An example of ice on Glen Lake that was pushed ashore by strong winds. Photo by Rob Karner.
Even though the ice has now melted, signs of its movement may still be visible. Scraped shorelines, displaced stones, or eroded areas where ice was pushed onto land are telltale signs. While ice movement is a natural part of lake life, shoreline resiliency can make a big difference.
Healthy Shoreline Greenbelts Help Prevent Erosion
One of the best ways to help protect your shoreline from erosion caused by annual ice breakup is by building or maintaining a healthy greenbelt or natural shoreline.
A natural shoreline is a buffer of native trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and aquatic plants, rather than a mowed turf grass right down to the water’s edge. These greenbelts with native plants help buffer the impacts of moving ice, absorb wave energy, and stabilize soil.
For shorelines exposed to strong wind and waves, consider bioengineering solutions for erosion control.
What Is Shoreline Bioengineering?
Though a bioengineering approach requires more careful planning and permits, it can be a more resilient alternative to hardened shorelines—like riprap—which can reflect wave energy and contribute to erosion elsewhere.
Bioengineering is a variety of techniques that provide shoreline stabilization and protection. Every approach includes the reintroduction of deep-rooted native plants to create a system that mimics naturally stable shorelines.
Examples of bioengineering solutions include:
- Coir logs (biologs) placed at the water’s edge to reduce erosion and support plant establishment
- Biotechnical erosion control that combines plants with structural elements
- Live stakes (cuttings from native woody plants like willow or dogwood) installed to root and reinforce banks
Learn more! Read An Introductory Guide to Bioengineering Techniques
Schedule a Shoreline Consultation
If you are interested in improving your shoreline but are not sure where to start, the Glen Lake Association offers free shoreline consultations. These site visits provide practical guidance on planting native vegetation, managing erosion, and making improvements that fit your property.
Request your shoreline consultation by emailing: contact@glenlakeassocaition.org