Gulf Regional Sediment Management Master Plan: Case Study Compilation

Eleven habitat restoration case studies were summarized for a variety of habitat types, restoration goals, and project sizes. Each project had unique characteristics that required its own specific approach to habitat restoration/creation, habitat conservation, and beneficial use of sediment required for restoration. However, in every case, the underlying theme associated with restoration or conservation was effective use of sediment. For example, upland disposal of dredged material for bird habitat to avoid adverse impacts of increased turbidity on seagrass beds worked well for Laguna Madre, but Louisiana used similar material for containment dikes and marsh restoration. In both cases sediment was used for habitat restoration rather than disposed of outside the active sediment system. Project success for all case studies depended upon clear and consistent communication among stakeholders. Addressing concerns associated with proposed restoration early in the process builds confidence among stakeholders and a level of trust that often carries through the project approval process.