These terms may be new to many Minnesotans, but they are likely to become common vocabulary among property owners and professionals discussing options for controlling erosion along shorelines – thanks to a new brochure, Shoreland Erosion Control for Property Owners, that describes appropriate use and detailed installation of these materials.

Erosion is common along many of our lakes, rivers, and streams. Although erosion is a natural part of river and stream development as watercourses track across a flood plain, the increased incidence and severity of shoreline erosion along waterways and around lakes is often related to human land and water use. Described in this brochure are simple and relatively low- or no-cost bioengineering materials that property owners can install themselves along shorelines experiencing mild to moderate erosion (for severe erosion problems, owners should consult with their local Soil and Water Conservation District).

Shores with a slight to moderate erosion can benefit from one or more of the methods described in this fact sheet.

“Bioengineering” refers the use of living plants materials and/or non-living plant products to create a protective “soft” armor against erosive forces. When installed properly, live stakes, control.pdf willow wattles and/or coconut fiber logs perform several functions at the waters edge. They protect erosion faces from direct wave and ice action and create a more gradual slope over which waves and ice can flow. They also form a protective layer of vegetation that helps hold soil in place and provides wildlife habitat.

Coconut fiber logs.

“Shoreland first aid” is an important first step in dealing with immediate erosion problems. However, to be most effective, potential causes of erosion should be identified and addressed with additional preventative measures. A few common causes of erosion at should be considered are: Was the natural wave break of aquatic plants removed? Were the deep-rooted wetland plants replaced with shallow-rooted turf or damaged by increased foot or vehicle traffic? Has run-off increased due to impervious surfaces or been channelized via paths, ditches, pipes? Has wave action from boat traffic increased? Is there an unnatural change in water level? Are muskrats burrowing into the shore? If these conditions exist along your shoreland property, additional aquatic and wetland plants may need to be installed, traffic and run-off may need to be redirected, or “no wake zones” may need to be established.

The brochure, Shoreland Erosion Control for Property Owners, can be viewed and downloaded as a PDF file from the Shoreland Management web site.

Posted in Care of Shoreland Property, Lakes |