been submitted to the NC Coastal Resources Commission Estuarine Shoreline Stabilization Subcommittee to help guide the development of new estuarine shoreline stabilization rules.
Design Criteria for Tidal Wetlands (Priest, III)
The design and construction of tidal wetlands can often be a perplexing, mystifying process. Many of the techniques are solely the domain of practicing professionals which leaves many individuals and organizations at a loss when contemplating a project. This paper attempts to present practical guidelines that can be used by the lay person as well as restoration practitioners for the successful construction of tidal wetlands. These include screening criteria for site selection that will help avoid inherent problems with a particular site and design criteria to guide the development of wetland hydrology and the successful establishment of wetland vegetation.
Integrating Habitat and Shoreline Dynamics Into Living Shoreline Applications (Smith)
The installation of successful living shoreline projects will consider the ecological importance of the biological and physical processes in maintaining healthy ecosystems along the shoreline. The enhancement of habitat along the shoreline and in the nearshore area in mid to high energy environments often requires the incorporation of structural (generally rock) components. The level of habitat improvement is typically dependent on the maintenance of biologic and physical processes and the appropriate integration of structural components.
