By Pam Nicholls, GSAC Board Member
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The Park Shore Beach Renourishment project entered its sixth week on February 24th and is over the halfway point when it comes to sand placement with 172,150.02 tons delivered in about 8200 truck loads. Project Manager Larry Humphries confirmed the project had reached 1000ft north of Horizon Way.
Of 111,723 plants allocated to this stretch of beach, 54,698 have been planted said Humphries.
“When we are done, Park Shore beach will be the only beach restored to pre-Ian condition in the whole County,” he said.
The method of planting is unique and more natural than uniform.
Holes are dug 6 inches deep, hydrogel and fertilizer added, before plants are poked in and left to their own devices to find water. According to Humphries, they need to struggle as they would naturally and should not be watered. Some plants like RailRoad vine are capable of growing a 20’ ft deep root system. Sea oats up to 40’ ft as they search for fresh water.
“Leave them alone, let them do their own thing. You would be doing a disservice by watering these plants,” Humphries says. “We tend to over-water things here in general, he added.
The survivability rate of the plants is 85% guaranteed but normally 97% is achieved says Humphries. Naples Botanical Garden and FGCU students will monitor their progress.
Once he deems the project completed, Humphries said he would reach out to those condos that were undertaking their own beach rehabilitation efforts and weren’t ready to undergo planting. “Before my contractor is done planting the rest of the County, I will check on those properties that passed and plant those that are ready.”
The project must conclude before the start of turtle nesting season on May 1st.
