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
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