The Obama administration recently took an important step by supporting nature-based solutions to combat shoreline erosion. Submit a comment to applaud the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for proposing a new nationwide permit for "living shorelines." A living shoreline offers a proven and durable bank stabilization alternative to hard infrastructure – such as bulkheads and seawall – while conserving the natural coastal habitat of fish and marine life, shorebirds, and plants.
The increased expansion of seawalls and bulkheads is threatening the borders of our oceans, lakes, and rivers, with loss of wetlands and natural habitats that people and nature rely upon. A recent analysis found that 14 percent of the U.S. coastline is armored with hard infrastructure – and without intervention, this figure is expected to grow.
Without this update, living shoreline projects face greater federal scrutiny and longer permit reviews than hard infrastructure projects.
Tell the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that you support a new nationwide permit for living shorelines that will enable more natural shoreline protection.
Dear General Semonite and Assistant Secretary Darcy:
Thank you for introducing a new "Living Shorelines" Nationwide Permit (proposed NWP B). I strongly support the Corps’ efforts to provide an efficient and environmentally preferable bank stabilization option for landowners. Living shorelines offer a proven and durable stabilization option along many estuarine coasts, bays, and rivers while conserving the natural coastal habitat.
This is welcome news, given the growing evidence of the negative impacts of shoreline hardening, such as loss of wetlands and natural habitats, on coastal areas. A recent analysis found that at least 14 percent of the nation’s tidal shoreline is already hardened. Without intervention, this figure is expected to grow.
Once issued, the new permit will offer a needed alternative to hard infrastructure projects authorized under the existing bank stabilization nationwide permit (NWP 13) and level the playing field for natural shoreline protection.
I join business leaders, anglers, conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and marine contractors in support of a nationwide permit for living shorelines. Thank you for your continued dedication to maintaining fair and efficient reviews for projects that have minimal impact on the aquatic environment. Your leadership will enable more natural protection of America’s shoreline resources.
[Your comment will go here]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
