County Executive John R. Leopold congratulated the Department of Recreation and Parks for their partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Shoreline Design for the construction of a living shoreline restoration project on the West River. This project serves as a model to demonstrate ecologically sound practices as a nonstructural alternative to bulkheads and stone revetments installed throughout the West and Rhode Rivers. The project includes a stabilized canoe / kayak launch ramp. “A healthy shoreline environment is important for fish, crab and other wildlife,” County Executive Leopold said. “Enhancing our waterfront parks with critical habitat improvements benefits the local community and the wellbeing of the Chesapeake Bay. I am pleased that our partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has resulted in this valuable model project.” The living shoreline is a shoreline stabilization project that controls erosion by planting native wetland plants while enhancing the natural shoreline habitat. The living shoreline improves water quality by filtering the road and parking lot stormwater runoff before it enters the West River The Galesville project runs along 180 feet of shoreline and involves the placement of stone sill and sand containment structures. On Sunday, May 17, 2009, volunteers planted the native marsh vegetation and complete the project. Chesapeake Bay Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) environmental organization that works cooperatively with government, business, and citizens in partnerships to protect and restore the Bay. The Foundation provided the funding, design expertise, volunteer labor, and native plants for the project. | 
