A new Florida law aims to make it easier to install natural features such as mangroves and oyster reefs along the state’s vast coastline to protect against erosion and flood damage.
The law, approved unanimously by the Florida Legislature, could help transform the nation’s second-longest coastline behind Alaska, which has sustained massive damage from storm surge.
It also could boost nationwide efforts led by environmental groups to encourage adding “nature-based” features for storm protection instead of building structures such as seawalls and levees.
“Things like mangroves, oyster reefs and seagrasses last longer, are cheaper and don’t have maintenance,” said Greg Knecht, executive director of The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Chapter, citing scientific research.
