Beach & Inlet News
Spring is in the air and the Town would like to make our residents and visitors aware of the following information and updates to our beach and inlet management activities:
• The Town would like to thank the Holden Beach Re-nourishment Association for funding in the amount of $40,000 for recent plantings on the beach, as well as fertilization of the dunes, from inlet to inlet. Vegetation and sand fence are an integral part of growing our dune system. The Town will be conducting additional plantings in the near future with funds allocated in the current fiscal year.
• When visiting the beach, please help us keep our dune system healthy by staying off the planted areas, the sand fences and the dunes. Our dunes protect the whole island and are a critical storm protection tool!
• The Town is currently conducting a spring assessment of public walkways for needed repairs. Private walkway owners may want to consider evaluating their walkways as well in preparation for the upcoming season.
• The Town recently completed our annual beach monitoring survey of the beach. The information from the survey will be presented in the fall as part of the Town’s annual beach monitoring report.
• The Inlet and Beach Protection Board is currently engaged in the creation of a long-term beach management plan that will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for adoption this summer. Members have also been busy networking at the local, state, and federal level and attending meetings and conferences. The networking has resulted in a proposal from UNCW to study our dune ecosystem and other projects.
• Total beach strand losses from Florence and Michael are estimated at 1,112,298 cubic yards of sand with a cost estimate of $24,321,099 to replace. Losses from both storms are anticipated to be combined into one remediation project reimbursed by FEMA. We are awaiting approved project worksheets from FEMA, but the Board of Commissioners has approved a contract to begin the sand search required for project construction.
• The Town is working with the Corps of Engineers regarding the need for sand placement on the East End from the upcoming Lockwood Folly Inlet Crossing Dredging Project. The Town has also expressed interest in piggybacking on the project to add additional sand if environmental windows permit.
The Town of Holden Beach strives to provide our homeowners and guests with the most current information pertaining to our town. If you have feedback concerning our communication methods email heather@hbtownhall.com.
Sincerely,
David W. Hewett
