Tequesta advisory committee considers mangrove incentives and living-shoreline pilot

Committee members spent significant time on Aug. 13 weighing options to encourage living shorelines, including incentives for private-property mangrove plantings and potential public pilot sites.

Staff described an existing one-year tree-rebate pilot with $10,000 in funding that offers two categories of rebates ($300 for larger shade trees, $200 for understory trees) and suggested the council could consider expanding or creating a separate program for mangroves. Members noted mangrove plantings present special challenges: many shoreline public sites are too deep for plantings (the Tquesta Bridge pilot site was ruled unsuitable in design), small mangrove propagules have low early survival rates and private owners fear loss of view, trimming needs and long-term maintenance.

The group discussed technical solutions (rip-rap/rip-wrap, honeycomb/artificial-structure alternatives and oyster bed approaches), volunteer demonstrations, and a potential cost-share model (e.g., village pays 50% of planting with homeowner contribution and an inspection/maintenance schedule). They also considered targeted outreach to waterfront property owners via mail, HOA channels or online surveys to assess interest before requesting council funding.

Next steps: staff will identify potential pilot sites, gather cost estimates and planting criteria, and include a proposal and request for council direction in the September presentation. Members suggested including living-shoreline options alongside stormwater filtration items for council consideration.