Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions
Nature-Based Solutions Case Study
Designing Living Shorelines for New England Coasts
State/Territory:
An engineer-ecologist team designed a living shoreline tailored to conditions on New England coastlines. After site analysis, the team used coir products (“marsh pillows”) in their living shoreline design. This winter storm-resistant approach slowed the erosion of a 30-foot bank, increased vegetation cover, and protected coastal properties. The success of this project and design is attributed to the collaboration between engineers and ecologists, the use of local ecological knowledge, a rigorous site analysis, accounting for larger tidal ranges, and effective communication with the local regulatory board. This project is being used as a model for other living shorelines in the Cape Cod area.
Habitat Types
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Strategies
Nature-based strategies examined in this case study.
Top Outcomes
Climate threat reduction, ecological benefits, or social & economic benefit goals obtained in this case. Click to search for case studies with similar outcomes.
Protect Property and Infrastructure from Erosion
Reduce Risks from Coastal Flooding
Sourcing
Case study originally found at: https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/training/orleans.html