Mitigation versus Restoration in Shoreline Master Programs (Source. Department of Ecology) The SMP requires that proponents of shoreline development fully mitigate impacts caused by their proposed developments, and although they are not required to improve conditions over and above the impacts of their development actions, they may elect to implement elements of this plan as mitigation for shoreline development if appropriate. Citizens, agencies, and other groups may also elect to implement portions of this plan irrespective of any proposed development activity or requirement to mitigate impacts. Components of this plan can also be implemented as part of future capital or resource management endeavors. As an example, a park improvement project could be designed to include removal of intertidal fill and restoration of nearshore habitat. All of these actions would have the effect of improving conditions over time, which is necessary for achieving no net loss of shoreline functions.
