Shore Armor Removal Portfolio 2015

Abstract

Shore armor, such as bulkheads, rock revetments, and seawalls can negatively impact ecological function and impair nearshore processes in coastal systems. Natural Salish Sea shores provide vital foraging, refuge, and rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids. Negative impacts of shore armor include reduced sediment input from bluffs needed to sustain down-drift beaches and spits, increased wave reflection, direct burial of the backshore, and sometimes intertidal beach. Together these impacts result in a simplification of the shoreline, reduced beach width, and loss of habitats. The Puget Sound Partnership has made reduction of armor part of its Action Agenda. Shore armor is sometimes unnecessary and alternatives exist; under these circumstances shore armor and coastal structures can be removed and the beaches and bluffs of the coastal system can be restored/enhanced to a natural, functioning state. This showcase of successfully implemented shore armor removal projects, partnerships between agencies and organizations, and an informed and engaged public will encourage progress toward recovering coastal systems and nearshore ecosystems in the Salish Sea. Coastal Geologic Services has been involved in every stage (identification, prioritization, assessment, feasibility, design, construction oversight, and monitoring) for over 42 shore armor removal projects. The selected seven recent projects removed over 1,500 feet of shore armor in five Puget Sound counties. Projects highlighted include those at Deception Pass State Park, Ala Spit—Island County park, a City of Port Angeles park, and private residences. CGS is currently designing 16 bulkhead removal projects under a variety of funding sources—these projects are happening at an increasing rate