Proposal

Nestled along the shoreline of the Rappahannock River in Virginia, “Pilkey’s Folly” serves as a peaceful retreat for Mr. Potter to escape the demands of daily life. Like many coastal properties in the region, it is increasingly vulnerable to shoreline erosion, wave exposure, and the long-term effects of sea-level rise.

As part of this erosion hazard assessment, our goal is to identify and recommend cost-effective, environmentally sustainable solutions to stabilize the shoreline and protect Pilkey’s Folly from further damage. By analyzing erosion rates, wave energy, and fetch conditions, we will develop targeted strategies such as living shorelines, oyster reef sills, or hybrid designs tailored to the site. Our proposed solutions aim to ensure that Mr. Potter can continue to enjoy his riverside haven for many years to come — and preserve the property for future generations.

Technical Approach And Methodology

To assess the erosion hazards facing Pilkey’s Folly, our team will use a combination of remote sensing data, historical shoreline change analysis, and GIS-based coastal modeling techniques. We will collect data on shoreline position, erosion rates, wave energy, fetch, and topography using publicly available datasets, aerial imagery, and field observations (if required). Data on sea-level rise and long-term shoreline vulnerability will be supplemented with publicly available tools such as NOAA’s Sea Level Rise Viewer and coastal flood hazard datasets. GIS tools such as raster analysis, slope modeling, and spatial overlays will be used to generate erosion risk maps and assess the vulnerability of Mr. Potter’s shoreline. Special attention will be given to shoreline segments directly adjacent to the cottage, with analysis of prevailing wind and wave exposure to determine the most affected zones. The goal is to model current conditions and project future vulnerabilities based on sea-level rise and continued erosion processes.