Protecting our shorelines includes protecting our communities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Coastal regions are largely populated and often thrive on fisheries, farming, and tourism. But rising water levels and vanishing beaches are dealing a devastating blow to local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The number of people impacted by shoreline erosion only continues to grow. California tops the coastal populations chart with 26.8 million people living in coastal counties, followed by Florida with 16.2 million, New York with 15.9 million, New Jersey with 7.2 million, and Texas with 6.9 million.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coastal states are increasingly turning to living shorelines, which use natural materials to stabilize coasts while providing habitat benefits. The goal of living shorelines is to protect the coast while also preserving or enhancing the natural ecosystem. They’re generally considered more environmentally friendly than hard structures, though they may not be suitable for all locations or levels of wave energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Specific examples of living shorelines include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beach nourishment involves adding sand or sediment to eroding beaches, widening them to create a buffer against erosion. This method offers several key benefits: it immediately restores beaches, preserves their natural aesthetics, enhances recreational value by providing more space for activities, and protects coastal infrastructure from erosion and storm damage. Up-and-coming developments:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Planting native vegetation, especially on dunes, is an effective method to stabilize shorelines and combat erosion. This natural, eco-friendly approach offers multiple benefits. It enhances biodiversity by providing habitat for local flora and fauna. The diverse plant life improves coastal aesthetics, creating a more vibrant and attractive shoreline. As a cost-effective solution, vegetation requires minimal maintenance once established, making it an economical choice for long-term coastal protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Up-and-coming developments:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While living shorelines offer ecological benefits, local governments often opt for engineered solutions<\/a> like jetties, groins, or seawalls due to their immediate effectiveness in high-energy environments, ability to protect valuable coastal infrastructure, and longstanding familiarity among coastal engineers and policymakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jetties are long, narrow structures extending from the shore into the water, typically built at inlets or river mouths. They help maintain navigable channels by preventing sand from filling them in. Jetties also protect harbor entrances and can create calmer waters for boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benefits:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Groins are similar to jetties but are usually shorter and built perpendicular to the shoreline. They interrupt longshore currents, trapping sand on their updraft side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benefits:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Breakwaters are offshore structures, either floating or fixed, that reduce wave energy before it reaches the shore. They create a sheltered area of calmer water behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benefits:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many coastal towns are taking matters into their own hands with local initiatives to protect their shores. Many coastal communities facing erosion challenges are reimagining their infrastructure<\/a> to be more resilient and multifunctional in the face of environmental impacts. These efforts include focusing on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some coastal areas are beginning to implement managed retreat strategies for areas where erosion is progressing too far to recover. This includes gradually relocating infrastructure and homes away from high-risk zones. If your community is considering a managed retreat plan, these options might benefit you long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we face the challenges of climate change and rising sea levels, our approach to coastal protection is evolving. From traditional engineered solutions to innovative living shorelines, communities across America are employing a diverse range of strategies to safeguard their beaches and coastal infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact us today<\/a> and learn how we can bring your vision to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Coastlines](\"https:\/\/cgasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/240827_CGABlog_HowtoReduceCoastalBeachErosion8-1024x256.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Map](\"https:\/\/cgasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/240827_CGABlog_HowtoReduceCoastalBeachErosion9-1024x538.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLiving shorelines = natural defenses against coastal erosion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Beach nourishment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
By mimicking natural beach processes, nourishment maintains the shoreline’s appeal while effectively safeguarding coastal assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Planting native vegetation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/cgasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/240827_CGABlog_HowtoReduceCoastalBeachErosion6-1024x538.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nManmade defenses = immediate solutions for erosion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Jetties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Natural](\"https:\/\/cgasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/240827_CGABlog_HowtoReduceCoastalBeachErosion-1024x538.jpg\")
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Groins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ocean](\"https:\/\/cgasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/240827_CGABlog_HowtoReduceCoastalBeachErosion7-1024x538.jpg\")
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Breakwaters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Manmade](\"https:\/\/cgasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/240827_CGABlog_HowtoReduceCoastalBeachErosion2-1024x538.jpg\")
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Community-led efforts allow residents to take action <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Grassroots projects include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Tan](\"https:\/\/cgasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/240827_CGABlog_HowtoReduceCoastalBeachErosion5-1024x538.jpg\")
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Resilient coastal community infrastructure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Permeable](\"https:\/\/cgasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/240827_CGABlog_HowtoReduceCoastalBeachErosion4-1024x538.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nManaged retreat planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Where to go from here<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
At CGA, our landscape architects, civil engineers, and planning experts are experienced in helping coastal communities prepare for the future of ocean-related challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/8355555\/ac1e7589-b3a2-4227-b393-77a2669926d7.png\")
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