Bulkhead Alternatives

SOFT SHORELINE STABILIZATION

Alternatives to bulkheads and other types of hard shoreline armor are called "soft shoreline stabilization" methods.  These alternatives are sometimes referred to as "soft shore protection," but they do not provide the same type of protection as hard armor. Rather, soft shore designs both adequately protect the shoreline and allow for dynamic natural shoreline processes to occur. 

These engineered projects are installed where site conditions are appropriate and where erosion poses a risk to a home or critical infrastructure, but can be addressed using alternative methods. These methods were developed and refined by coastal engineers to maximize protection from erosion and minimize environmental impact on natural processes and habitats.  Such projects are appropriate for sites where the conditions for success are right - and should only be installed when important infrastructure or homes are at risk.  

Examples of "soft shore stabilization" projects.

BENEFITS OF HEALTHY, NATURAL SHORELINES 

Large shoreline trees provide shade for the upper beach, preventing fish eggs from drying out and offering a place for beachgoers to cool off. They often protect the shoreline from wave-based erosion, while stabilizing sediments in the bank.

Large shoreline trees provide shade for the upper beach, preventing fish eggs from drying out and of

Downed trees often provide natural shoreline protection from wave-based erosion. Logs also help beaches retain sediment when waves deposit sand, gravel and shell behind them, which slowly collects over time. Wildlife habitat benefits from the decomposing bark and the shade and cool microclimate created around downed tree trunks, roots, or branches.

Downed trees often provide natural shoreline protection from wave-based erosion. Logs also help beac

Thick vegetation along the shoreline provides habitat for an array of wildlife and helps to slow erosion.

Thick vegetation along the shoreline provides habitat for an array of wildlife and helps to slow ero

A buffer of vegetation between homes and the shoreline helps to slow bank erosion, filter stormwater runoff, provide habitat, and maintain a beautiful shoreline. Avoiding chemicals such as weed and feed fertilizers is another way to avoid polluting the water.

A buffer of vegetation between homes and the shoreline helps to slow bank erosion, filter stormwater

Intertidal plants such as Salicornia virginica, also known as Pickleweed or American Glasswort, play an important role on beaches. The plants help to secure fine sand, gravel, and shell in place with their spreading root systems, and they trap more sediment as they grow. Removing beach vegetation not only removes important habitat but also disrupts the stability of your beach, increasing the speed of fine sediment loss and the risk of coarsening the beach.

Intertidal plants such as Salicornia virginica, also known as Pickleweed or American Glasswort, play

Deep-rooted trees growing on the marine shoreline benefit slope stability, water management, and habitat. Groves of similarly-aged Red alders often indicate areas that have been disturbed, whether from a previous landslide, logging, or development.

Deep-rooted trees growing on the marine shoreline benefit slope stability, water management, and hab

At higher tides, these grasses will serve as a nursery for small fish which help feed birds, orcas, and more.

At higher tides, these grasses will serve as a nursery for small fish which help feed birds, orcas,

This well-shaded upper beach provides important spawning habitat for forage fish such as Surf smelt. Fine sand and gravel provides a semi-porous substrate that allows for oxygen-rich water to reach buried eggs, as opposed to immovable large rocks or smothering sediment. The overhanging vegetation also allows for shade, preventing eggs from drying out during low tides. Vegetation will also provide food for the hatchlings when insects fall from its boughs into the water below.

This well-shaded upper beach provides important spawning habitat for forage fish such as Surf smelt.