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Extension > Environment > Water Resources > Property Owners > Erosion and Stormwater

Erosion and Stormwater

Protect and stabilize your shoreline from erosion

Deep-rooted native plants growing in the water and along the shore protect shorelines from wave and ice erosion. Turf grass does not grow well in wet areas and its shallow root system will not protect shorelines. When aquatic plants are removed, the exposed shoreline receives direct impact from waves and ice and may begin to erode. Restoring your shoreline with native plants that have deep, extensive root systems will minimize erosion damage to your shoreline and provide fish and wildlife habitat, too.

Standing firm against erosion:
Best management practices for shoreland stabilization

Minimizing runoff from shoreland property

Roads, driveways, and other impervious surfaces (rooftops, decks, sidewalks, and parking lots), mean less water can seep into the soil, causing increased runoff. This runoff is often channeled into ditches, drainageways, storm sewers, or road gutters and can end up in nearby lakes and streams.

High flows of water can cause flooding or erosion, which increases sediment in streams and lakes and transports nutrients such as nitrates or phosphorus, and pollutants such as sands or salts from icy roads. All of these processes have an adverse effect on water quality.

The importance of woodlots

Whether your woodlot is five acres or 100 acres, managing it can require road building, timber harvesting, and mechanical site preparation. Any of these activities can adversely affect the quality of adjacent waters if not properly planned or conducted.

Shoreland trees and filter strips

Filter strips are vegetated areas of land adjacent to shorelines that help minimize runoff to a lake or stream. The most effective filter strips include a variety of low plants, shrubs, and trees, that are preferably native or existing vegetation.

Preparing for extreme weather conditions

Preparing for and responding to weather-related disasters, such as drought, floods, tornados, and high winds.

Regulations

• Projects that alter a lakebed or riverbed or involve removing or installing aquatic plants may require a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Visit their website or contact your local DNR office to obtain permit guidelines and applications.
• Projects that alter the shoreline above the ordinary water level may require additional permits from the county, township, watershed district, or city. Contact your County Planning and Zoning office to find out about additional permit requirements, and to get assistance in planning your shoreline project.