Shoreland Restorations & Best Management Practices

Shoreline erosion continues to be a major concern for individuals that live along lakes, rivers, and streams.  Erosion is a natural process, but it has been accelerated due to the numerous high precipitation events the State of Minnesota has seen over recent years.  There are best management practices such as native vegetation plantings, rain gardens, rain barrels, riprap, buffers, french drains, and reducing impervious surfaces that can be installed on your property to help protect your shoreline, improve water quality, and increase habitat. 

Before you begin your restoration projects, please contact the Environmental Services Department to see if the proposed project will need any permits and for technical assistance.

Additionally, your project(s) may need permits from the Minnesota DNR.  Before starting your project, please contact your local DNR office. 

MN DNR Hydrologist Contact Information

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Shoreland Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Shoreland BMPs are used to help reduce impacts from nature and humans that cause erosion and runoff, and as a result, improve water quality.  These practices are important because they reduce pollutants/contaminants that would otherwise enter water resource(s), increase water infiltration,and increase habitat.  To find out more about the different types of Shoreland Best Management Practices that are available, please review the document below.

Shoreland Best Management Practices


*Before you start your shoreland restoration project, you will need approval from the Environmental Services Department.  Please visit the Shoreland-Grading, Excavating, and Filling Page to learn more!*

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Examples of Shoreland Practices Installed in Le Sueur County

Rain Gardens

Depressed area in the landscape that temporarily collects stormwater runoff and filter pollutants, usually planted with grasses, forbs, and shrubs.  More complex rain gardens have drainage systems and amended soils.

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Biorolls/Coir Logs

Natural and biodegradable logs used for soil stabilization and protection.  Often have native vegetation planted on or around the logs to help with water infiltration and additional soil stabilization. 

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Riparian Buffers

Strips or multiple row plantings of trees, shrubs, grasses, and forbs along rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. Prevent pollutants and nutrients from stormwater runoff entering the water and also enhances wildlife habitat.DSCN1039

Native Vegetation Plantings

Native vegetation protects soil from erosion and reduces surface water runoff.  Live foliage and litter reduces the impact of rainfall and increases water infiltration.  Most native vegetation has deep roots which increases water infiltration and provides soil stability.

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Wet Pond

Water is held in the pond for a period of time, allowing sediment to settle out and releasing the water over days instead of hours, to relieve flooding.   Has a permanent pool of water throughout the year.

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Riprap

Permanent layer of large stone used to armor, stabilize, and protect the soil surface against erosion and scour in areas of concentrated flow or wave action. Often used with native plantings to provide additional soil stability and filter out pollutants.

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