Members of the KS Associates Coastal Engineering Group had the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise at an ODNR-sponsored conference entitled, “Applying Nature-Based Shorelines in Ohio.” The conference took place May 2-3, 2017, at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron.
The conference was a collaboration between ODNR and Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve. These organizations teamed up to provide workshops on the application of nature-based shorelines in Ohio.
John Matricardi, P.E., director of coastal engineering services, and coastal engineer Mark Cencer, P.E., were invited to present at the two-day training sessions. The first day was geared for engineers, landscape architects, consultants, and regulatory staff. Day two was focused on coastal property owners, city engineers, planning departments, park districts, and watershed coordinators.
The presentation focused on nature-based features currently applied to coastal projects and the challenges to implementing nature-based shorelines. John and Mark presented two example projects that feature significant habitat creation along the shore of Lake Erie and the Black River: the new fishing pier at Painesville Township Park for Lake Metroparks, and the Black River Area of Concern (AOC) Bulkhead Repair and In-Stream Habitat Restoration at Lorain Sailing & Yacht Club for the City of Lorain.
