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By Lesley Ewing
Gregory Woodell, ASBPA president from 1994-2003.
The decade from 1986 to 1995 was a time of both challenge and transformation for ASBPA. Under the leadership of Orville T. Magoon (1983–1994) and Gregory Woodell (1994–2003), ASBPA navigated shifting federal priorities, technical innovation, and new threats facing America’s coasts. Due to the loss of some of ASBPA’s early champions, this decade could be called the End of the Beginning.
Leadership and Vision
During this period, ASBPA continued to honor the legacy of Morrough P. O’Brien through a symposium and the “Voice of Experience” series in Shore & Beach, while recognizing the contributions of coastal visionaries such as Joe Johnson and Robert Wiegel. M.P. O’Brien passed in 1988 and ASBPA started an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Shore and Beach Preservation in his name. This award remains one of the more prestigious in coastal preservation to this day. Joe Johnson (former editor of Shore & Beach, Coastal Engineering UC Berkeley) and MG Charles Holle (past ASBPA President, Deputy Chief USACE, and President of the Beach Erosion Board) also passed during this decade.
ASBPA leadership fostered collaboration and technical advancement, with a renewed focus on beach nourishment, dune erosion modeling, and the use of satellite imagery, LiDAR, and aerial photos in coastal analysis.
Technical Advances and Policy Evolution
Thanks to support from leadership, ASBPA remained at the forefront of technical innovation. The decade saw the verification of dune erosion models, the inclusion of sea level rise in project design, and a resurgence of beach nourishment as the preferred method for shore protection. ASBPA also introduced the concept of sand rights as a legal system and promoted managed retreat and relocation strategies for vulnerable coastal areas.
Special issues and series in Shore & Beach documented the impacts of major storms, such as Hurricane Hugo and the 1992 Ocean City, MD storm, and highlighted the importance of integrating science, engineering, law, and policy in coastal management.
Hurricane Hugo
Building for the Future
Under the leadership of Orville T. Magoon and Gregory Woodell, ASBPA adapted to changing circumstances, overcame the loss of past champions, and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting America’s shores and beaches for future generations.