Softened seawall

The shorelines of our lakes are by nature’s design an ever-changing phenomenon. Wind, waves, and ice peel away or build-up the shoreline in irregular and unpredictable patterns.

In the past, shoreline owners often installed seawalls to stop erosion. However, these artificial barriers can generate more problems than they solve and are detrimental to the health of the lake ecosystem. Seawalls remove vital wildlife habitats, do not absorb or filter nutrient runoff from land, and intensify wave energy onto neighboring shorelines causing increased erosion and sedimentation.

In Michigan, installation of new sea walls is prohibited by the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).  EGLE now requires lake friendly erosion control measures.

From a practical manner, given the small lots and how close many homes are to the shore, many sea walls are not likely to be removed. However, they can be made more lake-friendly with the addition of shoreline gardens, rip-rap with plants and fish sticks.

Adding rip rap at a gentle slope in front of a sea wall absorbs wave actions and provides a path between the lake and land for wildlife. Adding native plants between the rocks provides greater stablity and supports a variety of wildlife.

And here: Shoreline Protection (michigan.gov)

More info here: RVCAs-Vegetated-Rip-Rap-handout.pdf (watersheds.ca)
More info here: Erosion Control – Michigan Inland Lake Shorelines (msu.edu)

Fallen trees are a common and necessary feature of natural shorelines. Below the surface of the water they provide crucial fish cover and home for water insects. Above the water they provide resting wildlife such as birds and turtles.

Portage Lake is lucky to be the home of Michigan’s largest shoreline protection and restoration project with the placement of fish sticks along the north side of the lake by Natural Shorelines Forever, a local non-profit. Natural Shorelines Forever now offers assistance to others on the Huron River Chain of Lakes who want to put fish sticks on their shoreline. Their projects show that fish sticks can share the shore nicely with boating and swimming areas – even for properties with limited shorelines.

For more information: Natural Shorelines Forever.