Plant and preserve a buffer of native trees, shrubs and groundcovers by streams and lakes. They prevent erosion, attract beneficial insects, and provide shade and shelter for salmon. Wider buffers are better, especially where slopes are steep. Preserve streams as part of new landscapes. Minimize bulkheads, docks and other structures.
Structures degrade habitat and often worsen erosion.
Plan erosion controls with a civil engineer, hydrologist or landscape architect. Sometimes native plants are the best erosion control. Illustrations by Wilda Boyd, City Design, Print and Copy, Executive Services Department.