Shoreline Classifications

How do you live?
Natural

• No significant human disturbance on land or in the water body
• A thick buffer of healthy native vegetation provides habitat and food for various organisms
• Water quality and erosion control are good

Regenerative

• Significant efforts have been made for restoration to a pre-development state
• Less than 25 percent of the shoreline is disturbed for dock/water access
• The presence of native vegetation is abundant. This is vital to the regeneration of healthy ecosystems
• The ability of the property to control erosion and runoff is good

Ornamental

• Development has focused on shoreline aesthetics and industry
• Natural vegetation has been removed and replaced with groomed grass and other non-native vegetation
• Construction of retaining walls, onshore structures and docks has significantly impacted wildlife habitat and the ability of the shoreline to slow runoff inputs of nutrients and pollution

Degraded

• An area where restoration is needed as soon as possible
• Development with little consideration for lake ecology
• Runoff from roads and driveways flows directly into the water
• Garbage and debris is polluting the shoreline habitat