Doing nothing is sometimes considered last, after other more expensive and intensive options have been undertaken with no success. But doing nothing is typically the least costly alternative and does not require permitting, unless erosion causes damage to property or infrastructure. The do-nothing alternative takes into account the level of risk you are willing to accept in conjunction with the expected uses of your property.

The “do nothing” alternative makes the most sense if there aren’t any structures on your property, in areas of critical habitat, or in areas where erosion is minimal and a structure is located far away from the wetland.

Expect wetland boundaries to change. The nature and location of coastal wetlands may change in the future with increasing elevation of the highest annual tide due to sea-level rise. (See the Maine Geological Survey mapping efforts for sea-level rise in southern Maine.)