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The coastal zone is home to a rich array of natural resources. All manner of wildlife is found along the coasts, but habitat loss and degradation have taken place throughout coastal areas as development and agriculture have increased. The Corps actively works to restore and rejuvenate coastal ecosystems. Wetland restoration and creation is carried out under the "no net loss" policy pertaining to wetlands. Beach nourishment can also assist in environmental restoration by providing a sandy beach and dune system for wildlife. A number of laws and regulations concern environmental protection, and the Corps utilizes this legislation to ensure that ecosystems are maintained. Examples include:
Through restoration projects and its regulatory duties, the Corps is dedicated to restoring and protecting the dynamic, and often fragile, ecosystems of the coastal zone. Revised 21 Oct 2010 |
Assateague Island Protecting Habitats: The endangered piping plover nests and feeds on the barrier flats of Assateague Island, Maryland. The Corps worked with the National Park Service to modify a storm berm to allow overwash necessary to create the barrier flat ecosystem. This project combines shore protection and environmental restoration by maintaining the berm and also providing the conditions for habitat renewal. | ||
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