Erosion threatens infrastructure and public access at several locations along the Navy Point Park shoreline. Escambia County Department of Natural Resources Management and Parks and Recreation Department are working to resolve erosion by establishing living shorelines at critically eroded locations.

Living Shorelines are an innovative and environmentally friendly way of reducing shoreline erosion, improving water quality and providing habitats for fish and wildlife (see diagram). Oyster reefs or other permitted material are installed to reduce wave energy, and native shoreline and upland vegetation are planted to hold sediment in place. These projects are authorized through permits issued by Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

What is a Living Shoreline?

Living shorelines are a different approach to shoreline stabilization patterned on the natural environment. Projects replace typical shoreline armoring using bulkheads, seawalls, and riprap by incorporating natural materials such as oyster reefs, emergent marsh vegetation, submerged aquatic vegetation and sand or other substrate.
 
Living Shoreline Project Goals

• Water Quality Improvement
• Riparian Habitat Protection or Enhancement
• Fisheries Habitat Creation or Enhancement
• Maintenance of Other Important Functions Provided by Natural Shoreline
• Ecosystems (e.g. sediment capture, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, wave attenuation, etc.)
• Shoreline Stabilization
• Provide Recreational Opportunities (e.g. fishing, bird watching, etc.)

Living Shoreline Projects

To stay up to date on the Navy Point Park Living Shoreline project, click here.

To stay up to date on the NAS Pensacola Bay Living Shoreline project, click here.