Virginia Coastal Program: 2003 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2003 Task 95.031
Grantee:
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality-Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program
Project Title:
Regulatory Program Analysis: Supratidal Beaches
Project Description as Proposed:
Based on research and inventory work conducted by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and funded by the Virginia Coastal Program, the Virginia Coastal Policy Team has endorsed recommendations to expand the current level of protection provided for the Commonwealth’s beach resources. This project will result in report that evaluates whether the current level of protection afforded to supratidal beaches (those above mean high water) is adequate, and if not, what strategy should be pursued to improve their management. The Commonwealth currently has three pieces of legislation that may affect development on beaches, including construction of shoreline management structures: the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the Tidal Wetlands Act and the Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches Act. Analysis of these regulatory programs will be included in the report along with documentation of the habitat and shoreline management values of supratidal beaches and the potential impact of various strategies to provide them with further protection.
Federal Funding:
$7,821.00
Project Contact:
Shep Moon, 804.698.4527; Shep.Moon@deq.virginia.gov
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The Commonwealth currently has three pieces of legislation that may affect development on beaches, including the construction of shoreline management structures. As a result, beaches, as defined by state code, are subject to varying degrees of protection. The goal of this project was to research and evaluate the current beach management framework in Virginia, including relevant laws, regulations, policies and programs. This analysis was designed to provide information for evaluating whether the current level of protection of beaches provides an adequate level of protection relative to shoreline stabilization projects and whether this type of protection should be applied throughout Virginia's entire coastal zone. The project resulted in a report entitled Protection of the Supratidal Beach Zone in the Commonwealth of Virginia: Expansion of the Current Level of Protection for the Commonwealth's Beach Resources. Information from the report is intended for use by the Virginia Coastal Program in ongoing efforts to improve management of the Commonwealth's shoreline resources.
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Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
