Presentation Abstract

This presentation will describe a large-scale shoreline restoration and enhancement project to address the disruption of sediment supply and transport processes along the Puget Sound shoreline between Mukilteo and Everett. Like other long stretches of shoreline in the region, the project area is lined by continuous shoreline armoring associated with the railroad. Given the likelihood of existing shoreline armoring structures remaining in place for the foreseeable future, habitat restoration solutions that work within the constraints existing on our shorelines are necessary to improve habitat quality and support natural nearshore processes. Snohomish County is conducting a large-scale shoreline restoration project along a 4.5 mile stretch of shoreline. The success of the project development (slated for construction in 2014-2015) has stemmed from a collaborative stakeholder process and technical design expertise. The stakeholder process has led to significant partnerships that have been crucial for this project and are noteworthy for future restoration in other shoreline areas. In particular, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing suitable dredge materials to be beneficially re-used for beach nourishment and beach restoration. Work is continuing with the Corps to develop a long-term management program (i.e., re-nourishment). BNSF is also a key collaborator as much of the work will occur within their right-of-way. Local volunteer groups have also expanded the County’s ability to collect baseline biological data. The presentation will summarize the project elements and focus on the stakeholder process and partnerships that may be helpful for others working on the shoreline.

Session Title

Session S-01G: New Strategies for Shorelines

Conference Track

Shorelines

Conference Name

Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)

Document Type

Event

Start Date

30-4-2014 10:30 AM

End Date

30-4-2014 12:00 PM

Location

Room 6E

Genre/Form

conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)

Contributing Repository

Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Subjects – Topical (LCSH)

Shorelines--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Sediment transport--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Restoration ecology--Washington (State)--Puget Sound

Geographic Coverage

Puget Sound (Wash.); Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)

Rights

This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

COinS
 
Apr 30th, 10:30 AM Apr 30th, 12:00 PM

Large-Scale Shoreline Restoration along the Railroad Corridor of Puget Sound: An Example in Snohomish County Forged by Creating Partnerships

Room 6E

This presentation will describe a large-scale shoreline restoration and enhancement project to address the disruption of sediment supply and transport processes along the Puget Sound shoreline between Mukilteo and Everett. Like other long stretches of shoreline in the region, the project area is lined by continuous shoreline armoring associated with the railroad. Given the likelihood of existing shoreline armoring structures remaining in place for the foreseeable future, habitat restoration solutions that work within the constraints existing on our shorelines are necessary to improve habitat quality and support natural nearshore processes. Snohomish County is conducting a large-scale shoreline restoration project along a 4.5 mile stretch of shoreline. The success of the project development (slated for construction in 2014-2015) has stemmed from a collaborative stakeholder process and technical design expertise. The stakeholder process has led to significant partnerships that have been crucial for this project and are noteworthy for future restoration in other shoreline areas. In particular, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing suitable dredge materials to be beneficially re-used for beach nourishment and beach restoration. Work is continuing with the Corps to develop a long-term management program (i.e., re-nourishment). BNSF is also a key collaborator as much of the work will occur within their right-of-way. Local volunteer groups have also expanded the County’s ability to collect baseline biological data. The presentation will summarize the project elements and focus on the stakeholder process and partnerships that may be helpful for others working on the shoreline.