NOAA
Sea level rise poses a major threat to coastal counties in Maryland. In the coming years, sea level rise will increase the reach and impact of storm surge from hurricanes and tropical storms. Locations that historically have been safe from storm surge may become more exposed. Furthermore, shoreline erosion during hurricanes and nor’easters will also be intensified by sea level rise as places that were once far enough inland or upland become exposed.
In order to protect coastal areas from erosion that can expose structures to increased flood risk & decrease water quality in the Bay, we need the best solutions. Increasingly, research is finding that living shorelines can provide greater protection and require less costly maintenance over time than shore hardening strategies like sea walls.
Living shorelines use the natural properties of plants and animals that have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to withstand waves and storm events!!
To learn more about the steps to creating a living shoreline, check out this guide created by NOAA.
There are also resources from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources with information on how to apply for grants to fund living shoreline projects.
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