West Bay Living Shorelines and Habitat Restoration

Project Description

This project will involve securing an advisory team of local, state, and federal partners, conducting necessary site assessments/surveys, and hiring an engineering firm to produce a 30-50% design for a living shoreline in West Bay. Upon completion of the engineering and design phase, GBF will secure all necessary permits prior to construction. After the wave barriers have been constructed, GBF will recruit volunteers to help plant native marsh grass behind the wave barriers. The proposed restoration at both sites will involve the construction of an offshore wave barrier to reduce erosion, stabilize the shoreline, and establish and/or enhance estuarine habitat. Pending the results of surveys and engineering plans, GBF and the project team will determine the best approach to establish a living shoreline at each location. The exact dimensions and materials will be determined upon completion of the engineering and design phase. Measures will be taken to ensure the restoration efforts do not impact any existing oyster reefs, marsh, or seagrass habitat. It is anticipated the proposed project will allow for the establishment of up to 130 acres of estuarine habitat including seagrass, marsh, and oyster reef in Maggie’s Cove and up 15 acres of intertidal marsh along the Sweetwater Preserve shoreline. The added protection for Maggie’s Cove will also provide connectivity between the restored estuarine habitat to the north and south of this location. In addition to restoring up to 145 acres of estuarine habitat, the proposed project will provide protection for up to 8,000 linear feet (approximately 1.5 miles) of shoreline in West Galveston Bay.