ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. — The erosion of Cedar Island has gained the attention of marine scientists, leading to plans to restore the surrounding marshlands. Cedar Island and 13 other barrier islands along Virginia’s Eastern Shore are crucial for protecting the mainland during severe storms. Safeguarding this fragile coastal environment is essential for protecting the Eastern Shore.
Accomack County Administrator Mike Mason highlighted the importance of restoring the marsh around Cedar Island, one of the most rapidly declining barrier islands. “They are a buffer between the Atlantic Ocean and the mainland,” said Mason. “We hope this project is successful and maintains that buffer to protect our mainland towns and our way of life.”
Christopher Hein of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) noted that the disappearance of marsh grasses over the years has allowed the powerful Atlantic tides to accelerate erosion. “This will speed up the erosion of marshes and alter the lagoon habitat where seagrasses are being planted,” Hein explained.
To combat this, VIMS plans to rebuild part of Cedar Island, focusing on its southern tip. “Building up the marsh behind the island widens it and provides a platform,” said Hein. “If the island starts to migrate, it will land on top of that marsh.”
Accomack County’s support was crucial for obtaining permits for the project. The joint application involves VIMS, Accomack County, Stantec, Randolph-Macon College, George Washington University, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and will be submitted by the end of the summer.
The project, estimated to cost between $15 and $20 million, will not require any financial contribution from Accomack County. “We’re considered a no-risk applicant, so we’re not adding labor to the project,” Mason said. “There’s no cost to the county; we’re just helping move the project along.” Project leaders hope construction can begin in 2025.