Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development, in collaboration with Seattle Public Utilities and the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Salmon Recovery Council, has developed Green Shorelines as a guidebook for lakefront homeowners. The publication uses photos, text, and illustrations to inform readers about alternatives to conventional shoreline armoring, stressing the aesthetic and ecological benefits of plants and beaches.

Pulling together information from a wide range of sources, DPD worked with a technical advisory committee of designers, contractors, and permitting agencies to compile the most current information on shoreline restoration. Distribution of Green Shorelines began at the end of 2008. To request a free hard copy, please send an email to dave.laclergue@seattle.gov or call (206) 733-9668.

Green Shorelines was funded by a grant from the King Conservation District.

Photo credits: upper left corner, Darwin Webb Landscape Architects; house, The Watershed Company; fish, Roger Tabor