The world according to me....

This is an update of a previous blog. The channel relocation project at Bogue Inlet, North Carolina, continues to evolve. The above photo taken in April shows that there has been a net accretion of sand in front of the southern half of the sand-bags that were erected to protect the houses. Here is an aerial photo (from Greg Rudolph) of the same area last March, showing the accretion of sand in front of the sand bags:

Contrast the above photo with a similar photo also taken by Greg Rudolph in September 2005 :

Currently, there is a dredge disposal project that is placing more material in front of these sand bags (see here for photos). Normally, dredging and nourishment projects are not allowed from April through November 15 in North Carolina, but a special exception was made for this and a few other disposal projects.

Thus, so far the channel relocation project combined with the dredge disposal project has resulted in a net sand gain in front of these threatened homes. It has also resulted in a net loss of sand from "Land's End" zone of Emerald Isle, which used to be preferred nesting habitat of sea turtles but is nearly entirely inaccessible to turtles due to the erosion cliffs that have appeared from the let loss of sand in the area. Stay tuned for photos.