Volume LI | Issue 3
12
SHORELINE ALTERATIONS W H AT T O
Y O U
K N O W
By Connor Dennis, Director of Conservation Programs
W
N E E D
ith increased boat traffic, more powerful storms, large boulders being installed and so many other changes happening, we know that shoreline erosion is a concern of many Wallooners. If you are thinking about doing shoreline alterations here are a few things you need to know. First off, if you are planning on doing any alterations that touch the waterline, you will most likely need a permit. Dredging, filling, constructing or placing a structure on bottomlands all require permitting. This includes projects or landscaping such as beach sanding, installation of rip rap or rocks, permanent docks, seawalls and even natural shoreline projects. Permits should be obtained from your township zoning or
building department and EGLE (the department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, previously the DEQ.) If you are ever in doubt, it is always safer to check with the appropriate agencies before you begin work. Secondly, you should consider using bioengineering or more ecologically friendly alternatives to large boulders or seawalls. Bioengineering is the use of sustainable products and native plants to stabilize the shoreline. These options absorb wave energy and help filter unwanted nutrients and sediment from entering the water table. Large boulders might also seem like a good solution for shoreline erosion, or could be sold to you as a positive addition, but they can have unintended and incredibly detrimental consequences. Not only do they lead to fish and wildlife habitat loss but also lake bottom scouring.
How so? Large boulders direct the wave energy downward which scoops out the lake bottom. With larger waves at a higher frequency, it is important to have a shoreline that can absorb that energy, rather than just deflect it back into the lake or towards your neighbor’s property. A shoreline that is correctly engineered will have a long shallow run and a low rise to dissipate wave energy, combined with native aquatic plants that help absorb this energy and hold lake bed sediments in place. The third consideration is prevention. You should try to retain as much native and previously existing vegetation as possible. Plus, most townships actually have restrictions on how many trees you can remove from your shoreline. The five townships surrounding Walloon all require you to maintain between 60%-80% of the existing trees and only allow removal to maintain water views. All of the townships also require a 30-45 foot greenbelt be maintained from the shoreline upland, which would create a vegative barrier between buildings/hard surfaces and the lake. To help, we will be hosting our second annual Native Plant Sale next spring where you can pick up some plants and kits to improve your shoreline. By staying within the limitations set by the townships you are also greatly benefiting the overall water quality of the lake. It is also important to note that native plants are not only limited to land. Aquatic plants are extremely beneficial for water quality. They hold the bottomlands in place and provide habitat for fish and other aquatic species, so please remove as few aquatic plants as possible from your lakefront property. Lastly, it is critical to limit as much runoff into the lake as possible. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, flagstone and pavers all lead to sediment and pollution running into the lake. If at all possible, please lessen the amount of these surfaces on your property and consider replacing them with more permeable options which allow the runoff to be filtered naturally by the soil and greenbelts. There are so many things you can do to have a beautiful AND beneficial shoreline that will add to the sustainability of your property and to the water quality of the lake we all love. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at connor@walloon.org.
