DESCRIPTION
The goal of this project is to assess the feasibility of strategies to restore nearshore habitat and natural nearshore processes at the Oak Harbor Marina project area. This is a multi-benefit project in a highly visible area that offers a great opportunity for outreach and education to the public about the importance and benefits of habitat restoration and nearshore ecosystem processes. The project will take a comprehensive look at several elements of impact at the Marina and adjacent shoreline in Oak Harbor. The aspects to be assessed in the feasibility study include: Armoring reduction: Remove approximately 1,900 linear feet of shoreline armoring and replace with soft shore protection, which may include native plants, gravel, sand, logs, and root masses. Stormwater improvement: Remove approximately 700 feet of storm drain flowing directly into the Bay and replace with a natural filtering system, such as bioswales, and explore options to increase the angle of the boat launch ramp to reduce pollutants from vehicles that have to be submerged to launch a vessel. Shading reduction: Remove approximately 46,000 square feet of shading, including covered moorage, dock fingers, and creosote pile docks
Island County conducted a study to assess the feasibility of strategies to restore nearshore habitat and natural nearshore processes within and adjacent to the Oak Harbor Marina. This project was conducted in partnership with City of Oak Harbor, United States Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Northwest Straits Foundation, and Island County Marine Resources Committee. The feasibility study assessed the potential for armor removal or reduction along approximately 2,100 linear feet of shoreline, techniques to treat stormwater from 57 acres draining into the harbor, the potential to lessen the footprint and increase the angle of the boat launch, and the potential to remove moorage roofs, dock fingers, and creosote dock piles.
The project included the development of a site characterization report, development of conceptual restoration alternatives, an evaluation of benefits and limitations for each alternative, and a preferred alternative. The project also included engagement with stakeholders, project partners, regulators, and tribal representatives to present the site characterization and restoration alternatives. Input from these groups was incorporated into the design alternatives presented in the feasibility study.
The preferred alternative includes: armor removal and the creation of a pocket beach along approximately 400 linear feet of shoreline, armor setback along approximately 560 linear feet of shoreline, reducing the footprint of the boat ramp by 26%, and installing a bioretention facility to treat runoff from 2.86 acres of primarily impervious surface. These actions are expected to return nearshore habitat to a more natural condition and improve water quality to improve juvenile salmon rearing and forage fish spawning habitat.
