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Your natural shoreline plays a critical role in Puget Sound by supporting habitat not only for forage fish - but for the greater Puget Sound food chain on which we all depend. 
Maintaining a natural waterfront is one of the best things you can do for Puget Sound. "
What are my options?
Natural (Unmodified) Shorelines Make a Difference

Shoreline erosion is a natural coastal process and a familiar experience for those living along the waterfront.  Many Puget Sound homeowners know that erosion contributes the sediment which builds our beaches - a basic part of shoreline living.  Despite this knowledge, erosion can be a cause of concern when you're not sure what's going on.

Are you worried about erosion along your waterfront?  The causes of erosion are very site-specific and are best understood with a site visit. We can help assess what’s happening and offer specific guidance so you avoid contributing to erosion problems.  How you manage water and vegetation on your property makes a huge difference to erosion rates and slope or bluff stability.  In cases where erosion is a serious problem, we can talk about the various options available to stabilize your shoreline - and protect the Puget Sound. 
The good news is that the best waterfront management options are often the least expensive.
Doing nothing at all is often the best choice for sites with very slow erosion rates.  There are also times when steps should be taken to address the causes of erosion, particularly when upland drainage management or vegetation management are contributing.  We can offer site-appropriate guidance for actions like adding the right plants to stabilize your bank, or managing stormwater so it doesn't destabilize a slope.  Very often, simple, inexpensive steps for slowing erosion back to normal rates are the best choice for a shoreline property. 
Did you know that over 54 miles of Mason County shoreline provide crucial habitat for forage fish?  
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Unfortunately, 45% has shoreline armor, which degrades these beaches.*  Why does this matter?  Forage fish are a critical food source for Puget Sound salmon species . . . the same salmon that feed us, feed visiting Orca whales, and feed many other amazing Puget Sound creatures.  
* Shoreline Parcel Report available at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/grants/ps_marine_nearshore/results_products.html
How can I be sure I am not contributing to erosion problems?
water with kayaks on beach and a house on a hill in the background
A grassy shoreline that would benefit from additional native plants to help stabilize the slope.
Are you confident about managing water and plants on your waterfront?  Do you need to do something about erosion right now?  Set up a site visit with one of Mason Conservation District's shoreline specialists to receive site-appropriate recommendations.

On the resources page you will find helpful documents as well as links to other great resources.
If erosion is severe, what are my best options?
​Is a bulkhead my only choice?
person in yellow safety vest bending over to look in section of land with large erosion
A shoreline assessment by Mason Conservation District staff.
If you feel that your home is at risk of damage from a landslide or severe erosion, contact a coastal engineer or licensed geologist immediately to address your concerns.

​If you are facing non-threatening shoreline erosion and would like to understand what is happening, and what you can do - contact us for an assessment. 
In cases where erosion is severe enough to warrant action, it's important to know your options. Consider your alternatives before installing a conventional bulkhead.

Free Erosion AND Waterfront Assessments

Mason Conservation District offers free, non-regulatory,
site-specific guidance to help you manage your waterfront with confidence.
For more information about Shore Friendly Mason
[email protected] contact Dakota Oliver, (360) 968-0743
Mason Conservation District
450 W Business Park RD
Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 427-9436
Fax: (360) 427-4396

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    Mason Conservation District (MCD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and MCD does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights. Contact Rhonda Nydegger, Finance & Administration Manager, for more information. Email: [email protected]  Mail: Mason Conservation District, 450 W Business Park RD, Shelton WA 98584.