Discussion for Alternatives to Bulkheads #1 - 2026 by Sara Brostrom

2026-01-17 00:06:20 UTC

Clearly from the science we can understand that planting on upland shores cannot in any way mitigate for the loss of shoreline ecology since "erosion is not being caused by upland conditions".

Permitting rebuilt shoreline armoring is, in fact, new or renewed Net Loss of ecological function just like a second mortgage extends a repayment amortization. Just because new Net Loss is added to existing Net Loss, does not mean there is no Net Loss.

2026-01-17 00:12:08 UTC

The understanding of how shorelines evolve from sediment sources through transport zones to accretion areas with no net drift areas between offers clear shoreline patterns that need to be respected. A Pattern Language of Shoreline development ought to be reasoned out to guide nature based design solutions that can result in perennially healthy shores which sustain the natural cycles that high yield climax ecologies in marine and terrestrial environments.

2026-01-26 23:02:03 UTC

I often see applicants/homeowners claim that their property is made unstable by the healthy trees on the slope. This training has emphasized the importance of tree retention on the top of slopes. Interesting! I wonder if there are resources for regulators/ Cities to help educate landowners on the topic.

2026-01-30 19:37:36 UTC

would you say feeder bluffs are naturally unstable? There's a lot of housed in Whidbey Island that are near feeder bluffs and people often tend to try to stabilize the soil with plants or try to protect with bulkheads

2026-02-20 23:41:37 UTC

I think the image shown when Ben was talking about butterfly bush during the introduction for section 3 was actually a lilac, which is not a native plant but is also not a noxious weed.

2026-02-21 19:50:43 UTC

I'm very curious about how the shellfish industry is impacting the ecological systems in marine habitat. Taylor Shellfish harvests geoduck regularly in our area and creates massive disruption to the mudflats and surrounding area. They use invasive harvest methods that wipe out species growing around their farms.