Construction of the last of five living shoreline sills, each built using a different technique, should wrap up this month at the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Wanchese office.
As part of the federation’s effort to promote living shorelines as effective, environmentally-friendly solutions to reduce soundside erosion and provide coastal habitat, the 500-foot living shoreline sills in Wanchese Industrial Park will serve several purposes, including combating erosion, improving water quality and providing an outdoor living laboratory for visitors, according to the federation.
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The five, 100-foot sills have been constructed using different materials to showcase different techniques available to shoreline property owners.
The wood sill and granite sill were completed in early June by area contractor Total Marine Services and the oyster castle sill is expected to be completed mid-month. These three sills were funded by the Honda Marine Science Foundation.
In 2018, a 100-foot sill was is constructed with oyster shell bags and another 100-foot sill was made with oyster domes, funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to showcase a variety of living shoreline techniques that will protect the Wanchese marsh complex and provide an opportunity for shoreline property owners to see these techniques in person,” said Erin Fleckenstein a coastal scientist and regional manager for the federation.
With the completion of the demonstration area, soundfront property owners can see their options for a living shoreline techniques in action.
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“When we are able to host in-person trainings again, I look forward to using the Wanchese Demonstration site to train real estate professionals and contractors on the variety of techniques that qualify as living shorelines,” said Whitney Jenkins, training coordinator for the Division of Coastal Management. “Having five techniques on display in one easy to access area will provide a practical learning opportunity for these professionals that attend our trainings.”
