Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are home to several of the world's most beautiful beaches. Each year, millions of visitors flock there to explore and enjoy their beauty. Our beaches provide recreational opportunities; habitat for hundreds of species of fish, birds and other wildlife; and a livelihood for millions of Americans.
The Jacksonville District is responsible for 1,300 miles of Florida's 1,800 miles of coastline. In fact, we construct and maintain over 30% of the nation's total shore protection projects.
Coasts are dynamic areas, buffeted by storms — some mild and some fierce like hurricanes — 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 wildlife that call them home also are impacted upon by natural events and human activities.
The Corps 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.
Corps 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 and management, like regional sediment management.