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Before
1. Hardened shorelines accelerate erosion, eliminate the shoreline's "filtering" ability, degrade habitat.
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After
1. Work with an expert to "soften" your shoreline; improve erosion protection with native trees, shrubs, grasses and beach logs.
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2. Removal or rearrangement of natural debris leaves your shoreline vulnerable to erosion.
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2. Resist the urge to "tidy up"; let organic debris like beach logs and fallen trees act as a natural seawall.
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3. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides reduce water quality, are deadly for fish and other wildlife.
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3. Landscape with low maintenance native plants. Mow lawns high using a mulching mower.
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4. Cleared "manicured" lots lack shade and privacy. Loss of native plants leads to more erosion, runoff and work for you!
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4. Prune trees, rather than removing. Plant native trees and shrubs to reduce erosion and absorb runoff.
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5. Harmful household chemicals and cleaners damage septic systems and degrade water quality.
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5. Use environmentally friendly products and cleaners, or alternatives like baking soda and vinegar.
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6. Malfunctioning septic systems and improper waste disposal degrade water quality; can lead to beach closures for swimming and shellfish harvesting.
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6. Repair and maintain your septic system (consult an expert). Compost house and yard waste.
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7. Runoff flows over solid surfaces, accelerating erosion; excess silt degrades habitat for fish and other aquatic critters.
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7. Repair solid surfaces with porous materials. Redirect gutter runoff into porous or vegetated areas, away from shore.
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8. Inappropriate beach access, such as steep stairs, destabilizes banks and leads to increased erosion.
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8. Share beach access with neighbors, maintaining a narrow winding trail. Avoid accessing steep banks.
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9. Private docks, piers and boat ramps destroy eelgrass beds and habitat for fish and other wildlife.
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9. Use public docks and boat launches where possible; consider replacing your dock with a low impact private access option (e.g. a mooring buoy).
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10. Poorly maintained engines leak oil and other petroleum products and wste 25-40% of fuel.
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10. Use a well-maintained electric or push mower, and a 4 or 2-stroke boat motor that meets or betters EPA 2006 guidelines.
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