updrift erosion damages. Supplemental fill (preferably from inland sources) should be placed in the
shadow zone of all such structures to minimize adjacent property damages.
Restoration of eroded beaches should be encouraged as part of any shore protection plan.
Vegetation may be useful in some locations to further assist stability.
Excavation and removal of dunes should be discouraged because dunes serve as the natural front
line of defense for the shore. Control should be exercised through local zoning ordinances or building
codes that require special permits for excavation in dune areas. All new development should be located
landward of dunes.
Existing vegetation, particularly on dunes, should be protected, primarily by restricting
pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Special roads or walkways may be required in some cases.
Dunes should be restored and stabilized whenever possible as part of a comprehensive shore
protection plan. Vegetation and snow fencing are principal means of accomplishing this.
Wetlands and Marshes
Alterations to the surface of marshes by excavating, filling, clearing, paving or grading should
generally be prohibited. The value of marshes for shore protection and as ecological resources has been
stressed. In cases of essential development, marsh areas that are destroyed may be replaced by newly
developed marshes elsewhere as compensation and as a requirement for development. As an alternative,
adjacent damaged marshes may be restored to their full function to replace those taken by development.
Diking or draining of marshes is generally harmful and should not be permitted. Permanent
structures that would impair marsh functions should be discouraged. Placement of buildings on piles is
often an acceptable alternative, as are elevated walkways, shelters, footbridges, and boat houses.
Discharge of pollutants should be restrained. Marshes serve a valuable water purification
function but their ability to absorb pollutants is finite and limited.
Marshes should be restored to full function as part of any comprehensive shore protection plan.
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