Bald Head Beaches

Response to the Army Corps of Engineers (US ACE) study

The BHI Conservancy provided a response to the Army Corps of Engineers (US ACE) study about the Sand Management Plan. The Sand Management Plan Study looked at how much and where the Army Corps places dredge material when they dredge the channel.  The BHI Conservancy believes that the Bald Head Reach portion of the Wilmington Harbor Channel runs too close to the Southeastern point of Bald Head Island.  The impact of dredging in this area causes erosion along south and west beaches and in 2009 caused substantial loss of back dune habitat.  The Sand Management report contained very little scientific analysis of the sediment budget (where sand goes and where it comes from) nor did it contain a wave study that would show how waves and currents influence the movement of sand. Most disturbing was the complete lack of biological analysis.  In short the study had very little objective information.  They did, however, reach a conclusion, that the Conservancy agreed with.  There should never be a "gap" year like 2009 where all the sand goes elsewhere.  The Plan recommended that every year that dredging occurs, 2/3 of the dredge material be put on BHI.  To learn more about the BHI Conservancy response please read the entire brief in PDF format here.

Beach Renourishment Begins!

Sand began arriving on South Beach on November 1, 2009. The Norfolk Dredging Company quickly nourished and restructured South Beach from the Bald Head Island Club moving westward to "the point". Soon after, West Beach started receiving sand and as of December 20, 2009 had been restructured. Norfolk Dredging will now focus on nourishing South Beach from the Club moving eastward. All activities including geotube (groin) replacement will be completed by April 30, 2010 in time for the beginning of sea turtle nesting season.

West Beach Erosion

Dredging off West Beach point impacts beaches! (PDF) (Large file)
Paper on Endangered and Threatened Species Habitat on "The Point" (PDF)
Effects of Dredging on "The Point" (PDF)