Gulf Shores / Gulf Pines Summary & Conclusions

• The results of this monitoring program show that approximately 43% of the constructed beach width remains after 3 years.  The project is therefore performing within design expectations.
• However, even though erosion rates have decreased in the project area as expected, the beach width along the south half of the project is narrower than the design projections.   It is very likely that portions of the dune may start eroding within the next two years.   Furthermore, there is always the possibility that the variability in transport processes due to weather patterns could accelerate erosion rates beyond projections.  It is therefore recommended that planning for implementation of maintenance alternatives be initiated.