LIVING NEAR THE EDGE OF THE SALISH SEA:

NATIVE PLANTS, STORMWATER, EROSION, SLOPE STABILITY & YOU:
A Self-Directed Web Lecture
Produced by Elliott Menashe, Greenbelt Consulting (© 2021)

 

If you are considering building on a shoreline bluff, ravine, low-bank marine or lake-front lot backed by a steep slope in the Puget Sound & Salish Sea region – the least expensive and most effective way to forestall future stormwater, erosion, or shallow landslide problems is to minimize clearing and grading and preserve native soils and plant communities during development.

 Preserving natural features can help reduce the need for and expense of complex stormwater runoff management systems, erosion-control measures, or slope-retention structures. You will also improve water quality, reduce establishment of invasive plant species, preserve wildlife and salmon habitat, and maintain the beauty of the region.

If your bluff property has already been developed, you might have an inadequate setback, stormwater runoff and erosion problems, infestations of invasive plants, topped trees, and extensive lawns. You may be inheriting problems from past poor development and management practices. For instance, compacted soils and lawns that extend to the bluff edge can contribute to soil saturation and stormwater runoff, erosion problems, and destabilization of marginal slopes.

A combination of improved management practices, structural drainage measures, and vegetation enhancement could help to improve conditions and reduce the incidence and severity of landslides.

Whether you are developing a new home or improving an existing site, use of native plant species in your landscape design before serious problems occur (creating a distinctively Northwest landscape) can help you to minimize stormwater and erosion impacts, mitigate conditions which may trigger landslides, and give you greater peace of mind.

 The web-lecture provided here can perhaps help you to better understand your property’s unique character and show you how to reduce the inherent risks of living along the picturesque shores of the Salish Sea.

  It is a rather long lecture –- so pace yourself.

View the Full PDF

or jump to a specific chapter:
1. Introduction -Nearshore Environments -
    Setting of Puget Sound & the Salish Sea -
    Stormwater, Erosion, & Landslides
2. Role, Benefits, & Limitations of Vegetation
3. Living on the Edge is Different.
    What is REALLY Important?
4. Poor Development Practices and Impacts
5. What You Can Do to Improve Conditions
6. Invasive Plants
7. Value of Native Species - Landscaping, & Restoration -
    Planting for Stormwater Management,
    Erosion Control & Slope Stability -
    Conclusion

To scroll through slide thumbnails look for the Menu icon in the top left by the file name

Material on this site is available for use by non-profit organizations and public education. All other uses or repurposing requires the permission of the author. This information is protected by Copyright © Law 2004–2021.