SAGE: Systems Approach to Geomorphologic Engineering
Innovative Approach to Coastal Landscape Transformation
Charley Chesnutt , U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Institute for Water Resources (IWR), Alexandria, VA
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are in the early stages of developing a tri-agency initiative entitled, “SAGE,” which stands for Systems Approach to Geomorphic Engineering. The purpose of this triagency initiative is to pursue and advance a comprehensive view of shoreline change and to utilize integrated methodologies for coastal landscape transformation to slow/prevent/mitigate/adapt impacts to coastal communities from the consequences of climate change. This concept will utilize a holistic approach in exploring the idea of hybrid engineering, linking ‘soft’ ecosystem-based approaches with ‘hard’ infrastructure approaches, to develop innovative techniques and solutions to aid in the adaptation of our changing coastlines.
This coastal landscape transformation initiative looks at capturing various elements of the “living shoreline” concept by looking at processes and appropriate actions to minimize impacts to coastal communities and shorelines, while also maximizing economic benefits. The USACE, FEMA, and NOAA are interested in exploring the ecological and economic benefits of coastal protection by utilizing natural ecosystems, in conjunction with built infrastructure to protect coastal communities and shorelines.
While this initiative is initially being developed in partnership between the USACE,
NOAA and FEMA, early discussions have confirmed interest in collaboration within the academic community, various non-governmental organizations and other key federal partners to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps moving forward.
We also envision sharing broad applications of these processes internationally.
Innovative approaches are critical and necessary as our coastal communities and shorelines are facing escalating risks from more frequent and more powerful storms, sea-level rise, and changing precipitation patterns that can have dramatic economic losses to impacted communities and the country. While the threats of these events may be inevitable, our ability to understand how to best adapt to the impact by utilizing a blend of the natural ecosystem and hard infrastructure, will be important as we explore best practices and appropriate solutions to ensure the resiliency of our coastal communities and shorelines.
Contact Information:
Charley Chesnutt, US Army Corps of Engineers, IWR,
7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria VA 22315
USA Phone: +1 703-428-428-9085,
Email: charles.b.chesnutt@usace.army.mil