The not-for-profit Elizabeth River Project has been working to restore the Elizabeth River in southeastern Virginia over the past 30 years. They have seen significant water quality improvements, achieved oyster restoration goals in two tributaries, pioneered the first living shoreline cost share program for homeowners in the United States, and carried out the first community lead cleanup of contaminated river bottom in the US. Over the past 7 years they have worked with residents to reduce ongoing erosion of their shorelines through our River Star Homes Program. The program offers homeowners matching funds for completing projects, while offering them a turnkey process for project delivery. They are able to deliver affordable projects since most designs, permitting, and construction are carried out by Elizabeth River Project staff. In addition, Elizabeth River Project has been designing oyster habitat into these living shorelines to improve both oyster and marsh habitat, which also helps to reduce overall project cost because of the use of alternative oyster structures. These structures assist in retaining the marsh substrate and protecting it from ongoing erosion, while also providing critical oyster and mussel habitat. With over 30 completed living shorelines at homeowners' properties, some of these projects have been more successful than others. Join in to learn about the program and innovative designs, along with adaptive management strategies for projects.
Presenter: Joe Rieger, Deputy Director of Restoration at The Elizabeth River Project