DOVER, DE — The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is introducing a novel initiative: the Living Shoreline Cost Share Program. This program aims to assist property owners in selected watersheds across the state by providing funding to install living shorelines using natural materials.
On Wednesday, Feb. 28, DNREC will host a free webinar, presented by the Division of Watershed Stewardship in conjunction with the Delaware Living Shorelines Committee, to familiarize property owners with the program. The hour-long webinar, starting at 10 a.m., will be led by environmental scientist Kayla Clauson from the Division of Watershed Stewardship.
Clauson will provide an overview of the cost share program, detailing its specific project criteria, timeline, and financial reimbursement processes. The webinar aims to offer valuable insights to landowners and professionals interested in applying for the program.
The Living Shoreline Cost Share Program was relaunched in 2023 and expanded to include landowners, homeowners’ associations, and community boards who qualify. The program encourages Delaware residents to adopt living shorelines as a defense against the environmental impacts of climate change and rising sea levels.
Living shorelines employ natural materials such as native plants, oyster shells, and biodegradable coconut-fiber coir logs to create barriers against shoreline erosion and flooding. In addition to providing physical protection, these living shorelines also enhance the natural beauty of shoreline ecosystems, contributing to their ecological health and resilience.
Currently, only tidal projects located within targeted watersheds are eligible for cost share assistance. However, groups of landowners, homeowners’ associations, or community boards are encouraged to apply for assistance with projects where properties may be adjacent to each other or located in shared neighborhood spaces.
Funding for the Living Shoreline Cost Share Program comes from a collaborative DNREC effort involving the Watershed Assessment and Management Section and the Non-Point Source Program. The funds are secured through the Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant and the Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant III.
This initiative by DNREC aims to not only protect and restore coastal ecosystems but also to engage and educate local communities on the importance of living shorelines. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for our shoreline areas.
The Living Shoreline Cost Share Program is a significant step forward in helping property owners protect their land from environmental threats while contributing to the overall health of Delaware’s diverse ecosystems. It’s an investment not only in the state’s present but also its future, ensuring that Delaware’s shorelines continue to thrive in the face of changing climate conditions.
Property owners and professionals interested in learning more about the Living Shoreline Cost Share Program can attend the free webinar on Feb. 28. As Delaware faces the challenges of climate change and sea level rise, initiatives like this one play a crucial role in fostering resilience and sustainability. The Living Shoreline Cost Share Program is an opportunity to participate actively in the stewardship of Delaware’s treasured coastal environments, safeguarding them for generations to come.
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