If conditions are right, removing shoreline armor can enhance the natural beauty of your property, improve access to your beach, and help protect the health of Puget Sound – without sacrificing protection from erosion.
Natural (Unmodified) Shorelines Make a Difference
Shoreline erosion is a natural coastal process and a familiar experience for those living along the waterfront. Many Puget Sound homeowners know that erosion contributes the sediment which builds our beaches – a basic part of shoreline living. Despite this knowledge, erosion can be a cause of concern when you’re not sure what’s going on.
Are you worried about erosion along your waterfront? The causes of erosion are very site-specific and are best understood with a site visit. We can help assess what’s happening and offer specific guidance so you avoid contributing to erosion problems. How you manage water and vegetation on your property makes a huge difference to erosion rates and slope or bluff stability. In cases where erosion is a serious problem, we can talk about the various options available to stabilize your shoreline – and protect the Puget Sound.
The good news is that the best waterfront management options are often the least expensive. Doing nothing at all is often the best choice for sites with very slow erosion rates. There are also times when steps should be taken to address the causes of erosion, particularly when upland drainage management or vegetation management are contributing. We can offer site-appropriate guidance for actions like adding the right plants to stabilize your bank, or managing stormwater so it doesn’t destabilize a slope. Very often, simple, inexpensive steps for slowing erosion back to normal rates are the best choice for a shoreline property.
The beauty of natural Puget Sound shorelines is part of
what makes our home place unique
How can I be sure I’m not contributing to erosion?
Are you confident about managing water and plants on your waterfront? Do you need to do something about erosion right now? Set up a site visit with one of Thurston Conservation District’s shoreline specialists to receive site-appropriate recommendations.
On the resources page you will find helpful documents as well as links to other great resources. Check those out here.
If erosion is severe, what are my options? Is a bulkhead my only choice?
If you feel that your home is at risk of damage from a landslide or severe erosion, contact a coastal engineer or licensed geologist immediately to address your concerns.
If you are facing non-threatening shoreline erosion and would like to understand what is happening, and what you can do – contact us for an assessment.
IN CASES WHERE EROSION IS SEVERE ENOUGH TO WARRANT ACTION, IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. CONSIDER YOUR ALTERNATIVES BEFORE INSTALLING A CONVENTIONAL BULKHEAD.
Check out these alternatives to a bulkhead
Interested in learning more about Shore Friendly Thurston?
Karin Strelioff
Conservation Program Manager
karin@thurstoncd.com
360-754-3588, ext. 103
You can also use our contact form.
Funded wholly or in part by the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program and by EPA under grant #PC-01j22301
