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When designing and installing lakeshore projects, Southview works with the DNR or watershed districts to be sure we follow their guidelines and restrictions. There are several factors to take into account. Here is a breakdown of a few goals to keep in mind when working with shorelines
The main cause of erosion is wave action, either from wind or boats.What makes erosion worse?
Boulder wall prevents erosion from waves.
Vegetative buffer protects the shoreline from erosion.
Issue: Installing sod/lawn right up to the shore of the lake can cause several problems:
Before: Algae blooms where fertilizer runs off the lawn into the lake.
After: Clear waters with a buffer of boulders and future garden bed.
Create a “buffer zone” of native plants, trees and flowers. This strip keeps human activity out of the shore-impact zone, creating a natural, beautiful, clean shoreline.
Issues:
Established evergreens provide shelter and habitat for birds and wildlife.
Replace traditional mowed lawns near the shore with native grasses, shrubs, flowers and trees.This requires little maintenance and plants love their native habitat. Native grasses and flowers will attract butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and other important pollinators to the lakeshore.
Below are some links to helpful Minnesota DNR explanations, guidelines and instructions on how to restore your shore.
Shoreline Alterations: Natural Buffers and Lakescaping
Healthy Shorelines
The Water's Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your lakeshore property
This blog post is by Chantel Dowell, an intern with Southview Design from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, studying environmental planning and conservation
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