Anyone having water front property along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay is well aware of the environmental problems and costs associated with shoreline erosion.  Traditionally homeowners used whatever materials were available to save their property from crumbling into the bay.  Today much of our shorelines are hardened with timber bulkhead and rock.  While these approaches may be effective in temporarily reducing the rate of erosion they also can cause a number of problems including increased erosion on sediment starved beaches, the loss of important nesting and nursery grounds for wildlife and the loss of water-land access for people.

Volunteers install a “biolog” for soil
stabilization on this small piece of
eroding shoreline.

One approach to restoring shoreline and/or correcting failing bulkheads is to create a “Living Shoreline”.  A living shoreline consists of installing native plants along the tidal water line in conjunction with carefully placed bioengineered materials such as coconut-fiber logs which stabilized the soil and allow for the plants to take root.  In some cases placing a living “breakwater” offshore can not only reduce wave energy but help rejuvenate oyster and sport fish populations.  To visit a living shoreline demonstration site got to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center or visit their website at www.bayrestoration.org.

Students plant native spartina grasses
behind the biolog ultimately restoring
the missing fringe marsh.

Living shoreline projects are a great option for many homeowners whose property receives low to medium wave energies like those along tidal creeks, rivers and some bay front properties.  Living shorelines will not only increase the aesthetic value of the property; but if installed correctly, can create shallow water habitat, stabilize sediment and improve water quality at a fraction of the cost.

The finished product restored 100 sq.ft
of fringe marsh for wildlife.  In one
year these grasses will take hold and
stabilize the area.

As compared to bulkheads, revetments etc. which cost anywhere from $500-$1200 per footinstalled, living shorelines range from $50-$150 per foot installed.  Maryland has a wide range of grants, loans and cost share programs that provide financial assistance to those who are thinking about undertaking a shoreline restoration project.

Raccoons, deer and foxes visit these
restored areas as well as horseshoe
crabs and wading birds.

Check out these websites for financial assistance:
Chesapeake Bay Trust   www.cbtrust.org
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation        www.nfwf.org
Maryland Department of the Environment    www.mde.state.md.us
Maryland Department of Natural Resources   www.dnr.state.md.us

Anyone considering a living shoreline should first check to see if and what permits are needed.  No permits are required to plant vegetation on existing substrate on tidal or non-tidal shorelines unless fill is introduced or heavy equipment is required to complete the project. However, a permit is required for any alteration of shorelines in tidal areas and wetlands.  Those interested need to file a joint federal/state permit application with the Army Corps of Engineers. Call the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for a copy of their “Living Shoreline Guide” for more details about living shorelines, permitting process and financial assistance or visit their website at cbf.org/livingshorelines.