LIVING SHORELINE
Living Shorelines: A Natural Solution for Southern MD's Coastlines
At Ward's Marine, we understand the importance of protecting our precious shorelines in Southern Maryland. Rising sea levels, erosion, and habitat loss are ongoing challenges for our coastal communities. Traditional bulkheads, while seemingly effective, can have detrimental impacts on the environment.
This is where Living Shorelines come in! Living Shorelines are a natural and sustainable approach to shoreline management that utilizes natural materials and vegetation to provide erosion control, improve water quality, and create valuable habitat for fish and wildlife.
Benefits of Living Shorelines in Southern Maryland:
- Enhanced Erosion Control: Living Shorelines utilize a combination of plants, stones, and other natural elements to buffer waves and prevent erosion.
- Improved Water Quality: Living Shorelines promote healthy ecosystems by filtering pollutants and runoff before they reach the water.
- Habitat Creation: Living Shorelines provide essential breeding and nursery grounds for fish, crabs, and other aquatic species.
- Increased Aesthetics: Living Shorelines create a beautiful and natural transition from land to water, enhancing the beauty of your waterfront property.
- Long-Term Cost-Effective: Living Shorelines require less maintenance compared to traditional bulkheads and can adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Ward's Marine: Your Partner in Living Shorelines
At Ward's Marine, we are a licensed and experienced marine construction company specializing in Living Shoreline installations in Southern Maryland. Our team of experts can work with you to design and implement a Living Shoreline solution that meets your specific needs and protects your property while enhancing the natural environment.
Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or government agency, Ward's Marine can help you create a beautiful and sustainable shoreline with Living Shorelines. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about this innovative approach to coastal protection in Southern Maryland.
Together, let's protect our shorelines and preserve the natural beauty of our coastal communities!
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Frequently Asked Questions: Living Shorelines
What exactly is a "Living Shoreline"?
A living shoreline is a nature-based approach to erosion control. Instead of using a vertical concrete wall (bulkhead), we use a combination of strategic materials like native wetland plants, sand, and stone sills or "breakwaters." This creates a resilient, sloped buffer that protects your property while mimicking the natural Maryland coastline.
Why should I choose a living shoreline over a traditional bulkhead?
Living shorelines offer several advantages:
Superior Durability: Unlike bulkheads, which reflect wave energy and eventually rot or undercut, living shorelines absorb energy. They can actually grow stronger and more stable over time as plant root systems become established.
Environmental Impact: They filter pollutants from runoff before they reach the Bay and provide essential habitats for local species like blue crabs, rockfish, and birds.
Aesthetics: Most homeowners prefer the natural, "beachy" look of a living shoreline over the industrial look of a sea wall.
Is a living shoreline required by law in Maryland?
In many cases, yes. The Maryland Living Shoreline Protection Act of 2008 requires waterfront property owners to use "nonstructural" erosion control (living shorelines) unless it can be proven that the site is not suitable due to excessive wave energy or deep water. Ward’s Marine can help you determine if your site qualifies for a waiver or if a living shoreline is the mandatory path.
How much does a living shoreline cost compared to rip-rap or bulkheads?
The cost varies depending on the "energy" of your shoreline (how hard the waves hit).
Low-energy areas that only require plants and sand are often significantly cheaper than bulkheads.
High-energy areas may require "hybrid" designs with stone sills, which can be comparable to the cost of a traditional bulkhead. Because living shorelines require less long-term maintenance and don't need to be "replaced" like wood structures, they are typically more cost-effective over the life of your property.
Does Ward’s Marine handle the permits and paperwork?
Yes. Navigating Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and Army Corps of Engineers permits can be complex. We handle the entire process for you—from the initial site assessment and AutoCAD designs to filing the joint federal/state applications.
Will a living shoreline actually stop my land from washing away?
Absolutely. We design these systems to be "resilient." By breaking up wave energy with offshore sills or cobble beaches and anchoring the soil with deep-rooted native grasses, we stop the active loss of your yard and often create new land in the form of a stable marsh.
What kind of maintenance is required?
For the first year or two, you may need to pull some invasive weeds or replace a few plants that didn't take. Once established, the maintenance is minimal. Unlike a dock or bulkhead that requires staining or structural repairs, a living shoreline is a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Can I still access the water for swimming or kayaking?
Yes! In fact, living shorelines often improve water access. While a bulkhead creates a 4-foot drop-off, a living shoreline creates a gradual, sandy slope that is much easier (and safer) for launching kayaks, paddleboards, or letting pets enter the water.
What areas do you serve?
Ward’s Marine is a locally owned business serving all of Southern Maryland, including Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles Counties. We specialize in the unique conditions of the Patuxent River, Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay.
How do I get started?
The first step is a site consultation. Contact Ward’s Marine today to schedule a visit. We will evaluate your erosion rate, wave energy, and sun exposure to recommend the best custom solution for your waterfront.
