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Value to the Nation

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Value to the Nation: Coasts

From the rocky coast of Maine to the sandy beaches of California, America’s coastlines draw millions of visitors each year. In addition to their beauty, America’s coastal areas also provide numerous recreational opportunities; habitat for hundreds of species of fish, birds and other wildlife; and a livelihood for millions of Americans.

Coasts are dynamic areas, buffeted by storms that can change the way the area looks and functions over time. Erosion caused by storms eats away at developed land and ocean surges during storms can lead to flooding. Coastal areas and the coastal wildlife that call them home also are impacted upon by natural events and human activities.

USACE coastal protection and restoration projects include:

  • beach fills and nourishment to protect against storm surge and wave-generated erosion;
  • construction of shore structures, such as sea walls, breakwaters, and revetments, to protect against flooding and erosion; and
  • best practices sand management, like regional sediment management.

Dredging and material placement follows sustainable and environmentally sound practices

 Dredged material is often used for beach nourishment and to create and restore wetlands and other valuable habitat

National Shoreline Management Study logo

Documenting the physical, economic, environmental, and social impacts of shoreline change

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 Coastal Shore Protection

With a large proportion of the U.S. population living near our sea and lake shores, and an estimated 75% of U.S. vacations being spent at the beach, there has been Federal interest – and a USACE mission - in protecting these areas from hurricane and coastal storm damage.

 Economic Impact

Americans are drawn to coastal areas in part by the tremendous economic opportunities presented by industries such as tourism, shipping, and commercial fishing. The economies of these areas, though, are vulnerable to weather and the environment. Along the East and Gulf coasts alone erosion, flooding, hurricanes and winter storms threaten trillions of dollars in infrastructure adjacent to shorelines each year.

 Environmental Benefits

Our nation’s coastal areas support diverse ecosystems housing hundreds of species of fish, birds, and other wildlife, including many that are rare, threatened or endangered. These fragile ecosystems are vulnerable to storms and economic development.

 Other Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Web Sites

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USACE is an important partner in numerous programs and projects designed to help protect the economy and the environment of our nation's coastal areas by reducing the effects of these threats.