Wave and ice action, boating activity, fluctuating water levels, sandy soil, and the removal of native shoreline vegetation are all common culprits of erosion on Anoka County's lakeshores. When mowing to the water's edge and clearing emergent vegetation drive erosion, restoring the native shoreline plant community alone can stabilize the lakeshore. Sometimes additional stabilization materials may be warranted. However, a wall of rock riprap is almost never needed to stabilize lakeshores. Too much rock creates a sterile environment in this ecologically vital transition zone between land and water. We achieve the best of both worlds by combining moderate rock with robust native vegetation.

Photo: Lakeshore project before (left) and after (right). Rock provides long-term stabilization for the base of the slope, and native vegetation stabilizes the soil above. Emergent vegetation and vegetated riprap were incorporated to increase ecological value and further stabilize soil below the rock. An opening in the buffer allows for water and dock access. Temporary fencing will prevent forage pressure from deer, geese, and rabbits while plants establish.
Photo: Lakeshore project before (left) and after (right). Rock provides long-term stabilization for the base of the slope, and native vegetation stabilizes the soil above. Emergent vegetation and vegetated riprap were incorporated to increase ecological value and further stabilize the soil below the rock. An opening in the buffer allows for water and dock access. Temporary fencing will prevent forage pressure from deer, geese, and rabbits while plants establish.
Photo: An excerpt from the project design showing a cross-sectional view of the stabilization components (rock, regrading, and vegetation).
Photo: An excerpt from the project design showing a cross-sectional view of the stabilization components (rock, regrading, and vegetation).

A recently installed project on Linwood Lake showcases this approach. Persistent wave action against the shoreline washed away soil at the base, causing the soil above to collapse into the lake. Over time, this created a vertical slope where vegetation struggled to grow. To address these issues, we installed rock riprap along the shoreline where soil washed away and vegetation struggled to establish. We filled voids between rocks in the uppermost riprap zone with soil and planted vegetation that could handle fluctuating water levels. Above that, we planted a buffer of diverse, deep-rooted vegetation to stabilize the soil. We planted water-loving vegetation in the lakebed to restore the emergent vegetation community, which acts as a valuable wave break for the shoreline behind it.

For more information contact Breanna Keith, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..