Breakwater construction continues as part of the Dyke

Breakwater construction continues as part of the Dyke Marsh Restoration and Protection project in Fairfax County, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from the National Harbor, Aug. 16, 2019. This is a National Park Service project that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed and is providing the construction oversight for through a contract with Coastal Design and Construction Inc. Dyke Marsh is viewed as a national treasure that holds extensive value not only for plants and animals, but for its recreational, educational and cultural purposes. It is one of the best studied wetlands in the U.S. and is the largest remaining freshwater, tidal wetlands in the Washington metropolitan area. Erosion in the marsh averages between 6 and 8 feet per year. The approximately 1,800-foot breakwater and upcoming construction of a stone sill will help protect the marsh from erosion and will also help re-establish the marsh's ability to regenerate naturally. The construction is anticipated to conclude by winter 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sarah Lazo)