Stream Bank, Shoreline Protection & Shoreline Habitat Restoration
Streambank & Shoreline Protection
Where stream banks are eroded, they are re-shaped and seeded, and sometimes protected with rock rip-rap or seeded with bio-engineering materials. In some cases a special wood structure (lunker) is fitted into the bank to stabilize it and provide fish habitat. Stabilizing the stream bank or shoreline protects water quality, improves fish habitat, and the vegetation provides habitat for birds and small animals. Fencing restricts livestock access to the bank or shore, with the exception of controlled areas for drinking or crossing.
Vegetation, rock, or structures used to stabilize and protect the banks of streams, lakes, estuaries or excavated channels against scour and erosion and reduce sediment delivery to the water body.
Best Management Practices for Shoreline Protection
Buffer Zones
Limit mowing within 35 feet of water, especially within 10 feet
Acts as 'filter strip' so soil and nutrients do not flow into the lake
Reduces erosion from wave action by keeping roots in tact deep into soil
Helps infiltrate rainfall to reduce ponding
Less inviting for geese to walk on shore
Recommended shrubs to use between the water level and ordinary high water mark:
These trees and shrubs tolerate soils that are consistently moist, seasonal flooding and exposure to energy from waves and ice. They grow well in the area between the water level and ordinary high water mark.
Dogwood - Red Osier**, Silky
Buttonbush
Bog Birch
Swamp Rose
Sandbar Willow
Black Willow
**SOLD DURING THE ADAMS COUNTY TREE AND SHRUB SALE
SOURCE: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smart_trees_and_shrubs_for_natural_shoreline_plantings
Limit Fertilizer Use
Many lawns are over-fertilized
Excess nutrients runoff into lake and create ideal habitat for algae and plant growth
Recommended trees to use above ordinary high water mark:
These trees and shrubs tolerate soils that are consistently moist, but are less likely to flood. They do not like continuous stress resulting from waves and ice.
Winterberry
Common Ninebark
Red Maple**
Black Chokeberry
Yellow Birch
Hackberry
Honeylocust
Swamp White Oak
American Elderberry
Arrowwood
Nannyberry
**SOLD DURING THE ADAMS COUNTY TREE AND SHRUB SALE
SOURCE: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smart_trees_and_shrubs_for_natural_shoreline_plantings
Implement Rip Rap
Reduces erosion from wave action
Recommended trees and shrubs to use upland:
This planting area is further away from the ordinary high water mark and prefers well-drained soils.
Maples - Red**, Silver, Sugar**
Birch - Paper**, River
Balsam Fir**
Spruce - White**, Black
Eastern White Pine
Northern White Cedar**
Dogwood - Gray, Red-Osier**, Alternate-Leaf
American Hazelnut**
Serviceberry
Winterberry
Chokecherry
Cranberry Highbush**
Shrubby Cinquefoil
New Jersey Tea
Eastern Redbud
Diervilla
Ironwood
American Elder
Red-Berried Elder
**SOLD DURING THE ADAMS COUNTY TREE AND SHRUB SALE
SOURCES: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smart_trees_and_shrubs_for_natural_shoreline_plantings https://extension.umn.edu/shoreland-properties/importance-your-shoreland-trees
Rain Garden
Helps with storm water runoff and infiltration
Plants take up the water and nutrients
Let Trees Grow
Shade on the shallow water to keep it cool and help moderate weather extremes such as hot sun or strong winds
Roots keep soil in tact - preventing erosion, by trapping and using water that would otherwise run off
Roots increase soil porosity, allowing water to infiltrate rather than run off
Improves aesthetics
Vegetation filters out nutrients and pesticides that could otherwise reach a lake or stream and cause algal blooms or excessive plant growth
Creates wildlife habitat
Improves air quality
Provides privacy for humans by screening adjacent property
WHY RETAIN EXISTING TREES AND SHRUBS?
Adapted to the local climate
Usually has a strong, well-established root systems. These root systems provide better erosion control, water-cleaning capacity and stability for plants.
Offer more typical habitat for wildlife
More resistant to pests and disease
Maintenance:
Rake dead leaves and brush away from the water. Compost vegetation in a sturdy structure away from the shoreline.
Never dump leaves or vegetation debris into lake or stream because this releases nutrients and organic acids into the water.
Avoid burning on the beach or near shore because the remaining ash is highly alkaline and may change the pH of the lake and promote growth of undesirable plants.
Use lake water for irrigating trees, shrubs and lawns. Lake water usually can supply the nutrients to your "near-shore vegetation" needs to promote healthy growth.
SOURCE:
https://extension.umn.edu/shoreland-properties/importance-your-shoreland-trees
Petenwell Lake Shoreline
BEFORE
AFTER
Castle Rock Lake Campground Shoreline
BEFORE
AFTER
Quincy Town Shoreline
BEFORE
AFTER
To view many other examples from other counties visit this website: https://www.uwsp.edu
Bio Logs Erosion Control
Bio log erosion control is an effective method to stabilize shorelines, reinforce slopes, control erosion, or act as a check dam to control silt.
Designed as an environmentally-friendly product, these biodegradable coir logs have an exterior manufactured with a bristle coir twine net and an interior packed with enriching coconut fiber. Designed to enhance the environment they're placed in, coir logs are photodegradable, or easily decomposed by sunlight. As they biodegrade, the nutrient-rich fibers strengthen the existing bank and encourage the area to establish deep root growth.
Features of Erosion Control Logs:
High tensile strength, which protects vulnerable steep surfaces from the constant pressure of heavy water flows
Allows for full plant and soil establishment, natural invasion, and slope stabilization
Provides an excellent climate for soil, acting as mulch on the surface and as a wick on the soil mantle
Safe for surrounding wildlife
Use:
Stabilization of Riverbanks and Streams
Controlling sediment on Shores and Slopes
Check Dams
Shoreline Habitat Restoration
What's involved in a Shoreline Habitat??
Aquatic Plants:
Aquatic plants are part of a healthy lake. They produce oxygen, provide food and help to stabilize shoreline and bottom sediments. Aquatic plants provide habitat for fish and other aquatic life. By holding sediments in place it improves water clarity.
Insects:
Insects and other invertebrates live on or near aquatic plants, and become food for fish, birds, amphibians and other wildlife.
Plants and Algae:
Plants and algae are the base of the food chain. Lakes with a healthy fishery have a moderate density of aquatic plants.
Trees & Shrubs:
Trees and shrubs prevent erosion and provide habitat.
Roots:
Roots and stones absorb wave energy and reduce scouring of the lake bottom.
Predator and Prey:
Predator-fish such as pike, hide among plants, rocks, and tree roots to sneak up on their prey. Prey-fish such as minnows and small sunfish use aquatic plants to hide from predators.
