Ryan Sandler of Calvert Soil Conservation described oyster reefs as 'ecosystem engineers' that historically supported beaches and suggested pilot reef projects and volunteer efforts to restore nearshore habitat and shore stability in Chesapeake Beach.

A committee member said early analysis recommends PB Ranch as an initial pilot site for a shoreline/insurance project because it is organized and Firewise; the team will assess buy-in over September and decide whether to proceed or consider a different community.

Committee supports canoe landing permit while addressing uncertainty over FEMA grant funding.

Planning officials clarify wetland definitions and buffer requirements during stakeholder meeting.

The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 9 approved payment of $1,553,324.30 in bills and a series of contract and budget actions, including an $89,300 change order for the Point Betsie Shoreline Protection Project and a $220,000 construction addendum to include Parole and Probation remodeling.

At its May 13 meeting the Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved Change Order #7 for the Point Betsie Shoreline Protection Project, appointed David Davis to fill District VI through Dec. 31, 2026, and authorized up to $40,000 in opioid-settlement funds to buy 20 LifePak AEDs, among other routine actions.

Dare County commissioners agreed to ask the legislature to appropriate $1.5 million to close a funding gap for a fully permitted living-shoreline project at the 1 Cheese Marine Industrial Park; the board authorized a pass-through arrangement and approved the request unanimously.

The town reported early success from March cliff‑stabilizer pilot installations at Madaket and Dionys Beach (about 1 foot elevation gain in one plot, and dune‑grass plots accreting ~5 in. vs a 2 in. control). Town staff also described Francis Street dune/boardwalk designs and Sacagawea Pond reef‑ball modeling, which showed a ~90% reduction in wave energy in modeled scenarios.

Board members flagged a Caltrans 'surfer adaptation' plan that could affect GCSD property and a park site; directors also noted a House appropriation for an Army Corps New START feasibility study (about $50,000) that would determine federal interest in shoreline protection and could trigger site visits if enacted.

Council debated whether the Port’s proposed shift to larger economic projects should override the citizen-advisory recommended list of small Port Hueneme nonprofits. Councilmembers instructed staff and the city-port representatives to press for compromise at upcoming joint meetings and suggested prioritizing items such as wayfinding signs and grant-writing funds.

The board tabled a proposal by Salt Terrace Solutions to install breakwaters, revetment and beach nourishment after the VIMS technical assessment cautioned that a revetment could sever beach-dune sand exchange; the agent asked for a month to refine designs and consider costlier offshore options.