Shoreline access is important to all those who visit, play or work on shorelines. Well-managed access also protects the environmental values of shorelines.

For many communities, shorelines provide vital spaces for harvesting traditional foods like clams and oysters – and access to these resources impacts the ability for First Nations to carry out traditional harvests and management. Additionally, the beauty and openness of these areas contribute to overall health and well-being (Five Surprising Benefits of Nature-based Shorelines).

Shorelines are generally considered accessible to all citizens in Canada as they fall within “Crown” jurisdiction. Under the Nature-based Shoreline Project Checklist process available through the Province of BC, the restoration project design has to provide the following:

“Members of the public must be able to readily go around or cross over any constructed structures along the foreshore, i.e., access along the foreshore should not be impeded. Overall, the objective is to provide improved public access to the shoreline.”

The question of the importance of having free access to coastal shores is prominent across Canada. For example, in Nova Scotia, shoreline access is discussed in a Coastal Access Project podcast, ”Right of Way .” The podcast explores the issue of coastal access through the stories of property owners, communities, scientists, policymakers, environmental activists, surfers, and hikers.

Picture Credit: The Nova Scotian podcast "Right of Way" goes on a deep dive exploration of coastal access and jurisdictions limiting people's use of shorelines and the benefits they provide. Cover artwork by Laura Bonga.

Other programs, such as Shore Friendly in Washington State, require consideration of safe and reasonable access for all potential users (resource: Shoreline Master Programs Handbook: Chapter 9).

Considerations for Designing Effective Access

The Stewardship Centre for BC’s Green Shores® program provides guidance on nature-based solutions for shoreline properties. Among its many recommendations, shoreline access design is a key consideration, balancing ecological preservation with public and private needs. Homeowners and communities can refer to the Green Shores for Homes Credits and Ratings Guide (Credit 2.7, pages 93-95) for detailed insights. Owners and managers of public and commercial shoreline properties can refer to the Green Shores for Shoreline Development Guide for further guidance on shore-friendly access (Credit 2, pages 45-50).

A well-designed access route should protect the ecological integrity of riparian zones – the transitional areas in between the upland areas and the adjacent lake, river, stream or ocean. Shoreline access should also be designed to provide safe and reasonable entry while respecting homeowners’ privacy. Remember that unmanaged pet access can disturb wildlife, particularly nesting birds, pollinators and sensitive ecosystems.

Best practices for shoreline access include:

• Limit access paths to a minimal width and footprint and, if possible, avoid a linear design that runs straight to the shoreline.
• Use permeable paths that allow water filtration and reduce overland runoff that may transport contaminants from the upland.
• Incorporate native plant buffers for habitat support and shoreline stability.
• Avoid artificial lighting on pathways, which can disrupt nocturnal wildlife.
• Ensure all required safety codes are adhered to for the access design.
• Provide designated entry points to minimize disturbance.
• Manage movement of pets on the shoreline through signage directed to owners, requesting that pets stay on leash. In many communities, there may be signage that restricts off-leash dog access to particular seasons or areas.
• Promote limited shoreline access in areas where wildlife values are key. Installation of temporary signage during active seasons for bird breeding (March –August), peak nesting (May-August) and fish spawning (October – December) to inform passersby about ecologically-sensitive times of the year. This should be based on local ecosystem information.
• Launch watercraft, such as kayaks, from designated areas to avoid damage to riparian vegetation. Since riparian ecosystems are sensitive to disturbance and take a long time to re-establish, it is best to launch boats from open shoreline areas (with sand/gravel) and preferably from the designated location to limit disturbance elsewhere.
• Public access doesn’t always mean direct shoreline entry. Alternative approaches include:
  • Lookouts or breezeways for views.
  • Interpretive signage highlighting historical, ecological, or cultural features.

How does habitat-friendly beach access support salmon?

• By keeping your beach pathway narrow, you are allowing more of your shoreline property to be vegetated with shrubs, trees and salt tolerant grasses, which means more food for salmon! Terrestrial insects will fall from the greenery into the water, providing a tasty snack for salmon passing by.

Photo by Fernando Lessa

• Pacific salmon, and many of creatures of the coastal food web, need clean water to explore in the nearshore environment. By opting for a beach path made of sand, gravel or other permeable materials, you are reducing the amount of runoff that enters waterways directly. Click here to learn more about how to manage stormwater runoff with nature-based solutions.

Example of shoreline access

See below for examples of Green Shores for Homes projects with good access design and features that demonstrate best practices. Visit the Stewardship Centre for BC's Green Shores for Homes Case Studies page for more examples.

A. Prospect Lake, Saanich

• The walkway includes a narrow, flat-rock path interspersed with native grasses, which connects to an untreated wood dock. The dock has spaces between the boards that allow natural light penetration to benefit aquatic plants and organisms below.

• Extensive riparian vegetation, including overhanging shrubs and trees, was retained for shade, temperature regulation, and habitat diversity.

B. Portage Road, Saanich

• The pathway was created with minimal width through the native riparian vegetation, to protect habitat and biodiversity. The walkway is surfaced with natural materials, and there is no artificial lighting.

• Shrubs and trees were retained to enhance habitat and stabilize the shoreline.

• The entire riparian area is protected under a legally established conservation covenant.

C. Agate Lane, Saanich

• The pathway is non-linear and made of  untreated wood materials;
• Riparian vegetation was infilled with native plants and is protected from foot traffic both to and from the shoreline;
• No artificial lighting was installed along the path.

D. Songhees Walkway Pocket Beach Green Shores for Shoreline Development project: Victoria

• The public pathway is made of solid and yet permeable material, allowing for water infiltration and stability for wheeled carts,  walkers and strollers to access the shoreline. This was important for the cultural use of this shoreline by the Songhees Nation with their traditional canoes.
• There is no artificial lighting, and the pathway integrates well with the natural shoreline edge.

E. Nile Road, Qualicum Bay

Conclusion

Shorelines are special places that people and wildlife use and enjoy. By integrating these thoughtful design principles, we can ensure shoreline access benefits people while preserving the ecological and cultural richness of marine and lake shores. For more details, explore Green Shores and the Resilient Coasts for Salmon Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change - Resilient Coasts for Salmon project website to discover how sustainable shoreline management can work for you!

Cover image from SCBC's Green Shores for Homes project Agate Lane in Saanich, BC. Photo Credit Kelly Loch.

All photographs in the 'Examples of Shoreline Access' section by Kelly Loch, Stewardship Centre for British Columbia.

By naturalizing shorelines, waterfront homeowners can protect their property, embrace environmental stewardship, and invite nature into their backyards.

Naturalized shorelines provide a range of benefits, including shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration for wildlife, ecosystem health and biodiversity, filtering of aquatic pollutants, climate resiliency, improved shoreline aesthetic, access to recreational opportunities and financial savings in shoreline maintenance. Check out the article Five Surprising Benefits of Nature-based Shorelines to read more!

Naturalized shorelines benefit waterfront homeowners by protecting their shorelines from erosion and floods, supporting ecosystem health and the natural aesthetic of the shore.

Threats to Shoreline Properties

Many people are drawn to live near lake or ocean shorelines, but human activity next to shorelines can have negative impacts on coastal processes. Changing climatic conditions caused by humans can also threaten the safety and integrity of shoreline infrastructure. Coastal properties can face several hazards and threats, including storms, erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise. Erosion, in particular, undermines the physical structure of beaches by depleting sediment (e.g., sand, gravel, cobbles) that is essential for absorbing waves and for habitat to many species. Read this article from the Stewardship Centre for BC to learn more about how climate change could impact the shoreline.

While hard armour (e.g., seawalls, rip rap) has often been used to protect shorelines, it can worsen erosion and increase risks to shoreline properties and neighbours. Hard armouring alters coastal processes, increases wave energy, and causes erosion at the base of these structures through scour. This makes the hard armour structure vulnerable to collapse or failure.

Why should you consider naturalizing shorelines?

Naturalized shorelines are more resilient to changing coastal environments and climate because they are better at dissipating wave energy, and include ecosystem features that help coastal ecosystems adapt to change. Nature-based coastal solutions incorporate natural processes and features that are better able to withstand wind, wave action, tides, seasonal changes and longer-term impacts of sea level rise.

What can you do to naturalize your shoreline?

When considering applying nature-based protection on your shoreline, consult with qualified environmental professionals such as coastal engineers and biologists to develop the best solution for your shoreline and property needs. Click here to learn more about nature-based solutions. Some related activities can include:

• Remove structures that negatively impact the shoreline: Eliminate old docks, hard armour (e.g., rip rap, seawalls), creosote-treated logs, or other non-native materials that contribute to erosion or pollution.
• Consider a hybrid solution: This approach combines limited hard elements to support the function of soft elements such as gravel and woody materials. Hybrid designs can include off shore rocky headlands along with regraded shorelines to create a different shoreline profile. Installation of a buried revetment at the natural boundary is another example of a hybrid solution that provides enhanced wave dissipation, riparian zone function and increased habitat.
• Add natural materials: Designed placement of stable, large woody material and beach nourishment materials (e.g., sand, cobble, or gravel) can help stabilize the shoreline and create a natural buffer to absorb wave action, retain sediment and provide micro-habitats for organisms and vegetation.
• Plant native vegetation: Retain overhanging vegetation and plant a variety of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that are adapted to the site conditions to stabilize the shoreline while providing habitat for fish, amphibians, birds, small mammals, pollinators and other native wildlife.

• Remove invasive plants: Remove plants that outcompete native species and reduce biodiversity.
• Create low-impact access routes: Design pathways that enhance access to the shoreline for homeowners while protecting the riparian and limiting soil compaction and habitat disturbance.
• Manage stormwater run-off: On the upland, create permeable surfaces to filter water, reduce runoff and replenish subsurface groundwater. Use pervious surface materials and rain gardens to encourage run-off to soak into the ground. Check out our Tool Kit to learn more about how to build a rain garden, and the benefits of using permeable paving stones to reduce runoff!

Next Steps

The Stewardship Centre for BC offers the Green Shores^® Program, which includes technical guidance, homeowner support, and information about best practices for implementing nature-based solutions that promote naturalized shorelines. Green Shores^® is applicable to residential properties and commercial, multi-family residential, subdivision, parks or institutional waterfront developments. Learn more on how to get started with Green Shores.

As part of the Resilient Coasts for Salmon project, waterfront property owners on the East Coast of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands might be eligible for a free shoreline assessment to apply nature-based solutions with Green Shores. Click here to learn more about shoreline assessments on the Stewardship Centre for BC website.

Photo credits: Kelly Loch, District of West Vancouver, and Holly Sullivan.

As a homeowner, you have an opportunity to enroll your site in Green Shores^® for Homes and work with qualified professionals (biologists, coastal engineers, and environmental specialists) to develop and apply a nature-based shoreline design on your property.

Green Shores^® is a program of the non-profit Stewardship Centre for British Columbia (SCBC) that offers a framework of best practices, training, and technical support to property owners interested in applying nature-based solutions on their property.

How does using Green Shores benefit salmon?

Green Shores guides users to nature-based solutions that encourage healthy land-sea habitat connectivity, which provides quality shoreline habitat for salmon.

Applying nature-based solutions along shoreline properties comes with a number of environmental, social and economic benefits. For example, nature-based solutions, such as beach nourishment and native plantings, improves resiliency to sea level rise and climate change by allowing for dynamically coastal processes adjust to changing levels whilst also providing habitat complexity for the ecosystem. Implementing upland solutions, such as rain gardens or rainwater harvesting, can reduce runoff and contaminated water flowing to the shore, thereby minimizing erosion and harmful toxins entering the environment. Truly a 'win-win', nature-based solutions are also typically lower cost than static engineered shoreline property protection measures such as seawalls and they create a naturally beautiful shoreline for everyone to enjoy.

Learn more about Green Shores and continue reading below to learn how to enroll, and about the benefits and assistance you can receive.

Getting started with Green Shores for Homes

As one Green Shores for Homes homeowner said:

'Becoming involved, reading and learning about the benefits of Green Shores through this project has been enlightening….and fun.  Thank you to the Green Shores team for sharing your knowledge and passion for the program. We look forward to enjoying the garden maturing and evolving with the hope of it being an inspiration for neighbouring waterfront owners. Best of all the birds love it!’ – Green Shores for Homes Gold Project Homeowner, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.

Follow the steps below to get started:

1. Visit the Green Shores website, review the resources available, and explore existing Green Shores Case Studies on completed projects to learn more about how the Green Shores process was applied and see the results. If you have any questions, contact the Stewardship Centre for BC at info@stewardshipcentrebc.ca.

• Decided to enroll your project in Green Shores? Visit the Green Shores Enrollment page to fill out the form and get access to additional information, project assistance and a third-party verification that provides credibility to your project outcomes. Of course, you may use Green Shores guidance without enrolling your project but then you will not receive assistance in steps 3-5 below.

• Once your application is received, the Green Shores Project Coordinator will work with you to help assemble a team of qualified shoreline professionals, including Green Shores Approved Professionals, discuss options for Green Shores on your property and help you to find out what training options are available to you.

• Work with your Green Shores team to design and implement the Green Shores nature-based project. This will involve collecting background information and completing the required project pre-requisites such as an Environmental Management Plan and Existing Conditions Plan, listed in the Green Shores for Homes Credits and Ratings Guide. Options for the design might include re-sloping your shoreline, planting native vegetation, removal of existing hard armour, sediment enhancement and more.

• When the work is complete, the Green Shores Projects Coordinator will assign a Green Shores verifier who will review your documentation and the completed shoreline design to assign points to your project. Points are awarded under different credits, outlined in the Green Shores for Homes Credits and Ratings Guide. Depending on the number of points achieved, your project can receive Silver (GSH Level 1) or Gold (GSH Level 2) certification!

Currently, there is no cost to the homeowner for Green Shores for Homes as grant funding covers the cost of project enrollment, support and verification.  Larger scale projects, for example a park or commercial site, follow a similar process to the above but use the Green Shores for Shoreline Development guide. There are fees associated with enrollment and verification of Green Shores for Shoreline Development projects. Contact the Stewardship Centre for more information.

Why get Green Shores certified?

By enrolling in Green Shores for Homes, homeowners benefit from project assistance, training and verification at no cost. As well, Green Shores projects located on Vancouver Island can potentially use the Expedited Permit Checklist for nature-based projects to expedite provincial permitting in the foreshore. This process provides the homeowner with time and cost savings. By using Green Shores guidance, homeowners are able to design a successful custom nature-based approach that works for the site and their needs.

In addition, once the Green Shores project is certified, the property value might be enhanced, and maintenance costs reduced, making it a valuable investment for homeowners. Green Shores certified sites are also a source of pride to the homeowner, and a great inspiration to neighbouring shoreline owners.  In this way, shoreline owners work together to support the environment and promote nature-based solutions in their communities.

“We are proud recipients of Green Shores certification for keeping the shoreline natural at our new home in Bowser, BC! “ – 2019 Green Shores for Homes homeowner, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Photo by the Stewardship Centre for BC.

Additional resources

Green Shores Website

Green Shores Downloadable Guides and Resources

Green Shores Approved Professionals

Green Shores Training

Green Shores Webinars

Rather than coastal armouring structures such as seawalls and riprap, which degrade over time, disrupt natural shoreline processes, deflect wave energy, and are vulnerable to sea level rise, nature-based solutions can be used to protect our shorelines and the communities along them.

Coastlines are naturally dynamic systems and this can be a good thing for adapting to climate change if we understand and respect the natural processes at play. By working with nature, we can increase our resiliency to the impacts of climate change while also supporting and protecting biodiversity and human well-being.

How does applying nature-based solutions benefit salmon?

Opting for more natural solutions for shoreline protection rather than seawalls, creates a more resilient habitat that can support juvenile salmon as well as forage fish and invertebrates that salmon feed upon.

Here, we share a number of considerations and nature-based strategies for protecting our shorelines and communities.

Protecting the Upland

Protecting healthy and functioning coastal ecosystems starts with attention to the areas above the high tide mark, or the ‘upland’. By managing what happens on the upland, shorelines can be protected from excessive run‑off, contaminants, and erosion that would otherwise contribute to shoreline degradation. Here are a few suggestions:

Retain trees and snags – Avoid clearing of trees and shrubs along the shoreline as these provide important functions, for example as a food source, for shading, and riparian zone stabilization.

Practice eco-friendly gardening – Remove invasive species and encourage native species, and avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Reduce and treat run‑off – Use strategies such as rain gardens, permeable pavers and rainwater capture systems to minimize run-off from your property which can help reduce surface erosion and prevent contaminants from flowing into the aquatic environment.

Protect the riparian zone – A healthy riparian zone is key to the health of the shoreline as it acts as a buffer between the upland and the foreshore. The first step it to protect what is there:  but if the backshore vegetation has been cleared in the past, try to replant it with native species. Below is a table of suitable species for our local coastal riparian zones you can source from a native plant nursery.

Plan for sea level rise

Sea levels are rising – how a given area will be impacted will depend on the region and a number of other factors such as erosion and deposition rates, and geological factors like uplift and plate tectonics. In British Columbia, sea level rise is projected to be greatest on the north coast, the Fraser Lowland and southern Vancouver Island. See this map which shows vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal flooding.

Sea level rise will increase tide levels and how far seawater reaches onto land, influence the duration and frequency of inundation, exacerbate coastal erosion, and even cause the loss of nearshore habitat. Coastal modifications can exacerbate these impacts. To adapt we will need to:

Avoid further development directly on shorelines – Protect and preserve the natural areas we still have. Preserving shorelines in their natural state helps ensure important habitats are available to support biodiverse ecosystems and our coastal food web.

Accommodate for sea level rise – Increase setbacks, move infrastructure back if possible, and build any new structures further back from the shore. There is often a required regulatory setback that is established by local government regulations and this may vary by area. A safe setback distance that accounts for local sea level rise should be calculated based on site conditions by a qualified professional, whom would also ensure regulatory conditions are met.

Remove existing seawalls, riprap or other modifications to the shoreline – These structures, which are built with the intention to protect coastal infrastructure, actually disrupt coastal processes and are not an effective long-term solution for adapting to sea level rise. A shoreline is most resilient when it can function as an intact ecosystem.  

Undertake Restoration and Implement Nature-based Solutions

Successful restoration that improves ecosystem function and protects shoreline infrastructure requires a complete understanding of the dynamics of the area of shoreline you are working on. Enlisting qualified professionals (coastal geomorphologists/engineers, landscape architects, environmental consultants and biologists) is a critical step and will help you confidently design and plan a solution that considers natural coastal processes, shoreline erosion risk, and the dynamics of the ecosystem as a whole. The Stewardship Centre for BC has compiled a list of Green Shores Approved Professionals  that have the skills and experience for such projects.

Depending on the site being restored some nature-based solutions that may be recommended include:

Recontour the beach profile – Recontouring can create great habitat benefits and provide shoreline protection. The aim of recontouring is to alter the slope of a beach so that it has a gentle gradient that will naturally dissipate wave energy. The process involves large machinery removing sediment from some areas and adding it to others to create the desired effect. Depending on the dynamics of a site, it may require maintenance over time to preserve the slope profile.

Beach nourishment – Sediment that is lost through erosion and not replenished by natural coastal processes can be replaced through a process called beach nourishment. Coastal modifications, such as groynes, jetties and breakwaters, disrupt longshore drift, which is responsible for maintaining the sand on beaches. Without natural replenishment, beaches that were once sandy or gravelly, may be stripped to cobble stones or bedrock. Having the right types of sediments on beaches is vital for forage fish, which spawn along the high tide line. To ensure the best habitat outcome, consult with a shoreline professional with expertise in coastal processes and forage fish requirements. They may suggest a ‘forage fish’ sediment mix that is specially formulated to suit the needs of species like Pacific sand lance, Pacific herring and surf smelt.

Incorporate large woody debris – Drift wood logs and other large woody debris can be placed along upper beaches and backshore, typically beyond the reach of the waves, to stabilize the shoreline and provide micro‑habitat for vegetation and animals. Depending on where they are placed, the natural untreated logs that are brought in may need to be anchored, either by partial burial or placing between rocks, to ensure they will not float away on the next high tide. Ideally, the logs will include intact roots or branches and be Douglas fir or western red cedar as they are naturally rot resistant. Once in place, the logs can help reduce erosion and accrete additional sediment on which dune grass and other shoreline plants may establish, further stabilizing and building up the beach.

Stabilize the shoreline with vegetation – Planting the riparian zone will stabilize sediment and prevent erosion along the shoreline. Having intact vegetation along the shoreline will also increase biodiversity, support marine food web linkages, and create incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Besides planting native plant seedlings, there is another common method of revegetation, known as live staking, which involves sustainably harvesting cuttings from specific native species near by (e.g. red alder, snowberry, and Scouler willow) and staking them into the sediment and for them to eventually re-grow and stabilize the bank.

Here is a photo from a marine riparian restoration on Thetis Island by SeaChange Marine Conservation Society, led by Dave Polster. Also see this video of a shoreline slope restoration near Victoria.

Case Study: Weaverling Spit Restoration Projects

A great example where all of these methods were utilized is the Weaverling Spit Restoration Projects by Samish Nation and Coastal Geologic Services, in Samish Territory, Anacortes, Washington. The project involved multiple phases of restoration along the shoreline including a long-term plan for managed retreat on Tribal Lands to allow for landward habitat migration. Below you will see how the shoreline was re-graded and restored and the benefits that have been achieved.

Prior to the restoration (left) Fidalgo Bay Resort was vulnerable to storm surges and experienced flooding and infrastructure damage. After regrading the shoreline and supplementing sediment (right), the site is more protected.

Weaverling Spit was experiencing erosion and, with lawn extending to the shoreline, there was no habitat connectivity (left) prior to recontouring the beach and planting riparian vegetation (right). The site is now more resilient to storm events and provides valuable habitat again. Large woody debris has naturally recruited and brought with it additional habitat and shoreline stabilization benefits described above. The beach was nourished with a forage fish sediment mix and, incredibly, they found surf smelt spawning the very next day!

Considering a project involving some or all of the above strategies?

Check out these helpful resources for additional information:

Put together for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and adapted by the Stewardship Centre for British Columbia, Your Marine Waterfront Canadian Edition provides ways to promote healthy shorelines while protecting waterfront properties. Included are guidelines for site assessments and design techniques to plan and restore your shoreline and other helpful resources for shoreline property owners.

The Washington State Aquatic Habitat Guidelines Program has created Marine Shoreline Design Guidelines as comprehensive guide of shoreline assessment and management techniques. This guide provides detailed methods for site assessments, implementation of the nature-based solutions outlined above, and considerations and techniques for removal of coastal armouring.

You can take your project a step further and enroll your project with Green Shores  and go through Green Shores^® accreditation process. Find out more from the SCBC website (Green Shores for Homes and Green Shores for Shoreline Development) and this Green Shores for Homes Credits and Ratings Guide.

Photo credits: Jake Dingwall, Kelly Loch, Maria Catanzaro, Weaverling Spit Restoration 'before' photos courtesy of Todd Woodard, Samish Nation Natural Resources, after photos by Maria Catanzaro