Mad Island WMA Shoreline Protection

Project Description

This project represented the final construction phase to complete protection along the entirety of GIWW shoreline within Mad Island WMA. Previous phases of breakwater construction for the WMA were completed in 2010 and 2018 through a partnership between TPWD, TNC, GLO, and NFWF (see attached map). These previous efforts have resulted in approximately 2.5 miles of protected shoreline and the protection and enhancement of coastal habitats on the WMA.The primary objective of the proposed project is shoreline protection and stabilization along approximately 2 miles of GIWW shoreline at Mad Island WMA. The project will result in the construction of approximately 11,000 linear feet of rock breakwater along the north shore of the GIWW (see attached map) to protect the shoreline from wave action generated by barges and boats traveling along the waterway and prevailing winds. The protective feature will prevent degradation to critical coastal habitats directly adjacent to north shore of the GIWW at Mad Island WMA. This project, when completed, will protect up to 600 acres of critical coastal habitats from future degradation and loss that would be caused by erosion in the absence of the proposed breakwater.