A southern Aroostook group is slowing shoreline erosion with natural materials

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 8, 2026

Ecological landscape designer Rebecca Jacobs created a living wall along the shore of a Nickerson Lake home, Friday, in New Limerick, demonstrating an alternative way to prevent erosion using plants, logs, live stakes and existing rock. About 16 people attended the three-hour workshop. “We’re trying to get the natural stuff to grow back,” said Larry Bruen about the Orono effort. “It’s natural erosion control. I wanted to come here to see and learn more about it. And now I know the reasons why.” Last year, Maine regulators passed new rules that place restrictions on riprap and other hardened structures. Instead, they offered landowners expedited permitting for the creation of living shorelines that use existing materials like logs, rocks, root wads and dead tree limbs.