Minnesota’s Vanishing Shorelines

The current findings indicate that Minnesota has lost 40 to 50% of its natural shorelines.

Protecting and Preserving Minnesota’s Shorelines:

To protect our lakes, the Natural Shoreline Partnership aims to preserve 75% of shorelines with natural vegetation—native forbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees—extending at least 25 feet from the lake’s edge. Achieving this will require collaboration and a shift in social norms about what defines a “healthy” lakeshore. Below are some key changes in those norms:

Don’t Mow – Let It Grow!

Shorelines of mowed turf to the lake allow 7 to 9 times more pollutants to enter the water than those with natural vegetation. Pollutants accumulate, causing water quality issues, promoting algal blooms, and leading to the growth of excessive aquatic vegetation. Additionally, we are losing valuable habitat for fish, loons, frogs, butterflies, and other wildlife, along with the scenic beauty and unique character of Minnesota’s lakes.

From Sandy Lakebeds to Underwater Forests

Aquatic plants play a vital role in maintaining the health of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers by providing habitat and food for various fish and wildlife species. They help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and stabilizing sediments, which reduces erosion and prevents algal blooms. Next time you feel a “weed” tickling your toes during your swim, remember that these AQUATIC PLANTS are helping to sustain Minnesota’s fisheries.

Sustainable Erosion Control

Erosion control methods like rip rap (placing large stones along the shore) disrupts natural shoreline ecosystems, harming habitats that support fish and wildlife, and reducing biodiversity. Its hard surfaces increase wave energy, worsening erosion and damaging shorelines over time. Using natural erosion buffers instead helps preserve water quality, protect habitats, and support healthy aquatic plant growth.

How We Can Protect and Restore Natural Shorelines

Strengthening Partnerships: Effective collaboration among state and local governments, watershed districts, nonprofits, and lake associations is essential for shoreline protection.

Improving Public Outreach: Consistent messaging targeting lakeshore landowners and contractors is crucial for changing the social norms of development.

Supporting Local Efforts: Local initiatives and programs like Lake Steward and Minnesota Water Steward need increased support to engage more landowners.

Creating Incentives and Enhancing Funding: Offering incentives and boosting funding for shoreline protection can motivate landowners and ensure program success.

Evaluating Shoreline Regulation: Evaluating Minnesota’s 50-year-old shoreline regulations is necessary to enhance ecosystem protection while balancing community needs.

Minnesota Natural Shoreline Partners

• Blue Thumb Partners
• Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
• Carnelian, Marine, St. Croix Watershed District
• Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District
• Freshwater Society
• Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District
• Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Environmental Land Department
• Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations (MNCOLA)
• Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR)
• Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL)
• Metro Blooms
• Northern Waters Land Trust
• Washington Conservation District
• Water Resource Center – University of Minnesota Extension
• Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership
• Department of Natural Resource Lake Ecology Department