Okaloosa County BOCC — December 15, 2015 — 2015-10 Baywalk Presentation — reading text

Okaloosa County Baywalk Project October 2015  Okaloosa County Baywalk Project • Project Overview – Background – Conceptual Project Design – Project Elements • Project Partners and Stakeholders • Project Costs and Funding Opportunities 2  Project Overview Background • Eroding Shoreline • Noticeable Property Losses • Losses of: – Recreational Area – Shoreline Habitat – Upland Resources and Habitat • Threatened Upland Infrastructure • Minimal Recreational Uses 3 Shoreline Erosion 4 Shoreline Erosion 5 Shoreline Erosion 6 Shoreline Erosion 7 Shoreline Erosion 8 Shoreline Erosion 9 Shoreline Erosion 1994 Shoreline 10  Conceptual Project Design Project Goals • Stabilize the Eroding Shoreline • Protect Upland Property, Infrastructure, and Amenities • Protect Natural Resources • Restore, Create, and Enhance Natural Habitat for Aquatic and Terrestrial Species • Increase the Biodiversity and Sustainability of Choctawhatchee Bay • Create New Recreational and Educational Opportunities for Tourists and Residents 11 Conceptual Project Design 12 Conceptual Project Design Coastal Scrub Upland Boardwalk Coastal Dune Saltwater Marsh Offshore Breakwater Oyster Reef Breakwater / Oyster Habitat Seagrass MHW 13  Conceptual Project Design Project Elements • Public Access Pier • Offshore Breakwaters (Oyster Habitat) • Saltmarsh Restoration • Seagrass Recruitment Areas • Upland Coastal Strand Restoration – Invasive Species Removal – Tree and Native Vegetation Planting • Public Access Improvements – Upland Boardwalks – Kayak / Paddleboard Launch – Boat Ramp Improvements – Designated Swimming Areas • Educational Components / Signage 14  Project Elements Public Access Pier 15  Project Elements Public Access Pier 16  Project Elements Oyster Reef Breakwater 17  Project Elements Saltmarsh and Seagrass Recruitment 18  Project Elements Public Access Enhancements Upland Boardwalk Coastal Strand / Dune Restoration www.americantrails.org 19  Project Elements Public Access Enhancements Handicap Accessible Kayak Launch Paddleboard / Kayak Launch http://environment.blogs.theledger.com/11756/handicapped-kayak- launch-at-lake-kissimmee-sp/ http://www.outdoorgulfcoast.com/fillingim-landing-kayak-and- paddleboard-launch/ 20  Project Elements Educational Components http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/restoration/techniques/lsimplementation.html 21  Project Partners and Stakeholders • FDEP & USACE • OILA • Okaloosa County Parks Advisory Committee • Local OK County SeaGrant • Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance • GCMLC and E.C. Wildlife Refuge • Choctawhatchee Audubon Society • Neighboring Property Owners • The Nature Conservancy 22  Project Cost Estimates Primary Components • Public Access Pier $500,000 – $1M+ • Offshore Oyster Reef Breakwaters $500,000 – $1.5M • Saltmarsh Restoration $100,000 – $200,000 • Coastal Strand Restoration $50,000 – $200,000 • Upland Boardwalk $500,000 – $1M+ • Kayak/Paddleboard Launch $50,000 – $100,000 • Educational Components $10,000 – $50,000 Total Project Cost: ~$1.5M – $4.0M+ 23  Funding Opportunities • NRDA • RESTORE Act • Additional BP Criminal Fines (NFWF) • Grant Opportunities (NOAA, TNC, USFWS, FWC, etc.) 24 Questions