Level of impact is a categorical field used to describe general disturbances observed along the shoreline. Disturbances are considered to be any anthropogenic influence that has altered shoreline features including the foreshore substrates, vegetation, or the shoreline (e.g., retaining walls, groynes, etc.). Level of impact is determined from the length of the shore line (i.e., along the segment) and the depth of the shore zone area to between 15 to 50 m back. In more rural settings, typically the assessment area is greater (i.e., 50 m) and in more developed shorelines, typically the assessment area is less (i.e., 15 m). In cases of roadways, highways or railways, one should generally assess the location of the rail or roadway along the segment. To facilitate interpretation of this category, air photo interpretation is recommended to better estimate disturbance.
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