Hillsmere Tree Planting Opportunity

Join us for a positive, productive opportunity to make an environmental difference in Hillsmere. As part of the Watershed Steward Academy, we will be planting trees at 609 Beach Dr., the location of one of Hillsmere’s boat ramps. The trees you plant will help slow and reduce the amount of stormwater entering Duvall Creek.

Meet us on October 10th at 9:00AM with gloves, (re usable) water bottles and shovels if you have them. We will have some shovels on site. Parking is limited, so if possible, walk or ride your bike. We could make our fellow residents on Beach Dr. happy by not cluttering the street with cars. Why not reduce emissions and get some exercise at the same time!

Please RSVP to environment@hillsmereshores.org

See you on October 10th,
Phyllis Saroff, WSA Candidate, Class 13

HSIA Notice of Meeting – P&H Committee 09/14

REMINDER – P&H MEETING TIME AND PLACE

We will have a live, in-person P&H meeting this month, on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., at the Walker Pavilion at the Hillsmere Beach, weather permitting.

Topics for discussion will include the Sand Spit Living Shoreline Concept Plan, a Financial Report including FY21 results and the proposed fee schedule and budget for next year, update on adding/locating more kayak racks, and discussion of replacing the kayak dock at 541 Beach Drive.

All Slip Holders, Ramp Key Holders, Wait Listers, Kayakers, Boat Parkers, etc. are invited to attend. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed.

Living Shoreline at the Sand Spit – Concept Plan Design Completed

Last month we reported that the HSIA Board of Directors approved a contract with Environmental Systems Analysis, Inc. (“ESA”) for a Concept Plan design of a living shoreline at the Sand Spit. This Concept Plan is now completed and has been published in the September 2021 Sea Breeze and here for your review.

The one-page project summary includes a description of shoreline characteristics, a plan view overlayed on an aerial photo, showing proposed stone sills, oyster reef balls, approximately 15,000 square feet of marsh creation, conservation plantings, an observation pier, nutrient reduction calculations, an example photo and a project summary. Please take a few minutes to review this Concept Plan that is packed with information and visuals.

This is a 20% design of a living shoreline plan to be used for informational and educational purposes, and, assuming approval by the HSIA Board, to assist in seeking grant funds for a full design of the living shoreline project. As presently depicted, this plan proposes placing segmented stone sills along 645 feet of the Sand Spit rip rap bulkhead, approximately 40 feet offshore, to create approximately 15,000 square feet of marsh, which will provide new marine habitat and wave attenuation at the Sand Spit. It also proposes placing submerged oyster reef balls near the gaps in the stone sills, a 40 foot observation/educational pier, and conservation plantings along the Sand Spit. At the end of the Sand Spit near the “Dog Beach” and the site of two recent successful Terrapin nestings, a former marsh/beach area shown to exist on 1984 plats would be partially restored.

HSIA hopes to schedule Community Meetings, open to all (pandemic-permitting) to discuss this Concept Plan, answer residents’ questions, and get Community input and feedback. In the meantime, we invite residents of Hillsmere Shores to submit questions about the Living Shoreline Concept Plan here. Questions will be answered by representatives of the Piers & Harbors and Environmental committees, and both questions & answers will be posted online.

Example of a Living Shoreline
Example of a Living Shoreline

HSIA Call for Candidates – Board of Directors Election

Hillsmere Residents —Are you looking for a way to become more involved in what happens in our neighborhood? Please consider running for a position on the HSIA Board of Directors. We are seeking seven people to be elected to the HSIA Board of Directors to serve a two-year term for 2022 & 2023. These seven leadership positions are critical in moving our community forward.

In order to run for a position on the Board of Directors, residents must be current members of HSIA. If you are interested, please email the following information to nominations@hillsmereshores.org no later than September 11:

  • Statement of intent to run, to include a statement that you are a current member or HSIA
  • Statement of qualifications (bio)
  • Goals and/or vision for the community

Candidates will be announced on our website and in the October Sea Breeze. Ballots will also be available online and in the newsletter. We will let you know when voting will occur, either in person or via email/postal mail. Please consider running for a Board of Director position. Thank you!

HSIA Special Notice – Marina Driveway Closed Monday, 8/16

IMPORTANT NOTICE—MARINA DRIVEWAY CLOSURE 8/16/21

On Monday August 16th the Marina driveway will be CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC from 8 AM to NOON.

The gate contractor will be installing new loop detectors in the paved driveway replacing the automatic exit loop and installing a new safety loop.

Please do not plan any boating, boat maintenance, exercise or dog walking at the Marina during this time. The driveway will be closed. Thank you for your cooperation!