Because of Bob Moore's years of experience in representing local and national environmental Groups and also being involved in Public Activism, he has learned that many projects are needed and necessary, and good development can still be achieved by minimizing impacts to wetlands. Bob Moore has developed mitigation strategies and techniques that not only satisfy the requirements of the law, but usually satisfy the higher standards of most environmental activists.

Bob Moore is presently a consultant for a major developer, Oly-Galveston, G.P., whose commitment is to "Design With Nature," utilizing the principals of Ian McHarg's book. He has also obtained permits for individuals and groups interested in shoreline projects, piers, a road, and other projects impacting wetlands and which require a Corps Permit.

Including his own shoreline restoration project of approximately 200 feet, Bob Moore has obtained permits and assisted his neighbors in completing an additional 700 linear feet of shoreline restoration. The average width is 15 to 20 feet, thus producing approximately 20,000 square feet of "spartina wetlands" on the east shoreline of Eckert's Bayou. (Click Here for Exhibit B: "The Cradle of Life" by Bob Moore dated August 7, 1995.)

In addition, this design for shoreline restoration was suggested and has been implemented by the present developer in the Pirate's Cove area who currently has mitigation plans to create approximately 39 acres of similar wetlands.

Additionally, Bob Moore's personal project of shoreline restoration at his home is now being used as an example and recommended as a "model" for shoreline rehabilitation on the Texas Coast. This project was noticed and published in the Galveston Bay Foundation, Habitat Conservation Blueprint: A Plan to Restore the Habitats and Heritage of Galveston Bay -- Sites, Strategies and Resources, December 1998, and which stated on page 40:*

"Bob Moore's Property. One person
can make a difference!"

"Mr. Bob Moore is a resident of Galveston Island and a student of the values and functions of wetlands. He noticed during an unusually low tide in winter 1995 that easily-accessible oyster beds around the island were disappearing and what once was marsh was now devoid of all but a few scattered stems of cordgrass. Without a marsh to support the food chain, the many fish prized by sport fishermen were disappearing.

Mr. Moore developed a plan that reclaimed valuable habitat and simultaneously protected his bayfront property from shoreline erosion. A berm to act as an attachment site for oysters was built just offshore by stacking pieces of concrete riprap in a line, and mixing in oyster shells. Ready-mixed concrete was poured over the berm to hold the shell and riprap in place. Once the berm was completed, a bed for the new salt marsh was created using tested and approved dredged sand. Mr. Moore and several volunteers then planted smooth cordgrass, obtained from Houston Lighting and Power Co., Inc.

Land owners can protect their shoreline by building attractive marsh
habitat in place of, or in front of, a bulkhead.

*Photo courtesy of The Galveston Bay
Foundation - Reprinted with Permission

To further protect the shoreline against erosion, a hard structure was constructed on the landward side of the marsh. An attractive wall was designed, using bags of Sacrete stacked on top of each other like bricks. Surprisingly, and thanks to all the assistance Mr. Moore received, this work was completed in only four days!

The new marsh has become a thriving ecosystem. Marsh plants are doing well, and are providing both food and cover for many species of animals. Rock crabs and blue crabs are found regularly. White ibis and clapper rails forage on sand crabs inhabiting the new marsh and provide enjoyment for avid and not-so-avid birdwatchers. Certainly, this habitat is not exactly the same as early naturalists encountered, but it is an excellent example of what can be done to balance the need for habitat and wildlife with human interests. They need not be exclusive."

*Article reprinted by permission.