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Shoreline Protection
Shoreline Protection
Because shore protection structures can have negative effects on natural resources and other shoreline properties, shore protection structures should only be installed when they are needed to address erosion problems and the type of shore protection used should be carefully considered. Near shore shallow waters provide habitat for a greater variety of organisms than all other aquatic zones and are essential in the life cycles of many of Michigan's fish and wildlife.
Shoreline protection structures such as seawalls and steeply-sloped riprap can have negative effects on natural resources and shoreline property. The hard reflection of waves bouncing off of vertical walls can result in
- increased turbidity,
- bottomland scouring,
- damage to adjacent properties,
- decreased water quality,
- and proliferation of aquatic invasive species.
Because seawalls eliminate the natural energy dissipating capacity of a sloped, vegetated shoreline, negative impacts to water quality and shoreline habitat can be seen around inland lakes with many seawalls. Lower property values can be associated with lower water quality. Additionally, shoreline hardening:
- fragments the land water interface and interrupts reptile and amphibian life cycles,
- negatively impacts aquatic species' spawning, nursery, refuge, and feeding,
- and reduces habitat complexity.
Areas with turf grass directly up to the waters edge can also be impacted by soil slumping. Soil slumping is different from erosion, and occurs as a result of wet soil and a lack of deep rooting native plants. Sometimes just adding deeper-rooting native plants to your shoreline is all that's needed to fix soil slumping!
Complex habits with native shoreline and submerged aquatic plants and woody structure provide more habitat for more species. Increased shoreline vegetation and structure allows the lake ecosystem to better cope with stress and perpetuates the functions and values Michiganders enjoy.
Shoreline Protection Story Map
EGLE recommends the use of natural shoreline treatments, or bioengineering, for shoreline protection. New shoreline hardening should be avoided where alternative approaches can be used to protect property from erosion. The purpose and benefits of bioengineering are to provide a natural transition between the open water and upland allowing for the dissipation of energy, not the hard reflection, and improve water quality, habitat, and property values. There are a wide variety of bioengineering designs that can suit a variety of property owner aesthetics while also protecting from shoreline erosion, and providing benefits to the lake. Many design considerations can be found on the Michigan Natural Shoreline partnership website. Current, on-the-ground projects can be viewed via the map.
Want to learn more about bioengineering and other shoreline BMPs?
The Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership website is a great starting point and also has a lot of good resources, including a listing of certified shoreline contractors and a page that discusses various bioengineering options. Below are links to some illustrations and corresponding plans to some best management practices for shoreline protection and lake health.
- Illustrations/plans - Seawall replacement with native-planted buffer strip best management practice
- Illustration/plans - Lower energy bioengineering
- Illustration/plans - Higher energy bioengineering
- Illustration/plans - Riprap
- Illustration/plans - Docks and boardwalks through a wetland
- Illustration/plans - Shoreline Woody Structure
Want to learn more about shoreline permitting?
Shoreline projects at or below the ordinary high water mark require a permit. Below are some additional links to different program pages, the steps to complete the MiEnviro application, and sample drawings.
- Fact sheet - low energy bioengineering
- Fact sheet - biotechnical
- Fact sheet - aquatic vegetation
- Fact sheet - coarse woody structure
- Fact sheet - soil lifts
- Resource Program Fact sheets
- Digital Joint Permit Application webinar
- MiEnviro
- Application information
- Wetlands information
- Inland Lake information
- District permitting staff map and contact information
- These are the staff for each county that are responsible for processing inland lake, stream and wetland permits.
- Pre-application meeting information
Want even more information about shoreline plants and natural shorelines?
- Advancing inland lake stewardship through shoreline best management practices
- Smart Gardening for Shorelands
- The Water's Edge
- Natural Shorelines for Inland Lakes
- Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership
- Michigan Native Plant Producers Association
- MI Nursery and Landscape Association
- Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership-Certified contractor list
- Fish Sticks improving lake habitat with woody structure
- Wood is Good! Woody habitat in lakes for fish and more