ROCKY BEACH

Description:

Rocky beaches are rare in Burlington, but are most frequently found near cliff areas or within north facing coves. These shorelines are highly resilient to erosion and degradation due to the durability of the rocks¹². It is important to address the stability of the border between the rocky beach and the soft soil surface to promote ecosystem health, pollution prevention, and beach stability³.

The most common damage to rocky beaches comes during seasons of high water, when waves, drainages, and rainfall can erode the crucial transition zone between soil and beach¹³. Damage can also occur from recreational activities and foot traffic breaking down this stable barrier at the edge of the beach, eroding the soil and causing damage.

Improvements:

Simple

Maintain a No Mow Zone above the beach.

Plant native species above the beach.

Control foot traffic to reduce soil erosion onto rocky beaches.

Moderate

Control drainage off of impervious surfaces to prevent erosion. See the “green stormwater infrastructure” section on the water drainage page for information on how to achieve this.

Advanced

Install a small Vegetated Gabion Wall for transition zone stability.