The York River State Park is located in James City County, Va., approximately 45 miles southeast of Richmond, Va., and 11 miles west of Williamsburg, Va., along the southern bank of the York River. The 2,505-acre state park, which opened in 1980, consists of forest, wetlands and river frontage and serves as a role model for Virginia's state parks in developing effective resource management plans. (Photo courtesy of York River State Park)
The York River State Park is located in James City County, Va., approximately 45 miles southeast of Richmond, Va., and 11 miles west of Williamsburg, Va., along the southern bank of the York River. The 2,505-acre state park, which opened in 1980, consists of forest, wetlands and river frontage and serves as a role model for Virginia's state parks in developing effective resource management plans. (Photo courtesy of York River State Park)

York River State Park Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study Project, James City County, Virginia

The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VDCR) are partners on a feasibility study of the York River State Park.

The federal project is authorized under Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1996, for restoration of aquatic ecosystems (Continuing Authorities Program). Under WRDA, this feasibility study will determine federal interest in improving aquatic habitat at York River State Park.

The York River State Park Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study Project is located in James City County, Va., approximately 45 miles southeast of Richmond, Va., and 11 miles west of Williamsburg, Va., along the southern bank of the York River.

The 2,505-acre state park, which opened in 1980, consists of forest, wetlands and river frontage and serves as a role model for Virginia's state parks in developing effective resource management plans. The park offers visitors an opportunity to experience the environment of a coastal estuary, and is renowned for its rare and delicate environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a habitat rich in marine and plant life. The park continues its focus to preserve a portion of York River frontage and its related marshes while providing an area for visitor day-use recreation. The park's natural resources make it a significant place for environmental education at all levels.

The York River State Park contains several sections of very steep shoreline that are eroding. In 2004, USACE conducted a Chesapeake Bay Shoreline Erosion Study that recommended additional studies of specific shorelines, including York River State Park.

The Corps study of York River State Park, with active involvement of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and VDCR, found two areas of severe erosion: a 2,000-foot section immediately south of Taskinas Creek, near the visitor's center; and a 1,500-foot section further southeast.

Based on historic field observations, it was further determined that wetland vegetation previously existed along most, if not all, of this shoreline. As erosion continued to undercut the bluffs and eat away the wetlands, the fish and wildlife habitat previously provided by the wetlands were lost. Continuing shoreline erosion has also led to increased suspended solids and sedimentation in the river.

In 2003, Hurricane Isabel, with its 8-foot tidal surge, worsened the conditions of the eroding shoreline.

The York River State Park Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study will evaluate structural measures, such as breakwaters, groins, beach fill, slope stabilization and planting of vegetation. Providing wave protection along the shoreline would create conditions that allow the re-establishment of historically vegetated aquatic and wetland habitat. The restored intertidal wetlands and shallow water habitat would also serve as foraging and nesting areas for shorebirds and waterfowl, providing vital support to the estuarine food web and overall ecosystem. A structural element offshore would also protect nearby subaquatic areas and speed recovery of underwater vegetation. Further study will be given to grading back and shaping these sections of shoreline to improve bank stability.

York River State Park contains numerous archaeological sites, several which are located near the project site. The Corps feasibility study will carefully assess potential impacts on these cultural sites and work closely with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to resolve any issues.

 

Updated: 08-Mar-2010