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Sunset Beach committee explores extending living shoreline, oyster restoration and grant opportunities
Summary
The Environmental Resource Committee heard an exploratory update about extending a living shoreline along the Intracoastal Waterway, focusing on oyster restoration, required permits and potential grant funding; the work is investigatory and no approvals were requested.
Members of the Town of Sunset Beach Environmental Resource Committee on June 17 reviewed an exploratory plan to extend a living shoreline along the Intracoastal Waterway and other town waterways, with a focus on oyster restoration and identifying funding sources.
The update, relayed by a committee member who had received an email from Steve Lavine, said the Marine and Climate subcommittee is “looking at coming up with a plan to present to the town to potentially do the following. First, establish a living shoreline along the ICW and other relevant waterways.” The committee characterized the work as preliminary: the subcommittee is mapping plans and permits, identifying partner agencies and considering resident participation where private shorelines are involved.
Committee members discussed next steps the subcommittee will need to take, including detailed plans, permit requirements and sources of funding, and noted interest in working with groups that previously provided demonstrations on oyster restoration. The discussion did not include a request for formal approvals or a vote; members said the subcommittee will bring specific proposals and funding options back to the committee when available.
Why it matters: living shorelines and oyster reefs can reduce erosion and provide habitat, but such projects typically require engineering plans, state and federal permits, and coordination with property owners where shorelines are privately held. The committee flagged the need to confirm permit pathways and funding before advancing to a town-level decision.
What’s next: the Marine and Climate subcommittee will continue research and outreach, and will report back with more detailed cost, permit and partner information when it has it.
