The shoreline adjacent to Crowell Road in the area known as Hunt's Hill has been rapidly eroding since the 1970's with dramatic changes to the shoreline and the dunes that were once there. 

In June 2022, the Deal Island shoreline project at the end of Crowell Road was completed after almost five years of efforts by local, state and community partners. This 1,100 linear foot shoreline project integrates low profile dunes, marsh and dune plantings, stable sandy coves, and offshore rock structures to reduce wave energy from the Tangier Sound and create conditions that can adapt to a dynamic coastal environment.

This project was identified as a local priority by Deal Island residents through the Deal Island Peninsula Partnership. Somerset County, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Maryland (CBNERR-MD), the Deal Island Peninsula Partnership, and the private landowner worked together to advance this project through design, permitting and construction in order to prevent a shoreline breach at the site. The project was designed to protect the adjacent marsh and enhance shoreline resiliency to coastal storm events and other climate impacts. Somerset County contracted with Coastline Design to design the project, and Unity Landscape Design/Build to complete construction.

CBNERR-MD will continue monitoring the site twice per year for 5 years to evaluate effectiveness and adaptive management needs. Community members can assist with this effort by submitting photos through the MyCoast Maryland website or phone app (Restoration Tracker Tool).  A photo monitoring station will be installed at the end of Crowell Rd for the community to submit photos seasonally and before/after storm events.