Guidance Documents

Coast Stabilization Resources

Erosion Control and Beach Nourishment resources for coastal properties. 

• MA Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Manual for Coastal Wetlands Regulations
  • A Practical Manual for Conservation Commissions to Protect the Storm Damage Prevention and Flood Control Functions of Coastal Resource Areas 
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute - Spectrum of Erosion Control Methods
  •  a brochure on managing coastal erosion distributed by Woods Hole Sea Grant
• Woods Hole Sea Grant Beach Nourishment Guide for Homeowners
  • The Spring 2023 Marine Extension Bulletin provides guidance for coastal homeowners on beach nourishment.
• CZM Intermunicipal Shoreline Management Presentation
  • A powerpoint presentation from CZM on a multi-phase project to develop and visualize geospatial data to help Cape communities understand and confron emerging climate change threats in the coastal zone.
  • This powerpoint was presented during the October 12, 2023 Natural Resources Advisory Commission Meeting.

Landscaping & Planting Resources

The resources listed below provide guidance for selecting appropriate native plants. 

• MA Office of Coastal Zone Management - Coastal Landscaping Plant List
  • Find landscaping options for controlling coastal erosion and preventing storm damage—provided by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) StormSmart Coasts Program.
• Coastal Landscaping in Massachusetts Plant List
  • This PDF document provides additional information to supplement the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Coastal Landscaping website.
• CZM - Spring Planting on the Coast
  • Tips from the MA Office of Coastal Zone Management for successful Spring coastal planting. 
• Cape Cod Cooperative Extension -- Horticulture
• Native Plants Suitable For Cape Cod Landscape
  • A list of native plants, as well as their suitability for different landscapes on Cape Cod.