Problem Solver - August 2008
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Maintaining a Beautiful Waterfront

Shorelines are natural wonders and are always guaranteed to attract recreation activities and visitors who stop by to appreciate the beauty of a pristine waterfront. However, shorelines can lose their timeless appeal due to various kinds of damage, when litter takes over, or when unsanitary conditions make them less than attractive.

The steps to take in keeping your shoreline a natural and attractive wonder are quite simple.

Q: Litter is a common problem on our shoreline. What are the best steps to take to reduce trash?

A: The easiest way to promote proper waste disposal is by having an ample amount of visible garbage receptacles available. Using trash cans with lids can help keep trash from blowing away into the water and over land, which can also endanger wildlife. Large trash receptacles can make life easier by reducing the number of times that they have to be emptied and keeping them from overflowing. There are many types of trash cans in many different colors that can blend into their surrounding and keep an appealing appearance to the land.

Q: Shoreline erosion is affecting the natural beauty of our waterfront. How can we reverse the pattern?

A: Promoting safe refueling methods to visitors and proper boat maintenance are important to keep the quality of water and shoreline pristine. Also, protecting or restoring native vegetation along the shoreline can enhance the quality of the soil and attract wildlife and birds. Installing no-wake zones or keeping a three mile-per-hour speed limit within 500 feet of the shore can help drastically reduce erosion.

Q: Our waterfront attracts a lot of fishermen, but we want to be sure to offer a sanitary way to clean fish. What options are available?

A: Fish cleaning stations are an excellent addition to any waterfront where fishing is prominent. Those who clean their catch on site may leave the remains on land, in the restrooms and in the water, making for an unpleasant situation for visitors who may want to wade or swim in the water, as well as the next fishing fans who come along.

Fish cleaning stations are fast, efficient and excellent for removing odor and remains by utilizing a heavy-duty garbage disposal. Other park patrons will appreciate the cleanliness of their surroundings without the odors or discarded fish parts.

Q: How reliable are these cleaning stations, and how do they work?

A: Fish cleaning stations are made of stainless steel with poly cutting boards that spare a fillet knife's cutting edge. The heavy-duty disposal system deposits waste directly into the sewage

system or septic tank, removing it from the park site. The fish cleaning stations include hose bib faucet, cold water pre-rinses with island brackets and an anti-rodent screen protector on the garbage disposal.

The stations can accommodate multiple users and offer ADA accessibility. They are easy to install as they arrive on site, factory-wired, -plumbed and pre-assembled. The units can withstand all seasons, and are resistant to rain, snow, wind, salt and bird droppings.

Q: What can I do to make my waterfront more accessible to the public?

A: Accessibility is critical for many reasons—people interact with water by dining, fishing, picnicking or simply feeding birds. Including walkways to the water that are universally accessible or streets into development plans is critical. If touching the water is not viable, creating accessibility to another water source can enhance the experience. Fountains, spray play areas and swimming pools that give patrons a place to float near the shore can be wonderful additions.

Fabwright Inc.: