Shorelines and streambanks are important and intricate parts of aquatic ecosystems. Managing these areas properly is important to the health of our lakes, rivers and streams.
Erosion is a significant problem around shoreline and streambanks. Eroding soil can fill in our lakes, streams, and wetlands, and weaken the area, making it more likely to collapse. This is especially troublesome for homeowners who live near a creek.
What can you do?
Today many homeowners use a collection of rocks or rubble (rip-rap) and retaining walls to stabilize shorelines, but these practices are costly and do not necessarily stop erosion. The best method for stabilization is to use native plantings. The long roots of native plants anchor the soil better than the shorter roots of non-native plants.
Online information & resources:
- Minnesota DNR’s Restore Your Shore
- Minnesota DNR’s Healthy Shoreline Facts
- Freshwater Society’s Shoreland Management and Restoration
- University of Minnesota’s Shoreland Maintenance
- Blue Thumb’s Shoreline Stabilization Resources
Check out the video “Love Your Lakeshore: Go Native” on the merits of natural shorelines, and how you can naturalize your own.