DESCRIPTION
Phase 4 of the Ala Spit restoration will consist of rebuilding the neck of the spit, removal of the bulkhead and modification of the rock groin. Construction is Aug 24-Sept 24. This project will construct the preferred alternative identified in the feasibility study (12-1260), which evaluated options for the rock groin and final bulkhead section (435') removal to complete the restoration efforts at Ala Spit County Park. The bulkhead in front of the parking lot will remain in response to stakeholders concerns.Rock groin modification will restore the littoral transport to the Ala Spit drift cell, as well as add to the aesthetic value of the part as a natural place, while protecting nearby private property. A portion of the rock groin will be relocated landward and to the south to provide protection of the bluff toe in the area water-ward of the adjacent house. Beach nourishment will be added to the site to benefit the spit neck stability and improve habitat. Restoration activities will result in nearly full sediment transport processes restoration, immediate gain of upper beach habitat through direct removal of the entire rock groin, and re-connection of the upland with the beach due to the removal of the bulkhead. Restoration will also result in enhanced recreation and improved conditions in terms of risk management, as park users will no longer be required to traverse the large rock groin and vertical bulkhead south of the parking area, and will also not be require to wade th
Phase 4 of the Ala Spit restoration project implemented the preferred alternative identified in the feasibility study (12-1260), which identified options for the rock groin and final bulkhead section (435') removal to complete the restoration efforts at Ala Spit County Park. Rock groin modification will restore the littoral transport to the Ala Spit drift cell, as well as add to the aesthetic value of the part as a natural place, while protecting nearby private property. A portion of the rock groin was relocated landward and south to provide protection of the bluff toe in the area waterward of the adjacent house. Approximately 400' of concrete bulkhead was also removed restoring a natural beach habitat between the parking lot and the rock grion. Beach nourishment was added to the site to benefit the spit neck stability and improve habitat.
Restoration activities restored full sediment transport processes, increased upper beach habitat through direct removal of the entire rock groin, and reconnection of the upland with the beach. Restoration has also enhanced recreation and improved conditions in terms of risk management, as park users are no longer required to traverse the large rock groin and vertical bulkhead south of the parking area, and are not exposed to currents at the neck of the spit at times of higher tides.
