January 2002 Meeting Abstract

The Corps of Engineers has long recognized the need for effective coastal sand management, but only recently have steps been taken to effectively address the issue. Man-made harbor and coastal structures constructed over the past 150 years have led to the rapid development of major cities along the shoreline. However, while performing their intended function, many of these projects have adversely affected not only the adjacent shoreline but down drift as well by altering the natural littoral processes. Unfortunately, there are a number of large Federal and non-Federal projects within the Buffalo District boundaries that have adversely impacted the coastal zone and coastal processes. Numerous studies have been performed to study the impacts of these projects, however, mitigation of these impacts has been virtually non-existent.

Recently, new programs and policies have emerged to address this problem and are gaining strong support. The renewed emphasis on these programs is due in part to a change in philosophy concerning the coastal zone and coastal sediments. The coastal shoreline and coastal sediments are now viewed as valuable natural resources with benefits that extend beyond the present navigation and recreational uses. Several examples of studies that address sand/sediment management will be presented.

Please join your fellow colleagues for what promises to be an interesting talk accompanied by some of Ilio's finest family-style Italian food! Coastal policy issues and coastal zone management are some of the more unique aspects of development projects, especially with respect to how the project conforms to those policies (it's a required element in any impact statement, for example). We may not always think of our "City by the Lake" as being a "coast", per se, however, the CZM policies do apply to our sandy shores as well! See you on the 16^th … and Happy Holidays!!!

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