[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                                              Z@ancaster County Shoreline Protection
                                                                           Study and Plan

                                                                      Lancaster County, VA
                                                                                 July, 1995


















                                                                               Prepared By:
                                                      Patrick G. Frere, Environmental Planner
@C'                                            Lancaster County Planning and Land Use Office




                                                                                    Aq'




                                      'Mis Comprehensive Plan was finuled, in part, by the Department of Environmental Qualit)@s Coastal Resources
                                  Management Program through Grant #NA47OZ02 87-01 ofthe National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration, Office
                                  of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, under the Coastal Zone ManagernentAct of 1972, as amended. The views
                                    expressed herein are those ofthe authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of NOAA or any of its subagencies.

                                     Ihis Comprehensive Plan was funded, in part, by a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department,
                                                                              Commonwealth of Virginia









                                                                 Table of Contents



                 1.        Lancaster County Shoreline Protection Study

                           A.       Erosion Rates      ..............................................................................     I


                           B.       Erosion Factors        ..........................................................................     2
                                             1.        Fetch and Water Body Energy            ........................................    2
                                             2.        Boat Traffic and Wake        ..................................................    2
                                             3.        Existing Shoreline Condition          .........................................    3
                                                       a.        Topography and Soil Type         ....................................    3
                                                       b.        Natural Protection     ..............................................    4
                                                       C.        Man-Made Protection        ..........................................    4


                           C.       Shoreline Alteration         ....................................................................     4


                           D.       Types of Shoreline Protection
                                             I .       Dunes     .....................................................................    5
                                             2.        Vegetation   ................................................................      6
                                             3.        Bulkheads and Seawalls        ................................................     6
                                             4.        Breakwater    ...............................................................      7
                                             5.        Groins    .....................................................................    7
                                             6.        Revetments    ...............................................................      8

                           E.       Existing Condition of Lancaster County Shoreline
                                             1.        Reach I   ...................................................................      8
                                             1)        Reach 2   ...................................................................      9
                                             3.        Reach3    ...................................................................      10
                                             4.        Reach4    ...................................................................      11
                                             5.        Reach5    ...................................................................      11
                                             6.        Reach 6   ...................................................................      12
                                             7.        Reach7    ..............................: ....................................     13


                11.        Assessment of Existing Conditions             ..........................................................       14

                III.       Goals and Objectives        ............................................................................       16

                IV.        Lancaster County Shoreline Protection Plan                 .............................................       18

                           A .    Shoreline Protection Means Equal Site Situation                     ..............................      18
                           13.    Incentives for Subdivision Wide Shoreline Protection Efforts in
                                  Proposed Subdivisions          .................................................................        18
                           C .    Cooperative Approaches to Shoreline Protection                      ..............................      19
                           D .    Encourage Vegetative Alternatives for Shoreline Protection and                                  1       .1.0
                                  Vegetative Enhancement of Resource Protection Areas                        ...................... - 19
                           E.     Property Owner Awareness              ...........................................................       20

               Glossary of Terms         ........................................................................................         21







                                                  Appendix

                                1.    Summary of 1994 Wetlands Board Approvals
                                2.    Summary of 1995 Wetlands Board Approvals (Through 7/95)




                                        Table of Maps and Graphics

                                1.    Slope Map
                                2.    General Locations of Shoreline Alteration
                                3.    Basic Bulkhead Structure
                                4.    Basic Revetment Structure
                                      Shoreline Reaches
                                6.    Reach 1
                                7.    Reach 2
                                8.    Reach 3
                                9.    Reach 4
                                10.   Reach 5
                                11    Reach 6
                                12.   Reach 7
                                13.   Cooperative Approach to Shoreline Protection









                                  Lancaster County Shoreline Protection Study and Plan

               Lancaster County is a coastal community which has over 264 miles of tidal shoreline. The
               environment created by this interaction between the land and water along the County,'s coasts has
               helped to form our community's identity. This area of land and water is valued by residents who
               want live in a scenic setting, by citizens who come to the water for recreation, and bywatermen
               who earn a living off the rich resources found here. The high value that is felt by Lancaster
               County's citizens for their shoreline is reflected in their desire and actions to protect this area.

               However, peoples action to protect the natural shoreline can act to disrupt the delicate natural
               balance that exists here. Understanding this balance can help decision makers and property
               owners make the most informed and best possible decisions concerning the protection of the
               shoreline. This is the goal of the Lancaster County Shoreline Protection Study and Plan.

               The Lancaster County Shoreline Protection Study and Plan deals with the issues and policies
               concerning shoreline erosion protection and control measures in Lancaster County. The study
               will first investigate the existing shoreline condition and erosion situation in Lancaster County
               and the plan will then make recommendations based on those findings. The plan will attempt
               to balance all the factors present when considering shoreline erosion; the natural forces of
               erosion, the present shoreline condition, the t)W of water body, and the property owner.




                                    L Lancaster County Shoreline Protection Study

               The first key in understanding Lancaster County's shoreline situation is to determine how much
               of the shoreline is eroding and where these sections of shoreline are located. After areas of
               erosion are determined, the reasons for erosion have to be considered. Lastly, property owners
               responses to erosion problems, such as alteration of their shoreline, have to be investigated as
               to the effectiveness and impacts of their efforts.


                                                      A. Erosion Rates

               The Virginia Institute of Marine Science has created 3 different categories to group shoreline
               erosion. The first group is Slight/None, which describes shoreline which is eroding at a rate
               of less than I foot per year. The second group is Moderate, which is shoreline which is eroding
               at the rate of I to 3 feet per year. The third group is Severe, which is shoreline which is
               eroding at a rate of 3 or more feet per year. Lastly, to suit the needs of the County's Plan an
               additional category, Accretional, has been added to describe shoreline area which is actuaRy
               building or increasing over time.

               The 1994 Lancaster Counly Shoreline Inventory completed by the Northern Neck Planning
               District Commission grouped the County's 3,916 waterfront parcels into categories based on their
               shoreline situation. The results are detailed below:











                                                                                                                2

                                    Slight/None            3,235 Parcels          82.61%
                                    Moderate               443 Parcels            11.31%
                                    Severe                 179 Parcels            4.57%
                                    Accretional            59 Parcels             1.51%



             According to the Virginia@ Institute of Marine Science's Shoreline Situation Roort for Lancaste
             County (1978), the County's average annual erosion rate for the shoreline is 0.7 feet per year.
             The average rate along the Bay is 1.7 feet per year. Along the rivers the average was 0.6 feet
             per year-

             In the 100 year period before the Shoreline Situation Report was done, 792 acres had eroded
             from the 43 miles of Bay Shore and 561 acres from the 125 mile of river shore. The greatest
             average erosion rate is 7.9 feet per year between Windmill and North Points, and 6.6 feet per
             year between Dymer and Indian Creeks. Along the Corrotoman and Rappahannock Rivers,
             average erosion rates of individual reaches ranged down from 5.1 feet per year. (Page 10,
             Shoreline Situation R=rt for Lancaster Cain-ty.)




                                                   B. Erosion Factors


             1.      Fetch and Water Body Energy
             The distance wind and waves travel across open water before they reach land is called the
             "fetch". For example the fetch across the Chesapeake Bay is over 20 miles in the parts of
             Lancaster County along the Bay. The fetch across most tidal creeks in Lancaster County ranges
             from a few hundred feet in the upper reaches to 1/2 to 1 mile near the creeks' mouths. The
             fetch is important because it is a factor in how much energy a water body has in influencing
             erosion.



             Low Energy Water Bodies
             This category includes the inland part of all the tidal creeks, coves, and upper reaches of rivers
             in Lancaster County including the following:

                     Indian Creek                                               Myers Creek
                     Dymer Creek                                                Whitehouse Creek
                     Tabbs Creek                                                Greenvale Creek
                     Anitpoision Creek                                          Deep Creek
                     Oyster Creek                                               Mulberry Creek
                     Mosquito Creek                                             Lancaster Creek
                     Carter Creek                                               Upper Eastern Branch
                     Taylor Creek                                               Upper Western Branch
                                                      Moran Creek











                                                                                                                    3

                 Medium-Energy Water Bodies

                 Main Branch Corrotoman River
                 Mouths of Tidal Creeks along Main Branch of Corrotoman River
                 Little Bay
                 Rappahannock River above Towles Point
                 Mouths of Tidal Creeks along Rappahannock River above Towles Point


                 High Energy Water Bodies

                 Mouth of the Corrotoman River
                 Rappahannock River Below Towles Point
                 Mouths of Tidal Creeks along Rappahannock River Below Towles Point
                 Fleets Bay
                 Chesapeake Bay
                 Mouths of Tidal Creeks along Chesapeake Bay




                 2.    Boat Traffic and Wake
                 Wakes caused from boat traffic can act greatly to worsen impacts of erosion on adjacent
                 shoreline. Effects of boat wakes are generally greater in narrow water bodies where the resulting
                 wake has less area to dissipate before it reaches the shoreline, and in areas where there is a large
                 amount of boat traffic. Generally, wakes tend to dissipate over larger distances such as major
                 rivers and bays. However, in narrow stretches of water the shoreline usually absorbs the impact
                 of the boat wake.


                 Heavy boating areas in Lancaster County include Carters Creek, the Rappahannock River, the
                 main branch of the Corrotoman River, Fleets Bay, and the Chesapeake Bay. Medium areas of
                 boating activity include Myers Creek, Lancaster Creek, Greenvale Creek, Whitehouse Creek,
                 Indian Creek, Dymer Creek, Tabbs Creek, and Antipoision Creek.



                 3.    Existing Shoreline Condition

                 a.    Topography and Soil Type
                 The topography of the shoreline plays a large role in how the shoreline erodes. Large shoreline
                 bluffs ad@acent to the water can be threatened by wave scour at their base, and seepage of
                 groundwater along their faces. The r;sult is that the base of the bluff is weakened and soil which
                 is saturated with groundwater colldp@'ses downward and "sloughs off". This trend will continue
                 until the bluff's base is protected and the face is stabilized.











                                                                                                                    4

               Additionally, steep areas along many upper reaches of Lancaster County's tidal water and
               shoreline are stable only until they are disturbed by development. These areascan be then
               difficult to stabilize. These areas tend to be present where there is the existence of -steep land
               and sandy soils. These soil types are found throughout Lancaster County and- make up
               approximately 28% of the county's soil. These soils are generally found along natural drainage
               courses along upper or inland reaches of tidal creeks and smaller tidal rivers. (See Slope Map)



               b.     Natural Protection
               Existing vegetation along the shoreline can act to stabilize erosion of the shoreline.* Additionally,
               wetlands adjacent to the shoreline can act as a buffer or baffle which can protect the shoreline.
               Barrier Island beaches and sand spits can also act to absorb wave energy before it reaches the
               shoreline of the mainland. Lastly, Submerged Aquatic Vegetation can act to slow and dissipate
               wave energy before it reaches the shore.



               C.     Man-Made Protection
               Altered shoreline can act to prevent erosion at the point where the shoreline is altered. However,
               the alteration of the shoreline in one location usually acts to increase erosion in areas downdrift
               of the altered shoreline area. Natural erosion of land results in sediment loss which acts to
               nourish downdrift shoreline. When a shoreline is altered, this natural supply of nourishment is
               lost.




                                                   C. Shoreline Alteration


               Alteration of the shoreline is the constructing of erosion protection structures on, adjacent to, or
               abutting the shoreline. These artificial stabilization structures include bulkheads, revetments,
               breakwaters, groins, and jetties.

               Alteration of the shore can. have positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts are the
               stabilization of severely eroding land, protection of endangered structures, and the protection of
               surface water quality. Negative impacts include possible downdrift erosion, loss of wetlands,
               and a disruption of natural shoreline processes. Negative impacts are often magnified as the
               amount of altered shoreline rises. Increased alteration can also result in a further loss of natural
               balance in the shoreline environment.


               In 1978, 14 miles or 73,920 feet (5%) of shoreline was artificially stabilized in Lancaster
               County. The 1994 Lancaster Coun1y Shoreline InyentojQ@ completed by the Northern Neck
               Planning District,Commission showed that 28.72 miles or 151,620 feet of shoreline had been
               altered in Lancaster County by 1993. This is a growth of 14.71 miles (77,700 feet) or 105 %
               in 15 years.'-This amount averages out to .98 miles (5,180 feet) of shoreline alteration a year
               from 1978-1993. (See "General Locations of Shoreline Alteration' Map)













                                                                                                        117 SICIpeo
           A
             X2
             li.                                                                                        45%    cp' e.
          NN
                                                K
                                                                                                       45%


                                              . . . . . . .                                   Lanom ter         VA

                        M
                                                                                                         -199 5
                                      . . . . . .                                                  JU

                                        27

                                           It








                                                  io



                                                                                             Grecited  By
                                        A.
                                                                                             Lcinor-ster Count-,
                                                                                                -ir-na and Lcind I.-Ise
                                                                                             Plat I
                                                             0                               nf fice
                                                                WWI
                                                                  A


                                                                                             Lancm,ter Clciu-&.v










                                                                                                                          ............ .              ....... ..... ...



                                                                                                                                                               ai   L c  (1, --l cins  c

                                                                                                                                                                   J-P
                            1,.FS; r                                                                                                                                          P. C I I  r

                                                                                                                                                       D                     un










                               ry







                                                                                                                                                           --ce:
                                                                                                                                                          r    r     li
                                                                                    Er-ls t riT'l                                                          . .... ....


                                                                                                                                                             ----------------


                                                                                  Tcadc"t-
                                                                    r e e
                                                                                     r C-! '.E@
                                                                                                                                                   7117

                                                                                                                                                   Tal.1


                                                         -ise.                                                                                           Jp(  I r Cl r)



                                                                                       (-.:reek


                                                                                                                       Creek











                                                                                                               5
               Alteration of the shoreline occurs slowly but has a cumulative impact. Approximately I I % of
               the County's shoreline was altered by 1993, and this growth continued into 1994, and 1995.
               Review of Wetland Board Public Hearing Minutes for all of 1994 show that over 2.4-1 miles of
               shoreline alteration was approved last year. Additionally, during the first seven months of 1995
               another .73 miles of structures had been approved. This is a trend which is expected to build
               in the next 20 years as new waterfront parcels are developed and homeowners try to protect their
               homes.



               High areas of altered Shoreline in Lancaster County include:

               a.    Morattico
               b.    Monaskon
               c .   Main Branch Corrotoman
               d.    Mouth of Corrotoman/Weems
               e.    Carter Creek
               f.    Palmers/Brightwater
               9-    Windmill Point and Marina Area
               h.    Norris Bridge area

                     Source: Lancaster Counly Shoreline- Inventory. Northern Neck Planning District
                             Commission; Callao, VA: April, 1994.



                                           D. Types of Shoreline Protection

               I     Dunes
               Dunes are a natural form of shoreline protection. They are basically a ridge or mound of loose,
               wind-blown material, such as sand. Dunes are very effective when vegetated. However, dunes
               have to be protected from foot and vehicular waffic. In Lancaster County, there are several
               isolated areas of sand dunes, all of which are on private property.

               The larger areas of dunes in Lancaster County are generally found along the lower Rappahannock
               River and the Chesapeake Bay, including parts of Fleets Island and Deep Hole Point. Smaller
               dune areas are found scattered throughout the County and are usually adjacent to higher energy
               water bodies. Access to dune areas in Lancaster County is through either private property or
               state owned waters. Therefore, vehicular traffic is very limited, with access available only to
               property owners with dunes on their land. However, pedestrian access to dune areas is not as
               limited with existing traffic being generated by both individual property owners and boaters.
               Realistic methods of minimizing negative impacts of pedestrian trafficin dune areas, which also
               recognize the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act's allowances for acc6ss to state waters, need to
               be ftirther explored in Lancaster County. Possible protection methods could include the requiring
               of raised walk-ways over dunes and other environmentally sensitive features when considering
               future development.











                                                                                                                6

              2.     Vegetation (Fringe Marsh Establishment)
              Vegetative shoreline protection is usually limited to creeks, smaller rivers, coves and partially
              protected shorelines where there are smaller fetches, and therefore less wave energy-(See Low
              Energy Water Bodies List on Page 2). Fringe marsh establishment is an environmentally sound
              shoreline protection option which is far less expensive than other commonly used methods for
              shoreline erosion protection, and often requires no permits.

              Many shoreline areas in Lancaster County are ideal for fringe marsh establishment. Often
              previous fringe marsh in these areas has died off due to boat wakes, the long-term effects of
              wave action, and the blocking off of light due to large overhanging trees. The result is that a
              bank starts to erode where vegetative buffer existed before. Establishment of a new marsh fringe
              can reverse this erosion situation.


              Fringe marshes have many desirable impacts. First, an established marsh traps sand moving with
                                                                                                         CD
              the tide and helps maintain a suitable marsh elevation. Additionally, fringe marsh acts as a
              baffle, which diminishes wave energy in the vegetated area before it reaches and erodes the
              upland bank. Fringe marshes also act to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat.


                                          Approximate Cost per Linear Foot
                                             for Shoreline Erosion Control


                                                                 RELATIVE WAVE ENERGY
                                                                   (Average Fetch*)
                           Type of                       LOW               MEDIUM                 HIGH
                       Erosion Control                  < I mile)          (1-5 miles)         (> 5miles)

              Marsh w/o Sand
              20 ft/fringe                                 $15                N/A                 N/A

              Marsh w/ Sand
              20 ft/fringe                                 $30                N/A                 N/A
              Bulkhead                                     $45        1       $150                $300
              Riprap                                       S45        1       $125                $200
                   Source: Shoreline Erosion Problems? Think Green.... Barnard, Tom and- Hardaway,
                             Scott; Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary;
                             Gloucester Point: VA, 1994.


            3.     Bulkheads and Seawalls (See Graphic)
            Bulkheads and seawalls protect banks and bluffs by completely separating the land from the
            water. Bulkheads act as retaining walls keeping the earth or sand behind them from crumbling
            or slumping. Seawalls are primarily used to resist wave action. Construction of bulkheads and












                                                                       J--JE@41) S, P





                                                           FILTER





                                                                     lit
                                                   FILL



                                 ond
                                1c I-p p@

                                                                         L
                             1--pp




                                                             'YVEEF'  HOLES@               T(1E
                                                                 re-lie.,ie groi-nd-       acicinst scour
                                                                              - CIf







                                     L     Cos t
                                                                                      I-- ly
                                                                                S
                                              cif.












                                                                                                               7

            seawalls can act to hasten erosion of beach areas immediately in front of the structures. This is
            because the structures redirect wave energy downward to the. toe and beach areas.,

            Bulkheads and seawalls are most appropriate where fishing and boating are the primary uses of
            the shore, and gently sloping beach areas for sunbathing and swimming are not desired.

            Source: Low Cost Shore Protection. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 1981.



            4.     Breakwater
            Breakwaters are structures placed offshore to diminish the energy of incoming waves. Lar-er
            breakwaters are suitable for protection of deep harbors. Much smaller breakwaters can be used
            by individual property owners to protect their shoreline. Breakwaters in this category are usually
            one to three hundred feet offshore in relatively shallow water and are designed to protect a gently
            sloping beach. Additionally, after wave energy is dissipated, sandy drift material can then be
            deposited behind the breakwater and act to build up the beach or protected shoreline.

            Breakwaters must be properly designed. If they are too high they can interfere with natural
            shoreline processes, and if they are too low the shoreline will be inadequately protected.
            Breakwaters are also prone to scour, so the toe of the structure must be protected. Lastly,
            breakwaters can have negative impacts on neighboring or downshore properties. Drift material
            trapped by breakwater can stop downshore shoreline from being renourished.

            Source: Low Cost Shore Protection. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 1981.


            5.    Groins
            Groins are structures that extend, fingerlike, perpendicularly from the shore. Groins are usually
            constructed in groups called fields. The primary purpose of a groin is to trap and retain sand,
            nourishing the beach compartments between them. Groins are designed to interTupt the longshore
            transport of littoral drift. They are more effective where longshore drift is predominantly in one
            direction. If not properly placed, groins can decrease nourishment of downdrift shore, resulting
            in erosion of that shore.

            Groins are suitable erosion control measures where a beach is desirable, and they are compatible
            with most recreational activities. Sand trapped by groins eventually provides a buffer between
            incoming waves and backshore and inland areas. The waves break on the new beach and expend
            most of their energy there. Groins are effective protection during normal weather conditions but
            offer only limited protection against storm-driven waves.

            Source: Low Cost Shore.'Protection. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 1981-











                                                                 FE"./I '11-AUTTY      ICYURE








                                                                                              SP-311ESN'




                                                                                                           51C



                                                                                                                  A- Rp!." E
                                                                                                                   -III- -old
                                                                                                                          e   chkii
                                                                                                                    pr         .3clair
                                                                                                   I LT E R,
                                                                                                   I  TIA




                                                       I E I II F 0 RE D1  E
                                                       to pre-vent     s ci.) k_r


                                            Lc-,,%- Cost- 'E-hore.-I
                                             Clorps c-If Endneers, Tc-DEld.











                                                                                                                    8

              6.      Revetments (See Graphic)
              Revetments are structures placed on banks or bluffs in such a way as to absorb the energy of
              incoming waves. The most common type of revetment used in Lancaster County is the rip-rap.
              Revetments are usually constructed to preserve the existing use of the shoreline and- to protect
              the slope. Like seawalls, revetments armor and protect the land behind them. Additionally,
              depending on construction materials, revetments can be either watertight or porous. Porous
              revetments are most desirable because they can act to ftu-ther diminish wave energy, while
              allowing less wave energy to be reflected off of the structure's surface to beach or marsh areas
              in front of the structure.

              Most revetments do not act to interfere with transport of littoral drift. Furthermore, they do not
              act to redirect wave energy to unprotected areas,, except for beaches immediately in front of the
              structure. However, protecting previously eroding land cuts off the supply of the eroding
              material which before acted to nourish downshore beaches. This causes downshore beaches to
              have less nourishment, and can result in their eventual erosion.

              Revetinents have to be built with armor material sufficient enough to withstand storm conditions.
              Undersized armor rocks or material will cause the revetment to fail. The toe or base of the
              revetment should be buried or protected to prevent scouring of the structure. Revetments also
              should be built on gentle slopes with 2 to 4 feet of run for every foot of rise. Lastly, failure to
              tie the revetment structure back into the shoreline can result in flank erosion around the structure,
              because the flank area now receives no upshore nourishment from the now protected shoreline.

              Source: Low Cost Shore Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 1981.



                                 E. Existing Condition of Lancaster County Shoreline

              For purposes of study, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has grouped Lancaster
              County's shoreline into like sections called reaches. Reaches are sections of shoreline which
              share similar topographic and physical characteristics. There are 7 Reaches in Lancaster County
              and their locations can be seen on the "Reach Map". Below is a summary of the 7 Reach
              segments in Lancaster County. The reach summaries have been compiled from information
              found in VIMS' 5horeline Situation RQ@Lrt for Lancaster Cog= (1978).



              1. Reach 1
              Reach I is approximately 55 shoreline miles in length and extends from Indian Creek to the
              southern mouth of Antipoison Creek (See Reach 1 Map). Included in this reach is all shoreline
              along Indian, Dymer, Tabbs, and Antipoison Creeks; as well as the shoreline fronting Fleets
              Bay. Shoreline topography in this reach is described below:














                                                                                                                                            LEGEHE",



                                                                                                                                              Re,--lf- h

                                                                                                                                              Reoch      3

                                                                                                                                              F e:jc.-h  4

                                                                                                                                              Re-lc
                                   --Rg

                                                                    Riv eF-
                                                                                                                                        MW    Re:ich
                                                        1.6
                                                                                                                                              Wri. P-f

                                                                      iL




                                                                          "It


                                                                                                                              aw        Prepored By,
                                                                                                                                        Lanocster
                                                                                                                                        Floi ir na and Land Use
                                                                                                             109'. P, A
                                                                                                                                        Of fl ce
                                           R 1:ppob:in
                                                  R   e r                                                                                June, T995
                                                                                            41
                                                      14 i






















                                                                                                                                                                                                         rH
                                                                                                                                                                      '-.nt 1pol so n      C.'reekS
                                                                         Inclion (7,







                                                                                                                                                                                      Eros'
                                                                                                                                                                      Acl- -rel r-icj            re.1'
                                                                                                                                                                                                     If









                                                                                                     F I ee t s E; a


                                                                                                                                                                Lcinccnter           C. o u-i t.-,?
                                                                                                                                                                PIcinr-or-o-i and Land UP
                                                                                                                                                                                                        ,e,


                                                      I Ip   I
                                                           o SCIFI        r tie- I

                                                                                               Little.     P-2 c@q










                                                                                                               9

                                                         Shore Form
                                             98.18%                Low Shore
                                              1.46%                Low Shore with Bluffs
                                              0.36%                Filled Fastland


                                                       Shoreline Type
                                             87.45%                Fringe Marsh
                                             7.82%                 Beach
                                             3.27%*                Artificially Stabilized
                                             0.73%                 Embayed Marsh
                                             0.73%                 Extensive Marsh


                                       This is a 1978 figure which has probably doubled in the last 15 years.

              The shoreline in this reach is prone to flooding during coastal storms due to its low elevation.
              All structures below 5 feet in elevation would be inundated by high storm waters. Areas of
              beach in Reach I are generally of good quality. Considering erosion, areas of severe erosion
              exist along the Fleets Bay shoreline between Indian and Dymer Creek (6.6 feet/year) and the Bay
              front near Tabbs Creek (5.6 to 6.0 feet/year). Additionally, one area north of the Tabbs Creek
              mouth is accreting at a rate of 1.6 feet per year. All other shoreline areas in this reach,
              particularly along the creeks, have slight or no change due to erosion.


              2. Reach 2
              Reach 2 is approximately 37 miles in length and extends from the southern mouth of Antipoison
              Creek, around Windmill Point, and back to Mosquito Point on the Rappahannock River (See
              Reach 2 Map). Included in this reach are the shoreline areas along Little Bay, Fleets Island,
              Windmill Point Creek, Oyster Creek, the Rappahannock River and Mosquito Creek. Shoreline
              topography in this reach is detailed below:

                                                       Shore Form
                                           99.25%                Low Shore
                                            0.75%                Low Shore with Bluffs


                                                     Shoreline Type
                                           46.61%                Fringe Marsh
                                           24.93%                Extensive Marsh
                                           16.26%                Beach
                                            7.05 %               Artificially Stabilized
                                            5.15%                Embayed Marsh

                                      This is a 1978 figure which has probably doubled in the last 15 years.

              The shoreline in Reach 2 is very low and susceptible to flooding. The majority of the structures
              in this area are situated 5 feet or less in elevation and would be flooded during periods of high










                                                                                                      'i
                                                                                                                                                              :',i



                                                                                                      "'i.:
                                                                                                                                                                                                a n c cis      e. r


                                                                                                                                                                                                  )IJ
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     f
                                                                                                                                                                                                     P")l sci n




                                              tA


                                                                                                                                                                                                      r eI I Fe@


                                                                                                                                                                                                       e
                                                                                                                                                                                                            e    Eros
                                                                                                                                                                                                         t
                                                                                                                         vt
                                                                                                                                                                                                  lock-f- cl@ e
                                                                                                                                                                               t
                                                                                                                                                                                                       r o.   I r -1 a     -cj re  I' re.
                                                                                                                                                                              -ij

                                                                                                      OY
                                                                                      Lilt f

                                                                                                                                                      d

                                           j   t C,
                                tAos



                                                                                                                                                                                                 -cm. ter      C, cf I
                                                                                                                                                                                        Plann ng            a r -i c I L c) nd t 17
                                                                                                                               '.bI ht:                                                 CI f f  ce.

                                                                                                                                  ee
                                                                                                                                r      k
            io,
                                                                                                                                                                                                      .199 5
                                                                                                              f"A
                                                                                                                                                          ti
                                                                                                         ver,:!











                                                                                                                  10

                storm water. Beach quality in this reach ranges from poor to excellent. Very good beach areas
                exist along stretches of Fleets Island and between Windmill Point to Windmill.Point Creek.
                Erosion in Reach 2 is severe from North Point to Windmill Point Marina (2-9 to @.9-feet/year).
                Moderately eroding shoreline is found from Mosquito Creek to Mosquito Point (2.7feet/year).
                Lasdy, accreting shoreline is found between the mouths of Windmill Point Creek to Mosquito
                Creek (1.5 feet/year).


                3. Reach 3
                Reach 3 is approximately 31.5 miles long and is comprised of all the shoreline from Mosquito
                Point to the mouth of the Corrotoman River. Include in this reach is all the shoreline along
                Carter's Creek from Crab Point to Weems. Shoreline topography in this reach is presented
                below:


                                                          Shore Form
                                               33.79%                Moderately Low Shore with Bluffs
                                               22.53%                Low Shore
                                               20.05%                Moderately Low Shore
                                               12.09%                Low Shore with Bluffs
                                               6.87%                 Moderately High Shore
                                               3.57%                 Moderately High Shore with Bluffs
                                               1.10%                 Filled Fastland


                                                        Shoreline Type
                                               65.40%                Fringe Marsh
                                               18.41%                Beach
                                               9.84%*                Artificially Stabilized
                                               6.35%                 Embayed Marsh

                                       This is a 1978 figure which has probably doubled
                                       in the last 15 years.

              The majority of this shorefine area is considered a low flood hazard area. The exceptions are
              structures built in low elevation areas at Wliite Stone Beach and at the creek mouths. Those
              sections area high risks for flood hazards. Over 50% of the shoreline in Reach 3 is comprised
              of bluffs. Shoreline bluffs can be susceptible to erosion at their base from scour, on their surface
              from drainage patterns, and in the area in between through groundwater seepage.

              Beach quality in Reach 3 ranges from poor to good. Good beaches are present from Mosquito
              Point to Crab Point. Erosion rates in Reach 3 vary from slight or none, to moderate.
              Moderately eroding shoreline areas are found along the Rappahannock River (1.5 to 1.7
              feet/year, around Weems (I. I feet/year), and at the mouth of the Corrotoman River (1.2 to 1.6
              feet/year). Areas of slight or no erosion is found in Carter's Creek.




















                              In
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Pol r it
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .1        F'ol rt
                                                                                                                              1A


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             es

                                                                                                                             Car@er
                                                                                                                                 'reek




                 1.    0.,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           t--A cl d ef - fi-         e          r o s ir-f -i
                                                                   vq








                                                                                                                                               -  41
                                                              "t ,
                                                                         !@ -ffillll-i   a.,
             -1.,          lid


                                                                               4'j,                                                                                                                                                               'Y


                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Vin

                                                                                                                                                          .. . .. .....     j6,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Cre-c-3ted
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Lonom te
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Pl a i            n q         a nd            Land                Use



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Ju-ie,



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  -1,;       v












                4. Reach 4
                Reach 4 is approximately 85.8 miles in length and covers the entire length of the Corrotoman
                River. Included in this reach are the Eastern and Western Branches of the      Corr6toman River;
                and Taylor, Myers, and Moran Creeks. Shoreline topography in this reach is described below:

                                                          Shore Form
                                               57.40%                Moderately Low Shore
                                               17.57%                Low Shore
                                               9.69%                 Moderately Low Shore with Bluffs
                                               9.37%                 Moderately High Shore
                                               3.51%                 Low Shore with Bluffs
                                               2.35%                 Moderately High Shore with Bluffs
                                               0.11%                 Filled Fastland


                                                        Shoreline Type
                                               72.73%                Fringe Marsh
                                               18.88%                Embayed Marsh
                                               6.41%                 Beach
                                               1.75%*                Artificially Stabilized

                                        This is a 1978 figure which has probably doubled in the last 15 years.

              The majority of Reach 4 is a low flood hazard area. The exceptions are the few structures built
              below 5 feet elevation and the road located on the northern side of the mouth of Taylor's Creek.
              The quality of the beaches found in this reach is poor. The exception is tile beach found at Bar
              Point which is fair in quality. Almost the entire reach length has erosion rates of slight or none.
              However, moderate erosion rates can be found from Ottoman Wharf to Bar Point (1.0 feet/year),
              at Black Stump Point (1.7 feet/year), and on the West Bank of the Main Branch of the
              Corrotoman River (1.7 to 1.9 feet/year). Additionally, one area with severe erosion rates exists
              on the Corrotoman River between Taylor and Moran Creeks (5.1 feet/year), but the situation
              appears to have been stabilized by placement of effective shoreline protection structures.


              Reach 5
              Reach 5 is approximately 25 miles in length and stretches from the mouth of Whitehouse Creek
              on the Corrotoman River to the mouth of Belmont Creek on the Rappahannock River. Included
              in this reach is all the shoreline along Ewells Prong, Whitehouse Creek, Wyatt Creek, Beach
              Creek, and Paynes Creek. Shoreline topography in this reach is detailed below:

                                                         Shore Form
                                            64.20%                 Low Shore
                                            28.00%                 Moderately Low Shore
                                               5.90%               Moderately Low Shore with Bluffs
                                               2.20%               Low Shore with Bluffs










                                                                                                                             1 4
                                                                                                                          te


                                                                                                                  C
                                                                                                                      -rc   -i-i -i River
                                                                                                                    oi  -tor ar








                                           s tern
                                        We
                                                                   East
                                                                   Brarc-h


                                                                                                                               II-C'mon





                                                                        A or on
                                                                       Creek


                                                                                 Taylor                            -ite
                                                                                                              C' r ec  -d B,.,, -
                               r e e.T,,
                                                                                                              Lancaster Ccii--nt-v
                                                                                                              Plant-inci  cind Land 1. Ise.
                                                                                                              Of fice.


                                              3 C.-;1
                                                                                      1Y,
                                                                                                                        IL





                                                                                  p -c











                                                                                                             12

                                                       Shoreline Type
                                            72.80%                 Fringe Marsh
                                             14.80%                Embayed Marsh
                                             6_40%*                Artificially Stabilized
                                             6.00%                 Beach

                                       This is a 1978 figure which has probably doubled
                                      in the last 15 years.

              Almost 65 % of Reach 5 shoreline is low-lying, making the reach prone to flooding from coastal
              storms. One area of particular concern is the shoreline around Beach Creek. Most of the beach
              quality in the reach is considered poor with the exception of some good quality beaches found
              along Beach Creek. Erosion rates in reach 5 ranges from slight or no change to moderate. The
              moderately eroding shoreline is found from the southern mouth of Whitehouse Creek to Towles
              Point, and along the Rappahannock River from Towles Point to Belmont Creek. Lastly, there
              is slight, or no erosion along the creek shorelines in this reach.



              6. Reach 6
              Reach 6 is approximately 14 miles long and runs from Belmont Creek to Deep Creek. This
              reach includes shoreline along the Rappahannock River, Belmont Creek, Greenvale Creek, and
              Midway Creek. Shoreline topography in this reach is presented below:

                                                       Shore Form
                                           49.20%                Moderately Low Shore
                                           40.68%                Low Shore
                                             5.08%               Moderately Low Shore with Bluffs
                                             2.82%               Filled Fastland
                                             2.26%               Low Shore with Bluffs


                                                     Shoreline Type
                                           55.00%                Fringe Marsh
                                           16.43 %               Artificially Stabilized
                                           15.00%                Beach
                                           13.57%                Embayed Marsh

                                     This is a 1978 figure which has probably doubled
                                     in the last 15 years.

            Flood hazards along Reach 6 range from low to moderate. The shoreline from Belmont Creek
            to Midway Creek has elevations above 5 feet and is not in danger of flooding. However, the
            shoreline from Midway Creek to Deep Creek is moderately at risk Ito flooding from coastal
            storms due to the many structures built very close to the shoreline.. Beach quality in Reach 6 is
            generally considered poor. Erosion rates in Reach 6 vary from slight or none to moderate. The









                                                                                                                                      REA 1-1 5
                                                                                                                                Lanocr, ter C'n       %/,A,


                                                                                                                                ior      r I   A-a-A    of
                                                                                                                                                 C:reel(   t o

                                                                                                                                      Ic --I
                                                  r


                                    ji
                                                   pav res                                                                        2    Sl  c- r e
                         ""Jit!   Ali,
                                                                                                     ji
                                                   Creel,


                                                                                                                                     rr
                                                                                                                                       .q


                                                                                                                                    ("Idi:i- cit e. Fror, I OT-1

                                             Be3ch
                                                                                                                       6.1 .
                                             Creek

                                                                                                                   V_i UP:
                                                                  E NN, P-1 Is



                     o. f@ Pi




                               io:ii)
                                                                                                                            C-'rea ted By
                                      io

                                 p-H
                                                                                                                            L an- -:cy; ter Cou-itv
                                                                                                                            Plonrina and Lcmd Ume.
                                                                           "T,


                                                                                                            N
                                   Ng
                                                                                                             . ..... ....





                                                                                                               @111i:,_-, .........






                                                                                 V'. 4", T,1ii









                                                                                                                                                                                         PEA!

                                                                                                                                                                                            J


                                                                                                                                                                                                         eel.,
                                                                                                                                                                                       r


                                                                     qy

                                                                                                                                                                                          "I-1c rel    -ie    f-vi I I es
                                          N, l


                                         @41
                                  S!, i till
                                     l, 4,


                                                               ,zq;



                                                        QIull
                                                                                                                                                                                           -n- fTI- 17.--.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         -ros


                                                                                                                                                                                                                      -le
                                                                                                                                                                                   Ac.          I                   I r



                                     1. .0 V`Ill: 1 41 i&r.@,*,k;1!.'A;,!-.*..

                                                                                                                   G
                                                                                                                      -eer-t,,, ale
                                                                                                                     r
                                                       noll@
                                                                                                                   Creek
                                                        @Wffl_



                                                                                      1.
                                                                                                  ,n"i                                                                         -e     e d     Rv
                                                                                                                                                                           L a n c rx-    e r         un
                                                                                                                                                                                       -iq    and      Land          Ise.
                                                                                                                                                                           Plant it

                                                               f-,   j *N"
                                                                                                                                                                           Of fice
                                                                                                         @"ff@""
                                                                                                                              404;


                                                                                           4 ;,"PA @MH
                                                                                                                                                 Bdrm int
                                                                      11@_.__                       N61,*1 -1      q
                                                                                                                                                 Creel-



                                                                                                                                 ;41










                                                                                                              13

             Rappahannock River from Greenvale Creek to Midway Creek has an erosion rate of 1.4 feet/year
             to 1.7 feet/year. However, there are some minor areas of accretion in this same section.
             Additional erosion occurs along the Rappahannock River from Midway Creek to Deep Creek at
             a rate of 1.3 to 2.9 feet/year. The exceptions in this section are accreting areas at the mouth of
             Deep Creek and near Midway Creek.



             7. Reach 7
             Reach 7 is approximately 28.7 miles long and extends from Deep Creek to the headwaters of
             Lancaster Creek. Included in this reach is Deep Creek, Belle Isle, Mulberry Creek, Morattico,
             and the Lancaster County side of Lancaster Creek. The shoreline topography in this reach is
             detailed below:


                                                       Shore Form
                                           74.22%                Low Shore
                                           25.47%                Moderately Low Shore

                                                     Shoreline Type
                                           58.54%                Fringe Marsh
                                           26.13%                Embayed Marsh
                                             9.41%               Extensive Marsh
                                           3.83 %                Artificially Stabilized
                                             1.50%               Beach


                                     This is a 1978  figure which has probably doubled
                                     in the last 15 years.

            Flood hazards in this reach are high for areas around Belle Isle and Morattico, but are low for
            Lancaster Creek. Beach quality in Reach 7 ranges from poor to fair. The fair beaches are
            located around the mouth of Mulberry Creek. Erosion rates for Reach 7 are slight or none along
            the creek shorelines, moderate along the Rappahannock River side of Belle Isle (2.5 feet/year),
            and Severe near Morattico (3.1 to 4.4 feet/year). However, much of the Morattico shoreline has
            been stabilized with shoreline protection structures.








                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Mop I v 21      Mg.



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          K
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      _'H 7
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               -h-C
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Lancm. ter

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    to the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Deer,.





                                                                                                                                                                                                   AL -







                                                                                                              4p


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     t,,Anderrj@e, Erns-cin
                                                                                                                                                Lcm jecu ter
                                                                                                                                                Creek




                                                                                                                                             NiUlber rv
                                                                                                                                             creek


                                                                                                            @J.    v r @p
                                          P:       Z
                                                       G."
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Crea@ed 13-y-
                                                                                            v. _@n-@.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              -icm ter-                    :ni nty
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Deep                           Lar
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    -1             -ind I               nd Use.
                                                                                                                                   BF_q1e                                                                                               Creek                          Planf ng
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Of f ict,

                                                                        i7
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       j,
                                                                                                                                                                                                 I?Pa         41

                                                                                                                                                                                               6"   W
                                                                                                                                                               VA
                                                                       i9 q!
                                                                                                         N,
                                                        U                                                                                                                             Al,
                                                              IRV
                                                                                                                         Jug,
                                                                                                                KA@   taw


                                                                                                                                                                         N' "i"T
                                                                                                                                                                          -,t
                                                                                                                                                                       IN,










                                                                                                               14

                                        11. Ass,essment of Existing Conditions

             Lancaster County is fortunate to have a large amount of tidal shoreline and related natural
             resources. As this shoreline area becomes more developed, proper management of this resource
             will be required to preserve its attractive qualities. The first part in the management process
             comes through recognizing the natural dynamics that shape the County's shoreline. The second
             part in this process involves understanding how man's actions can positively or negatively impact
             these resources. Lastly, proper management requires balancing the natural shoreline processes
             with man's interaction in order to reach the goal of a protected, but enhanced environment.

             Several areas of Lancaster County have historically experienced severe shoreline erosion
             including areas along Fleets Island, Fleets Bay, Morattico, and the Main Branch of the
             Corrotoman River. Also several areas of the County have historically been impacted by
             moderate shoreline erosion including, much of the shoreline along Rappahannock River and the
             Main Branch of the Corrotoman River. There are many reasons for this shoreline erosion
             including the fetch and energy of the particular waterbody, the topography and condition of the
             existing shoreline, the previous alteration of the shoreline, and wakes caused by boats.

             As more of Lancaster County's waterfront has become developed, there has been an increase in
             the amount of altered shoreline in the County. The 1978 Virginia Institute of Marine Science
             Shoreline Situation Report for Lancaster County found that 5 % or 73,920 linear feet (14 miles)
             of the County's shoreline had been altered by 1978. The 1994 Northern Neck Planning District
             Commission Shoreline Inventory provides a contrast by showing that over 10.8% or 151,620
             linear feet (28.72 miles) of the County's shoreline had been altered by 1993. Determining the
             amount of hardened shoreline in Lancaster County is important because altered shoreline can
             have negative impacts such as the loss of wetlands and beach, the erosion of down-drift
             properties, the disruption of natural shoreline processes, and the loss of wildlife habitat.

             Review of 1994 and 1995 approvals for shoreline protection structures shows that the trend in
             shoreline alteration is continuing, if not increasing. In 1994, 2.41 miles of rip-rap and bulkhead
             were approved for construction in Lancaster County.          Additionally, through July, 1995
             approximately .75 miles of rip-rap and bulkhead had been approved for the year. Evidence
             supports the conclusion that rip-rap and bulkhead construction is being overwhelmingly used as
             a shoreline protection measure in Lancaster County, even in cases where vegetative shoreline
             protection methods would have been more suitable.

             Alternative measures for shoreline protection need to be promoted and considered in Lancaster
             County.    For example, vegetative shoreline protection methods, such as fringe marsh
             establishment, are not being pursued by the large majority of waterfront property owners. This
             type of shoreline protection provides a natural solution to erosion problems, while also enhancing
             wildlife habitat and preserving the scenic state of the shoreline. Additionally, when found
             necessary the use of rip-rap should be encouraged over the construction of bulkheads.











                                                                                                                 15

                At present, promoting of the use of rip-rap does not seem to be a problem in Lancaster County,
                where rip-rap is the preferred shoreline protection method. However, in areas of shoreline where
                there is high energy water the use of porous ri-p-rap structures should stiR be pro mioted. These
                structures act to absorb wave energy instead of deflecting it back. Rip-rap is possibly a better
                alternative than bulkhead when considering nearshore sensitive environmental resources such as
                SAV, and is also better for wetlands and beach areas.

                In conclusion, the cumulative impact of shoreline hardening in Lancaster County should be a
                cause for concern. The result of further alteration of the County's shoreline could be a continued
                loss of shoreline wildlife habitat, a non-uniform shoreline with spotty and unpredictable patterns
                of erosion, and an increase in the loss of wetlands and beach areas.










                                                                                            16

                                        111. Goals and Objectives


           Goal 1:      Actively encourage shoreline protection measures which are equal to the
                        erosion potential at a particular site.

           Objective:
                        Encourage alternative shoreline protection methods such as fringe marsh
                        establishment in shoreline areas with less wave energy, light boat traffic, and small
                        fetches.


           Objective:
                        Discourage use of bulkheads and rip-raps in low energy, lightly traveled water
                        bodies; unless erosion justifies shoreline hardening for protection purposes.

           Objective:
                        Encourage use of revetments instead of bulkheads in high energy shoreae zones,
                        while also assuring that revetment structures are armored adequately enough to
                        provide the intended protection.



           Goal 2:      Encourage vegetative enhancement of RPA areas.

           Objective:
                        Evaluate subdivision proposals as to their existing shoreline condition and upland
                        characteristics in regard to erosion. If necessary, recommend RPA enhancements
                        to offset impacts of proposed development.

           Objective:
                        Encourage individual property owners to maintain and enhance their RPA areas
                        in ways which protect the existing shoreline, improve water quality, and mitigate
                        the impact of their development.



           Goal 3:      Encourage coordinated shoreline protection efforts in existing waterfront
                        communities and in new subdivisions-


           Objective:
                        Propose changes to subdivision ordinances which would encourage submission of
                        a shoreline management plan.











                                                                                                           17

              Objective:
                            Propose changes to the subdivision ordinance which would offer incentives such
                            as density credits to developers who initiate appropriate, coordinated, on-site
                            shoreline protective measures.

             Objective:
                            Encourage waterfront property owners in existing communities to consider multi-
                            parcel shoreline protection strategies before they pursue individual approaches.

             Objective:
                            Utilize the current wetlands workshop series sponsored by the Northern Neck
                            Planning District Commission as a public education tool for Lancaster County.
                            Encourage expansion of workshop audience by actively targeting marketing efforts
                            toward waterfront property owners, and offer a seminar, or series of seminars,
                            about shoreline protection options for Lancaster County property owners.










                                                                                                                   18

                                  IV. The Lancaster County Shoreline Protection Plan


              A.      Shoreline Protection Means Equal Site Situation

              It is strongly recommended that Lancaster County actively encourage individual property owners
              to explore all shoreline protection alternatives and decide upon the protection method most
              suitable for their shoreline. In Lancaster County there has been a large increase in the utilization
              of rip-rap, and to a lesser degree bulkheads, for almost all shoreline protection situations. In
              many cases, alternative protection methods such as fringe marsh establishment would have been
              more economically and environmentally suitable solutions for shoreline protection, particularly
              in the many creeks in Lancaster County.

              The over-armoring of the shoreline is costly environmentally and economically. First, bulkheads
              and rip-raps can result in a loss of wetlands and beach areas due to scouring at the base, and
              wave energy reflected off the body of these structures. Secondly, the hardening of the shoreline
              can cause downdrift erosion due to the loss of nourishment supplies which have now been cut
              off through alteration, and because of the possible flanking of these protection structures. Lastly,
              the property owner loses because they chose an expensive protection means when a alternative,
              cheaper method would have been sufficient.

              Furthermore, it is recommended that in cases where hardening of the shoreline is necessary, that
              the County encourages methods which have the least impact on the environment. For example,
              this policy would encourage the use of a properly designed porous revetments: such as rip-rap,
              over impenetrable means such as concrete revetments and bulkheads. Porous revetment structure
              can act to dissipate the wave's energy as the wave breaks up the structure. Impenetrable
              structures instead act to deflect wave energy up, down, and back out, which can, result in loss
              of sensitive environmental features in front of the structure.



              B.     Incentives for Subdivision Wide Shoreline Protection Efforts in Proposed
                     Subdivisions.


              It is strongly recommended that Lancaster County proposes changes to the subdivision ordinance
              which would encourage subdivision wide shoreline protection efforts. One recommended change
              would be to require submission of a shoreline management plan for new waterfront subdivisions.
              This requirement would assure that unique on-site characteristics related to shoreline protection
              would be studied and addressed in a coordinated, subdivision wide manner. This approach
              would give the County a chance to influence the shoreline protection efforts of a larger area all
              at one time, before they become the many, separate, individual efforts of property owners in a
              new subdivision.

              The second recommended change to the subdivision ordinance is to.        offer incentives, such as
              density credits, to developers who initiate appropriate, coordinated, on-site shoreline protective










                                                                                                                  19

               measures. The purpose would be to encourage a wide-scale, coordinated approach to shoreline
               protection while considering the characteristics of a whole site, instead of an individual parcel.
               This proposed change would benefit both Lancaster County, the developer, and f@ture owners
               of new subdivision lots.


               First, Lancaster County would benefit through more buildable sites in a subdivision, which
               would add to the residential property tax base. Secondly, the County would further benefit from
               a more coordinated approach to shoreline protection, which would result in a uniform, attractive
               shoreline. Third, the developer could profit from additional lot sales gained through density
               credits. Lastly, new property owners would benefit through the purchasing of a lot in a well
               planned, desirable neighborhood with protected homesites.


               C_     Cooperative Approaches to Shoreline Protection (See Graphic)

               One of the chief negative impacts of individual shoreline protection efforts is how they can affect
               neighboring properties. Shoreline alteration at one individual site can result in erosion problems
               downdrift of the original site. It is strongly recommended that Lancaster County encourage
               property owners in existing waterfront communities to cooperate in developing neighborhood
               wide or multi-parcel approaches to shoreline protection.

               Cooperative protection efforts would benefit both the County and the waterfront property owners.
               First, the county would gain through the preservation or enhancement of waterfront land values,
               which in turn support the tax base. Secondly, property owners would benefit by sharing
               construction costs, while assuring that flanking properties, as well as their own are protected.
               Often such multi-parcel efforts to thwart localized erosion can be more effective than
               individualized efforts. The result is that the County is left with a more attractive, uniform
               shoreline, a constant or increased tax base, and citizens who have saved through shared shoreline
               protection costs.


               D.    Encourage Vegetative Alternatives for Shoreline Protection and Vegetative
                     Enhancement of Resource Protection Areas.

               Trends in approved permits for shoreline protection structures show a large increase in the actual
               number of structures and the number of linear feet being altered by property owners.
               Furthermore, review of shoreline protection structure approvals for 1994 and 1995 show an
               overwhelmingly large use of rip-rap, and to a lesser degree bulkheads, for shoreline protection
               (See Wetlands Board Approvals in APPENDDQ. In many of these cases vegetative means for
               shoreline protection would have been viable options, but hardening methods were chosen instead.
               The cumulative impacts of these approvals are unknown, but include increased loss of wetlands
               and beach areas, wildlife habitat, and natural shoreline areas. For these reasons Lancaster
               County should strongly encourage property owners to consider vegetative alternatives for
               shoreline protection.






























                                %




                       Cooperative. approach to shoreline protection rmsdts in nricre
                       effectiYe protection mcirst erosion, enhanced safety -*-:2. --A-r-
                       sorul property, an inarensed rLrrA.-er of desirabie bLiidnc sites,
                       and  cost saAngs the    to shcred expenses.

                                                                          -3b
                                 F 1 ell'.  @ If.--) r - - '")

                                                                                    4-







                       Individu3i approach to  shorekne protection restits; in possibie
                       increased erosion risk  to neichtoring properties due    to florkina
                       of the bulkheacb, a decrease in the nLrnter of desirable buil8,-
                       sites. and a disjointed, uneven shoreline.


                      Sourt-,-: Low Cost Shore Frafection.    U.S. Army
                               Corps of Engineers, 1,991.










                                                                                                              20

                Vegetative methods of shoreline protection could be effectively used in many parts of Lancaster
                County, including areas along tidal creeks, coves, and other low-energy water bodies with
                smaller fetches (See Low Energy Water Bodies List on Page 2). Fringe marsh e'smblishment,
                selective trimming of branches overhanging existing shoreline vegetation, landscaping, and
                enhancement of existing vegetation are some options available to property owners in applicable
                shoreline areas. Additionally, vegetative enhancement of Resource Protection Areas could be
                undertaken by all waterfront property owners. Such efforts could include the planting of
                vegetative buffer areas or the replenishment and enhancement of existing shoreline vegetation.
                The benefits are that the property owner can save money through not opting for bulkheads or rip-
                rap, the shoreline is left in a natural state, and wildlife habitat is enhanced.


                E-    Support Efforts to Educate Property Owners Concerning Shoreline Protection
                      Issues and Alternatives-


                It is recommended that Lancaster County strongly support programs for educating waterfront
                property owners concerning shoreline protection. The more knowledgeable property owners are
                of issues and alternatives surrounding shoreline protection, the better prepared they will be to
                decide upon their shoreline protection methods. Furthermore, the Northern Neck Planning
                District Commission has a Wetlands Workshop Program already established which offers periodic
                seminars concerning wetlands topics throughout the Northern Neck. Lancaster County can utilize
                this existing program as an educational tool for its waterfront property owners. The County can
                work with the Northern Neck Planning District Commission in designing a workshop specifically
                for waterfront property owners considering shoreline protection strategies. Supporting this type
                of educational program in Lancaster County would provide benefit to many.










                                                                                                              21

                                                GLOSSARY OF TERMS


            Accretion - The natural building up of sedimentary material along a. given -segment of
                            shoreline. Areas of accretion are gaining land over time due to natural processes.

            Fetch -         The unobstructed distance over water in which waves are generated by wind of
                            relatively constant direction and speed.
                            a. Narrow
                            b. Moderate
                            c. Wide
                            d. Unlimited



            Littoral Drift - Sedimentary material move along the shoreline under the influence of waves and
                             currents.


            Nourishment - The process of replenishing a beach. It may be brought about naturally, by
                            accretion due to the longshore transport, or artificially, by the
                            deposition of dredged materials.

            Scour - Removal of underwater material by waves and currents, especially at the base or toe of
                    a shoreline structure.


            Shoreforms
                   a- Cliffs - A high, steep face of rock; a precipice.

                   b. Bluffs - A high, steep bank composed of erodible materials.

                   c. Marshes - Areas of soft, wet or periodically submerged land which is generally
                               treeless and usually characterized by grasses and other low vegetation.

                   d. Beaches - The zone of sedimentary material that extends landward from the low
                                  water line to the place where there is marked change in material or form,
                                  or to the line of permanent vegetation (usually the effective limit of storm
                                  waves)- The seaward limit of a beach - unless otherwise specified- is the
                                  mean low water line. A beach includes the foreshore and backshore.


                          Source: Low Cost Shore Protection. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 1981.






                                                                                                   -11. 11 ".






























                                                  "PENDIX




































                                                                                         "I ti
                                                                                       I
                                                                                       I





                                                                              Summary of 1994
                                                                       Wetland Board Decisions

                                                                                                        Length in
            Iax Map        Parcel  Dgaffiplm                                                               EkW      VVeloc 13QdY
                20         1 E     105'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 794                                           105      Western Branch of the Corrotoman R           12/112/94
                31 E       1-11 .  86'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 1051                                           86       Ewells Prong of Whitehouse Creek             12/12/94
                34         94C     108' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 200                                          108      Currell's Cove of Carter Creek               12/12/94
                19C        1-23    145'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 637                                           145      Jack's Cove of Carter Creek                  11114/94
                33         492 "0" 880'of Rip-Rap off of Route 354                                         880      Rappahannock River                           11/14/94
                26J        1-28    163'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 730                                           163      Western Branch of the Corrotoman R           11/14/94
                31         37      100'of Rip-Rap off of Route 354                                         100      Whitehouse Creek                             10/13/94
                39A        23 & 24 243'of Timber Bulkhead off of VSH 700                                   243      Rappahannock River                           i 0/13/94
                26         18D     90'of Timber Bulkhead off of VSH 610                                    90       Myer Creek                                   10/13/94
                33         498C    130'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 637                                           130      Carter Creek                                 9/12/94
                22         4413-1  340'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 699                                           340      Eastern Branch of the Corrotornan R.         9/12/94
                22A        1-16    90'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 785                                            90       Eastern Branch of the Corrotoman R.          9/12/94
                35         72A     205' of Rip-Rap Marsh Toe Protection off of VSH 646                              Ashley Cove of Dymer Creek                   9/12/94
                30         1C      46'of Timber Bulkhead and a 15'x30'B. Ramp off VSH 65                   46       Roane's Bay                                  9112194
                29         88A     815' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 3                                            815      Dymer Creek                                  9/12/94
                33         492N    70'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 637                                            70       Jack's Cove of Carter Creek                  9112194
                22A        1-13    114' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 785                                          114      Brown's Crk. of E. Branch Corrotornat        9/12/94
                5          513     70'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 718                                            70       Ivy Creek                                     818/94
                22         34      165' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 671                                          165      Punches Cove                                  8/8/94
                27C        1-38    343'of Timber Bulkhead off of VSH 768                                   343      Carter Creek                                 7/11/94
                20B        1-5     100'of Rip-Rap In Heritage Point                                        100      W. Branch Corrotoman River                   7/1 V94
                31         37      400' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 354                                          400      Whitehouse Creek                             7/11194
                25         117     2-65'Timber Groins off of VSH 765                                                Rappahannock River                           7/11/94
                21         35E     220' of Timber Bulkhead off of VSH 604                                  220      Lowery Creek                                 7/1 V94
                19         15C     326' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 737                                          326      Rappahannock River                           7/11/94
                21         72B     230'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 611                                           230      Hills Creek                                  7/11/94
                26         @@A     129'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 610                                           129      Myer Creek                                   6/13194
                29         530,    95'of Rip-Rap and 1-24'Rip-Rap Groin off of VSH 734                     95       Indian Creek                                 6/13/94
                34         14A '   I 10'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 635                                          110      Sam's Cove of Carter Creek                   6/13/94
                36         47      160'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 695                                           160      Big Oyster Creek                             6/13/94
                27B        2-2     150'of Timber Bulkhead off of VSH 646                                   150      Dead and Bones Cove of Carter Cree           6/13/94
                27         31      500' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 630                                          500      Moran Creek                                  6/13/94
                29         17D     190'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 651                                           190      Indian Creek                                 6/13194
                20G        3-7     200'of Rip-Rap off of VSH- 354                                          200      Greenvale Creek                              6/13/94
                39         23A     250'of Wooden Bulkhead and 180'of Rip-Rap off of 775                    430      Mosquito Creek                                519/94
                @5     1 OA&E      350'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 625 in Paynes Creek Farm                      350      Rappahannock River                            5/9/94
                20D    2-472       77'of Rip-Rap In Corrotoman-By-The-Bay                                  77       W. Branch Corrotoman River                    5/9/94
                20     166         2,000 of Rip-Rap off of VSH 611                                         2000     W. Branch Corrotoman River                    5/9/94


                                                                 Lancaster County Planning and Land Use Office - July, 1995





               26        137    150'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 630                                    150     Moran Creek                             A/11/94
               26        16B    161' of Timber Bulkhead with fill and return walls, VSH 610      161     Myer Creek                              4111/94
               27     .87&87B   1,008'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 630 in Holly Haven Farm              1008    Taylor Creek                            3/14/94
               25D       1 -j   4-24' Low Profile T Groins and Pier off VSH 663, Salt Aire               Rappahannock River                      3/14/94
               26        343    550'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 677                                    550     Myer Creek                              2/14194
               33        258    145'of Rip-Rap off of VSH 657                                    145     Carter Creek                            2/14/94
               33        249A   3-Finger piers and 4-Mooring Pilings off of VHS 634                      Carter Creek                            2/14/94
               33     197&1.98  570' of Timber Bulkhead off of VHS 632                           570     Carter Creek                            2114/94
               32A       2-14   125'of Rip-Rap off,of VHS 666                                    125     Rappahannock River                      2/14/94
               20B       1-2    65'of Rip-Rap In Heritage Point Subdivision                      65      Corrotoman River                        2/14/94
               34        318    824'of Rip-Rap off of VHS 640 near White Stone                   824     Rappahannock River                      2/14194
               22        34B    90'of Rip-Rap Marsh Toe Protection off of VHS 671                        Punches Cove/E. Branch Corrotoman       1/10/94
               27        55D    260'of Rip-Rap off of VHS 694                                    260     Taylor Creek                            1/10/94
                                                                                             12,748.00   Feet of Rip-Rap and Bulkhead
                                                                                                 or
                                                                                                 2.41    Miles of Rip-Rap and Bulkhead

























                                                                                                                                                                               9V



                                                           Lancaster County Planning and Land Use Office - July, 1995






                                                                   Summary of 1995 Year to Date
                                                                       Wetland Board Decisions

                                                                                                        Length in
             Tax Map Parcel   Description                                                           Feet    Water Body					Date
               31A    1-8     212'of Rip-Rap off VSH 626                                            212     Rappahannock River		    7/10/95		
               39     44      9x4' Wooden Boat Ramp off VSH 695                                             Mosquito Creek			    7/10/95
               36     47A     155' Concrete Revetment, 10x32' B. Rmp off VSH 695                    155     Windmill Point Creek 		    7/10/95
               25D    1-2     3-48' Low Profile Timber Groins off VSH 663                                   Rappahannock River		    7/10/95
                25D   1-44    3-48' Low Profile Timber Groins off VSH 663                                   Rappahannock River		    7/10/95
                33    320     180' of Rip-Rap and 40' of marsh toe pro. off VSH 719                 180     Carters Creek			    7/10/95
                34F   1-3     202' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 836                                        202     Carters Greek			    6/12/95	
                34    9       225' of Timber Bulkhead off Old Mill Cove Road                        225     E. Branch Carters Creek           6/12/95
                31    2       Dredging of Beach Creek Inlet                                                 Beach Creek				    6/12/95
                22D   1-36    Additional 25' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 613                              25      Corrotoman River			    6/12/95
                11  2L & 2K   402' of Rip-Rap and 152' of Breakwaters off VSH 622                   402     Rappahannock River/Lancaster Creek 5/8/95
                25D   1-1     48'Timber Groin and 25' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 663                     25      Rappahannock River		     5/8/95
                40C   1-11    135' of Rip-Rap and 120' of Breakwater off of VSH 695                 135     Rappahannock River		     5/8/95
                19    15B     4-48' Timber Groins off of VSH 737                                            Rappahannock River		     5/8/95
                26    102P    145' of Rip-Rap 130' of marsh toe pro. off of VSH 655                 145     Town Creek				     5/8/95
                35    243     75' off Rip-Rap off of VSH 695                                        75      Harpers Cove/Antipoison Creek	    4/10/95
                29    74C     320' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 795                                        320     Dymer Creek				    4/10/95
                26    5B      168' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 610                                        168     Corrotoman River			    4/10/95
                29    74G     202' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 795                                        202     Simmons Cove/Dymer Creek	    4/10/95
                35    108K    250' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 643                                        250     Tablas Creek			    3/13/95
                34    211A    52' Timber Groin off of Rt. 3                                                 Rappahannock River		    3/13/95
                31    36A     69' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 354                                         69      Whitehouse Creek			    3/13/95
                26    32G     265' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 609                                        265     Myer Creek				    3/13/95
                21    44C     63' of Bulkhead off of VSH 604                                        63      John Creek/W. Br. Corrotoman Rive 3/13/95
                31E   1-17    200' of Rip-Rap off of 354                                            200     Ewells Prong of Whitehouse Creek  2/13/95
                26    14G     68' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 730                                         68      Myer Creek                        2/13/95
                27A   1-1     200' of Timber Bulkhead off of VSH 728                                200     N.Eastern Prong of Taylor Creek   2/13/95
                27B   1-1     303' of Rip-Rap off of VSH 737                                        303     Carters Creek                     1/19/95
                                                                                                   3889

                                                                                                    or
                        Summary of Permits Approved                                              0.736553    Miles of Rip-Rap and Bulkhead
                        3,401' or .644 Miles of Rip-Rap
                        488' or .09 miles of Bulkhead
                        2 Boat Ramps
                        12 Groins
                        272' of Breakwater
                        170' of Marsh Toe Protection





                                                                 Lancaster County Planning and Land Use Office - July, 1995
 




                                                                                                          NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY


                                                                                                              6668 14111761 6-