Evaluating the effectiveness of Eastern Shore tidal wetlands for storm risk reduction in the Chesapeake Bay
Coastal wetlands are known for their importance for biodiversity and as natural defenses against waves, erosion and storm surge. A lot of work has been done globally to document the risk reduction value of marshes but, to-date, there is little to no work that scientifically quantifies the benefits of wetland habitats specifically in Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay.
To help fill in this gap, the Maryland/DC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, George Mason University and Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are partnering to better understand the effectiveness of the Eastern Shore’s natural tidal wetlands to reduce the impacts of wave energy. This project will measure how Maryland’s marshes absorb tidal flooding and reduce wave energy and impact during storm surges.
The first field site selected for this study is the future site of the DNR’s shoreline dune restoration project near Crowell Rd. on Deal Island. The scientists from George Mason University will begin installing monitoring devices in the marsh this May.
On behalf of The Nature Conservancy, DNR, and the researchers at George Mason University, we look forward to engaging with the community, answering questions about the research, and reporting out on what we find at the end of 2018 or early next year. For more information, visit: www.coastalresilience.org/maryland.