About Shore Friendly
The goal of the Island County Shore Friendly project is to promote alternative strategies for shoreline residential properties that provide both the use and enjoyment of the property while promoting and maintaining the nearshore ecosystems for the support of fish and wildlife.
Sign Up For a Site Visit!
Are you concerned about your shoreline property? Would you like to learn more about natural techniques to protect your property and the shoreline habitat you love? We work with technical professionals who can provide site-specific information about your shoreline property and give recommendations on how to address shoreline erosion, vegetation management, drainage concerns, and even structure relocation to help you protect your property and Puget Sound.
Click here to sign up for a site visit!
Shore Friendly Living Webinar
Join us on Wednesday, March 17, from 4-6pm to get an introduction to coastal processes and habitats in Island County. This workshop will also provide breakout sessions focused on your specific type of shoreline (high bluff, medium bank, or low-no bank). This program is presented through the Northwest Straits Foundation and Island County's Shore Friendly programs, as well as the Island County Marine Resources Committee, in our ongoing work to provide resources for shoreline landowners and anyone interested in learning more about this place we all love.
Educational Materials
Island County has developed materials to help Island County residents
learn about their options for protecting their shoreline homes and properties by considering natural beach and soft shore options. Check out our materials below, as well as our page of resources for more information:Project Funding
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program.
Shore Friendly Mini-Grant Program
Shoreline landowners around Island County want to protect their properties while also protecting the fish, wildlife, and shoreline habitats of Puget Sound. We are excited to announce that Island County shoreline landowners are invited to apply for funding through the Island County Shore Friendly Mini-Grant program to enhance nearshore habitat and prevent the need for hard shoreline armor.
Mini-grant amounts will range from $500-$5,000, and can be used towards the following project types.
Project Types:
Projects must be in the support of either the removal of shoreline armoring or prevention of future shoreline armoring.
- Bulkhead removal
- Soft shore protection
- Native vegetation installation
- Drainage management
- House or septic relocation
Eligible Activities:
- Consulting services
- Project design
- Permitting fees
- Project implementation
To learn more about the program and eligible activities, click
here.
To discuss your project or for more information, contact
Ann Prusha.
To submit a mini-grant application, click
here.
Shore Friendly Living - Coastal Beaches and Bluffs
Learn more about what it means to be Shore Friendly in this video from our partners at the Northwest Straits Foundation. In this video, coastal geologist, Hugh Shipman guides us on a virtual beach walk to learn about the geology and physical processes that create and maintain our beaches. As we explore how beaches form and change over time, we’ll also learn how these processes determine who and what utilize the shoreline and make it their home.
How can I protect and enjoy my shoreline property while also promoting a healthy ecosystem?
In the video below, local residents and a coastal geologist share about the environmental, recreational, and aesthetic benefits of natural and restored beaches.
