Why address channel migration in Shoreline Master Programs (SMPs)?
Interference with the natural process of channel migration often has unintended consequences for human users of the river and its valley such as increased or changed flood, sedimentation and erosion patterns. It also has adverse effects on fish and wildlife through loss of critical habitat for river and riparian dependent species. Failing to recognize the process often leads to damage to, or loss of, structures and threats to life safety. The general requirement established in the Guidelines is for local SMPs to include provisions that limit development and shoreline modifications that would result in interference with the process of channel migration that may cause significant adverse impacts to property or public improvements and/or result in a net loss of ecological functions associated with the rivers and streams (see specific policies below).
