There was a definite buzz of enthusiasm as a group of shoreline contractors, landscape professionals and conservation volunteers joined shoreline experts and officials to learn design and installation essentials for natural solutions to shoreline erosion.
The April 19 workshop at Camp Kekoka provided a full day of instruction on recognizing sites for non-structural living shorelines, project design and completion of the permit application.
“It is quite an accomplishment to be able to bring a program like this to the Northern Neck,” said Brian Barnes of Lancaster County.
In addition to presentations by Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), attendees also learned about cost share assistance and low interest loans available for these specific projects.
Following on-site evaluation of the Camp Kekoka shoreline, contractors divided into small groups to design living shoreline projects and complete a sample Joint Permit Application. The case study reports to the main group provided a forum for asking questions and receiving technical feedback on the merits of each project.
“The workshop brought together a wide range of expertise and funding from the public, private and non-profit community,” said Friends of the Rappahannock river steward Richard Moncure.
“There is growing momentum for living shorelines on the Northern Neck,” said The Wetlands Project executive director Kate Daniel. “Workshop participants benefitted from this opportunity to network and share experiences related to these relatively new projects.”
The 2015 “Living Shoreline Group 1 General Permit for Certain Living Shoreline Treatments” was approved by VMRC as a fast track shoreline erosion solution for property owners.
Projects that meet the specific criteria can be permitted within 21 days and there is no fee to submit the permit.
