Shoreline
Restoration
Coir Log
Coir logs are a temporary soft armor solution to shoreline erosion that are made out of natural coconut fibers that decompose over 6-10 years.
These logs are placed tight against the shore and protect the bank from wave action and ice push while a vegetative solution is implemented behind them.
Re-Sloping
Re-sloping is usually a last resort due to the high cost and extensive permitting and design required. This solution is best tailored to sites where the bank is steep and ice damage is the primary concern. By changing the angle that ice makes contact with the shore, the ice slide can move up the shore like a ramp instead of crashing into the bank and causing ice heaves and erosion. An important part of re-sloping is ensuring that the new slope is not greater than a 3:1 ratio, meaning that for every 1 foot rise in elevation, you need 3 feet of horizontal space. This slope also needs to be properly vegetated to hold the soil in place.
Willow Wattle
Willow wattle is a 6-8 inch bundle of dried sandbar willow branches that are each 5-10 feet in length. These bundles are placed tightly along the shore to protect the bank from wave action and ice push while a vegetative solution is implemented behind them. Willow wattle functions similarly to coir logs, but is a cheaper solution that you can make yourself. Willow wattle also has the added benefit of trapping sediment and building back shoreline in the right conditions.
Native Plants/Vegetation
Native vegetation is the basis of all natural restoration methods and is utilized whenever installing other methods. The deep root systems of native trees, flowers and grasses act as a sponge, soaking up and filtering stormwater runoff, which carries sediment and phosphorus into our lakes or rivers.
Natural shoreline buffers can be as simple not mowing a section of your lawn or planting native flowers along the lakeshore. These buffers not only protect your property from erosion and wave action, but also provide a clean natural habitat for fish, birds, and animals. Native shorelines are essential for the natural cycles that support clean water.
Financial Assistance
Approved projects are eligible for reimbursement of 50% of project installation costs. Project approval is dependent on location, project type, funding availability and our internal ranking process. Eligible activities include shoreline restoration, raingarden installation, native plantings, and select agriculture or forestry management practices.