Living shoreline

Permitting requirements and appropriate restoration strategies for a particular habitat are two critical topics for consideration before construction begins.

Analysis of the site: The bank erosion rate, elevation level, vegetation, wave energy, wind patterns, wave activity and soil type of the proposed site need to be examined to determine if it is an appropriate area for living shoreline stabilization.

All project plans need to be in compliance with local, state and federal laws before any construction begins to avoid legal issues and ensure long-term sustainability.

Project installation: Generally, living shoreline structures will include planting marsh, riparian, or other types of aquatic vegetation.

The materials should also be monitored to ensure they are staying in place and achieving desired shoreline stabilization goals.

Beach grasses planted to prevent erosion at Island Beach State Park , New Jersey
A completed living shoreline project at Glenn Martin National Wildlife Refuge , Smith Island, Maryland
Planting trees and shrubs for a Potomac River stabilization project in Maryland
Geotextile tubes filled with sand
Coir fiber log installation