Beyond Blue Carbon: Using the Principles of Living Shorelines to Strengthen Shorelines

This presentation will dive into the principles of living shorelines and how they can be implemented in salt and freshwater environments as a healthy and resilient solution.

Originally presented at StormCon 2023.

Much like stormwater systems, living shorelines implement a train of BMPs that can slow water, filter sediment, clean water and create usable spaces. This presentation will dive into the principles of living shorelines and how they can be implemented in salt and freshwater environments as a healthy and resilient solution. The amount of grey shoreline infrastructure along our coasts, lakes and rivers continues to grow each year. Most of these systems are doing more harm than good, by increasing erosion, flooding and loss of infrastructure. We will look deeper into a variety of traditional and green shoreline systems and provide an overview of costs, benefits and lifetime of each system. From there, the audience will be introduced to the living shoreline concept through a view of projects in Chesapeake Bay and Puerto Rico. We will look at the design principles, habitat creation and the ability to sequester carbon. Upon detailing the living shoreline approach, we will move across the country and look at how the blue carbon / living shoreline approach has been successfully adapted for freshwater rivers, lakes, streams and even stormwater management systems.

About the Presenter

Eric Seidl is the head of the Envirolok Team. His extensive background in landscape architecture, horticulture, outreach, and engineering has brought Envirolok to a new level of excellence. Eric’s personable and friendly demeanor makes it easy for him to build client relationships and provide excellent customer service. Eric is active in the green industry, volunteering his time to assist with industry outreach, presentations and providing technical review for a variety of events and conferences. Prior to joining Envirolok, Mr. Seidl spent 20 years in the field of Landscape Architecture, where he focused on waterfronts, parks and open space, and community focused planning.

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Course Includes

  • 1 Lesson
  • Course Certificate