SHORELAND RESTORATION & NATURAL LANDSCAPING
Funding may now be available for your project!

What is shoreland restoration?

Simply put, shoreland restoration means replacing a developed lakefront with natural plants. This creates a buffer to help protect the surface water and beautify the property as seen both from shore and from the lake. Shoreland restoration costs little, and has many benefits including the potential to greatly increase property values and your enjoyment of your waterfront property.

"Over time, property owners who trade environmental quality for personal gain usually end up with neither. The trick is to protect the environment while improving your property value and your income."   Jim Brakken  

First and foremost, shoreland restoration protects our lakes and streams from nutrients carried in runoff. This reduces growth of aquatic plants such as Eurasian Water Milfoil and algae as it increases water clarity. Shoreland restoration is good for our surface waters. That's good for you and for the youngsters who will one day be the new caretakers of your property and the lake!

Second, shoreland restoration increases property value by making your waterfront more attractive both to you and to birds and mammals who will spend more time there. Also, your property will increase as much as 7% per foot of increase in water clarity.*  That's tens of thousands of dollars in value. This makes restoration projects very attractive from a financial standpoint.

Third, it's easy. In fact, it is easier to maintain a natural appearing waterfront than the traditional lawn that has been 'manicured right down to the lake'. You will have more time to enjoy your the beauty of your property as you spend less time with lawn chores.  

Fourth, you can earn 'mitigation points' for your restoration project. The County Zoning Office will often reward land owners who restore their waterfront by allowing near-shore building projects that would otherwise be illegal. (Ask me for details!)

Finally, by restoring your waterfront you are setting a good example. Soon others will join in with their own restoration projects, thus beautifying the lake, decreasing the chance of  invasion by exotic aquatic species, increasing water clarity and further increasing your property values. Everybody wins, including your family, your neighbors, the birds, fish, mammals and your lake or stream. Think of this as part of your legacy!

*Based on studies done in New Hampshire, Minnesota and northern Wisconsin.

Below: Sybil Brakken next to a young native willow tree I planted just two summers earlier. Not many years before this photo was taken a dozer cut the bank down, pushed the fill into the lake and left a terrible eyesore. The property is now lush with cattails, lilypads, yellow iris, lupine, pussy willow, grasses, ferns, native willows and wildflowers.  No more signs of damage from the dozer and no more damage to the lake!

The first step is to put away that smelly, noisy mower! No more lawn chores!

Next, make a plan. Sketch a map of your yard. indicate where you would like paths, your 'viewing corridor', beds of ferns, wildflowers, locations of trees, shrubs, maybe even a bench for watching the sun rise or set. I can help you with this planning if you wish.

Consider cattails or logs along the shore to reduce erosion from waves or boat wakes. Other plants to consider:  thornapple or chokecherry trees to attract birds, pussy willows to attract kids, evergreens to provide some privacy, deciduous trees for shade, grasses and ground cover. I have sources for all native plants or we can find them on or near your property. If you need an instant natural fence between you and your neighbor, I can provide a wall of balsams in one afternoon.

Next, prepare the planting site. In some cases it may be necessary to purge the soil of commercial grasses. In most cases, however, direct planting and good mulching will give good results. Plant your plants, then water, water, water.

Place poultry fencing cylinders around your trees. Mark your paths so visitors don't trample your plantings. Again, water, water, water.

Use no fertilizers near the water. Be especially aware that no phosphorus should come anywhere near the lake. It has a devastating effect on algae growth.

Note: Permits are required when removing and/or transplanting aquatic plants in Wisconsin surface waters. I can help with the permitting and the planting near shore.  Important: Most herbicides and fertilizers cannot be used near wetlands or surface waters.

Call me at 715-798-3163 for a free consultation and estimate. I can do all of this for you!