Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Shoreline Protection

The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) passes through and along the southern limit of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Erosion of the channel banks caused by boat wakes from commercial and recreational vessels, wind driven waves and storms has threatened the sole wintering grounds for the federally listed endangered whooping crane.

In order to stem this erosion a temporary solution was derived using cement bags to form revertment or embankment to protect the shoreline. Approximately three months each year from 1989 to 1992 were spent planning, designing, coordinating and implementing the all volunteer project. In all, the project protected 75-100 acres of salt marsh utilized by the endangered whooping crane through the placement of shoreline stabilization structures (cement bags) along 3,850 feet of channel bank. A more permanent solution to the problem of continued erosion of the whooping crane's habitat adjacent to the GIWW was examined by the Corps of Engineers (COE) in a feasibility report due for completion in June of 1995. The study was authorized by Section 216 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1970 which directs the COE to reexamine existing projects if environmental, engineering and/or economic conditions warrant a change in the original project purposes. If authorization for construction is granted and an agreement is reached on cost sharing, this project could provide a more permanent solution.