Why have a natural shoreline? Undeveloped or restored shorelines, with woods, meadows, and marshy shores enhance the quality of Minnesota's lakes and rivers, and recreational opportunities. In addition, there may be ordinances in your county that govern shoreland use. Check with your Soil and Water Conservation District or your County Water Plan Coordinator regarding local laws. Natural shorelines help protect water quality by slowing runoff, reducing erosion, and filtering nutrients that can cause algae. They also provide habitat for wildlife and deter nuisance species like Canada geese. In addition, natural shorelines add beauty and color to a property and increase privacy. These improvements can improve your property value.

A shoreline buffer area means you don't have to mow or fertilize grass near the water's edge. Nutrients from fertilizer or grass clippings that end up in the lake can cause unwanted plant growth or algae blooms. Mowing too near the edge may cause the bank to collapse and increase erosion. Turf-grass has shallow roots, but native grasses and shrubs have deeper root systems that help hold soil in place.

A naturalized shoreline includes plants in the water and along the shore. Native vegetation provides food and habitat for many fish, waterfowl and songbirds, frogs and turtles, small mammals, butterflies, and dragonflies. Some people fear tall grasses and shrubs encourage pesky insects like mosquitoes, but native vegetation actually provides cover and resting places for insects like dragonflies that feast on mosquitoes.

In the past, many people thought a green, weed-free lawn right down to the water's edge was beautiful. Perceptions and laws are changing however, as people realize that a manicured lawn requires a lot of management and disrupts the ecological balance of your shoreline. You can chose to replace some of your lawn with native plants and begin to see the benefits of a more natural shoreline. If your shoreline has not yet been developed, plan ahead to protect native vegetation and preserve the value of your shoreline property.