Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 2 0 54 JERSEY SHORE ENVIRONMENT RETHINKING BULKHEADS, continued from page 52 they reach waterways and support- ing wildlife by providing food and habitat. Living shorelines essentially re-naturalize a coast and can often self-maintain with little assistance. On the other hand, when a bulkhead (or "hard" shoreline) is installed, the intertidal zone (the land between high and low tide) is often eliminated. By losing this zone, an important habitat for fish and other wildlife disappears, water qual- ity decreases, and storms can become more destructive to the property. In their cost and materials, hard shorelines give an impression of durability. But as anyone who expe- rienced Superstorm Sandy knows, a strong storm can demolish a bulk- head, with extremely costly and time consuming repairs or replacement. They can also begin to lose sediment from behind the bulkhead and cause Before: Due to damages sustained during numerous storm events, including Superstorm Sandy, sections of the shorelines at Iowa Court in Little Egg Harbor had become vulnerable and parts of the street were eroding. After: Shown is the new restoration/reclamation of the eroded marsh and new plantings at Iowa Court in Little Egg Harbor. The new stabilized marsh and sill will reduce sea level rise, flooding, and erosion. They will also strengthen the natural eco-system and protect the roadway and nearby properties. Before After courtesy of T&M Associates courtesy of T&M Associates

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