LopezRocks - Item

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 24, 2022 - San Juan County is pleased to share updates about the ongoing MacKaye Harbor Shoreline Restoration Project. The month-long project is on-schedule and will be the culmination of many years of environmental stewardship planning efforts. The County asks for your help in keeping our residents and visitors safe through the final stage of construction by adhering to and protecting all posted signage, instructions, and updates.

Whatâ€™s Going On?
San Juan Countyâ€™s Department of Environmental Stewardship is working to restore the MacKaye Harbor Beach to its natural state. Crews are removing an old road and all shoreline armor from the beach in an effort to reestablish spawning habitat for surf smelt and sand lance. The project will also allow for improved beach access for the public.

Whatâ€™s Happened So Far?
Work began on August 8, 2022. In the first week, crews removed an estimated 30 truckloads of armor from the beach and replaced it with beach nourishment (sand and gravel). As of Wednesday, August 24, crews have removed an estimated 75% of the armor. The north end of the beach is about three quarters completed, with focus moving toward the south end of the beach over the next two weeks.

What Were the Barges Doing at the Beach?
Passersby may have seen three large barges at MacKaye Harbor from August 18-19. These barges were part of a Public Works project, delivering several thousand tons of road sand and aggregate to Lopez Island. This material is critical to the Public Works Departmentâ€™s ability to respond to winter weather and chip seal county roads. Bulk delivery is the most effective way to transport material to the county and greatly reduces the number of vehicle trips on our roads and ferries. Mackaye Harbor boat launch is the designated Lopez Island barge landing. The Public Works project is now complete, and shoreline restoration work continues.

Whatâ€™s Next?
Crews are continuing to remove shoreline armor and the rock wall near the launch, while adding sand and gravel beach nourishment. The beach and boat launch will be open on Labor Day (Monday, September 5) until noon (12pm). At this time, it will be closed to public access for the final week of work that is expected to be completed by September 10.

MacKaye Harbor Public Access Schedule:
August 23 - 28, 2022: Site Closed - Crews are removing any remaining material; Placing new sand and gravel; Barging in any additional materials
August 29 - September 5, 2022: Site will be open to the public until noon (12pm) Monday, Sept. 5. Work resumes that afternoon.
September 5 (12pm noon) - 10, 2022: Site Closed; Crews will be finishing remaining work; Inspection; Site clean up

Media Contact: Byron Rot, Environmental Stewardship Project Manager, 360-550-1211, [email protected]

About San Juan Countyâ€™s Department of Environmental Stewardship
San Juan Countyâ€™s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources, and climate and sustainability work. The department offices are located at 915 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan Countyâ€™s Department of Environmental Stewardship, visit www.sanjuanco.com/839/Environmental-Stewardship.

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MacKaye Harbor Shoreline Restoration Project

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