When we develop waterfront lots, trees, and native plants are replaced by impervious (hard) surfaces. Driveways, rooftops, and other hard surfaces decrease the ability of the shoreland area to serve its natural functions.

A variety of educational materials including brochures, posters, and a video about how impervious surfaces affect fish, wildlife and waterfront property values are now available from UW-Extension’s Center for Land Use Education. Local Natural Resources Educator Chad Cook had a hand in creating these.