About This Project

For decades, the Lynnhaven River has been impaired to a point in which oysters and other fish caught in the estuary could not be consumed; however, through the efforts of the City of Virginia Beach, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and groups like Lynnhaven River NOW, the river has rebounded. This project will continue to enhance the health of the river for all people who utilize it.

The removal of invasive species will bring back quality wetlands that help to clean and store runoff prior to it entering the waterway. These wetlands will add to the environmental health of the Lynnhaven River. In addition, the creation of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) benefits the river system with restored habitat for fish and other marine life, as well as improves the overall water quality for all users of the waterway. 

Creation of additional hard reef habitat in the river will provide attachment surfaces for sessile organisms, cover and shelter for many species of fish and other motile invertebrates (crab & shrimp), and attachment surfaces for benthic egg masses produced by a wide variety of species in the Chesapeake Bay. The filter feeding organisms that settle on the reef habitat will also provide many water quality benefits to the estuary.

USACE began planning in 2005 and presented the project to the City of Virginia Beach in 2009. A feasibility report and environmental assessment were completed in 2013. In 2016, leases were obtained by the city as potential sites were identified. Public meetings were conducted in 2018 and 2019.

For additional information on this project, please visit USACE’s Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project page.