Living Shore Line Project
In January 2010, Jamestown 4-H Educational Center broke ground on a truly exciting project. With help from several community members, volunteers and contractors, the shoreline along the James River was turned into a more secure and educational area. The project was made possible by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
What is a Living Shoreline?
“Living Shorelines” are defined as shoreline stabilization techniques that use natural habitat elements to protect shorelines from erosion while providing critical habitat for bay/ river wildlife.
When protected in its natural state or reestablished through restoration efforts, these shoreline areas trap sediment, filter pollution, and provide important habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, such blue crabs and fishes in their critical early life-history stages. In an attempt to combat erosion, many shorelines have been hardened over time with artificial shoreline armor such as riprap revetments and bulkheads. In many cases, these artificial structures are not fully effective at protecting shorelines from erosion. In addition, these artificial structures decrease the ability of a shoreline to provide natural habitat and to serve other roles beneficial to the health of the Bay and its rivers, for example coping with problems associated with sea level rise.
In the past few decades, shoreline protection techniques have been developed that provide both erosion control and natural habitat functions. These living shoreline techniques incorporate materials that include marsh plantings, shrubs and trees, low profile sills and breakwaters, strategically placed organic material, and other techniques that recreate the natural functions of a shoreline ecosystem.
The Project
The plan was split into two phases; the first to put in breakwaters close to the existing Aquatic Resource Center, and the second to put breakwaters 80 feet down stream from the first. Plans were drafted by volunteer Ann Jurczyk, and grant proposals were submitted.
The project is to include:
• 1500 cubic yards of sand for the beach nourishment
• headland breakwater 3 ft about mean high water and 125 feet long
• beach planting of spartina
• interpretative signage
• received the grant from Chesapeake bay trust for $92,500.00
The Process
The process began in 2007, with help from former camper and staff Jeff Watkins of Riverworks, the center received permits from US Army Corps of Engineers, Virginia Marine Resources Commission and James City County for the Project Phase I and II.
In early 2008 the Center received assistance and input regarding the entire project from Michael Vanlandingham, VA Dept of Conservation and Recreation Shoreline Engineer and Dr. Scott Hardaway, a professor from VIMS that is an expert on Living Shorelines.
Dr. Jerre Johnson, a retired geology professor from William and Mary also provided input about the geological history found in the bank bluffs along the river. He estimated the bank records 100,000 to 300,000 years of geological history. He has also provided information about minerals in the bank and how they were deposited over time. This demonstrated the need to preserve the bank for historical and educational purposed.
In 2009, Walter Priest of the Chesapeake Bay office of the US NOAA provided valuable assistance concerning potential grants for Living Shorelines. He also provided valuable guidelines in the Living Shoreline application process. He also aided the Center in finding Ann Jurczyk, a valuable volunteer who prepared the grant proposal and final drawings.
On September 2, 2009 the living shoreline grant proposal for Phase I was submitted to the Chesapeake Bay Trust. On 11/19/09 the Chesapeake Bay Trust awarded the Center the $92,500.00 for Phase I. The Trust received total requests for over $1.37 million and awarded a total of $395,000.
In January 2010 construction of the Living Shoreline Project Phase I began. From start to finish, the breakwater construction took less than 3 weeks. In Spring 2010, planting will take place.
The process for Phase II is expected to begin in late 2010.
In the News
January 20, 2010- The Virginia Gazette: "Shoreline restored with her tenacity"
January 25, 2010 - Chesapeake Bay Foundation: "Volunteer's Inspiration Saves Shoreline"
January 24, 2010 on WY Daily: "How a Volunteer Saved Some Shoreline"
Resources
Click here for more resources about creating your own living shore line.
For more details or if you are interested in helping with the project, call the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center at 757-253-4931.
