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Analysis steps

The shoreline guidelines require that local governments analyze inventory information gathered in the previous step to characterize their shoreline.  The analysis should be packaged as a final report with associated maps. View Rule citation.

The analysis will be used to write master program policies and regulations designed to achieve no net loss of ecological functions, and will form the basis for your shoreline restoration plan. Below are suggested steps in preparing an SMP analysis.  Although the analytical approaches presented here are a sequence of steps, characterization of the shoreline to inform development of SMP polices is not necessarily sequential. View Rule citation.  

A well prepared shoreline characterization should:

Integrate findings in an accessible manner through narrative and associated maps/photos to inform planning decisions specifically faced by your jurisdiction.

Indicate opportunities for:

• protecting ecological functions (to achieve no net loss policy)

• restoring degraded habitat (for restoration planning)

• improving public access

• supporting water-dependent use

Reveal opportunities for coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions

Establish a baseline for adaptive management and cumulative impact assessment

Demonstrate compliance with SMA requirement to make use of all available scientific and technical information

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