Swan Point Resiliency and Restoration

Project Description

Calhoun County holisticly used dredge material for environmental restoration in the Swan Point area, located at the northern end of San Antonio Bay. Several boat access channels exist in the vicinity, and the area has conditions to restore shoreline marsh and enhance bird islands that could be used as BUDM sites. The channels are subject to shoaling due to inadequate protection, winds and high tides. Additionally, Hurricane Harvey caused extensive damage to the shorelines and the natural habitat. Part of the Swan Point shoreline was restored with FEMA funds; however, no funds were available to help restore the functionality of the channels or to rebuild the nearby bird islands and marsh shorelines. The county-owned boat launch at Swan Point is the only launch site that provides direct free access from Calhoun County to San Antonio Bay. The site's functionality is limited due to lack of access channel depth and the existence of a submerged bulkhead that is only visible during extreme low water conditions. Increasing the resiliency and restoration of the area would benefit nearby bird islands and marsh shorelines. Enhancing the ecology of the area would benefit fishing and birding opportunities and increase wildlife habitat. Expanding an existing bird island would also allow it to be used as a local placement area. Shoreline protection for the island would aid in retaining the dredge material.