The Minnesota Natural Shoreline Partnership aims to reshape perceptions, attitudes, and policies around lakeshore development and stewardship, inspiring the dedication and action needed to protect and restore natural shorelines for the benefit of people, fish & wildlife habitat, recreation, lake health, and water quality.
NSP: Restoring & Protecting Minnesota’s Vanishing Natural Shorelines: by SamiDon’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.
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.
Get Rid of Rip-Rap
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.
Resources:
Research and Water Quality Assessments
Minnesota’s Vanishing Shorelines: Addressing the challenges of eroding shorelines and the importance of restoration.
Climate trends affecting lakes and rivers : Understanding how climate change impacts water levels, temperatures, and ecosystem health
Watershed Health Assessment: Evaluating the health of watersheds that contribute to the overall health of lakes and rivers.
Minnesota MPCA impaired waters map: A tool to identify bodies of water that are classified as impaired by pollution or other issues by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Permitting and Funding Info
Do I Need a Permit?: Information on when a permit is required for shoreline or water-related projects in Minnesota.
BWSR Climate Resiliency – Identifying Programs and Funding
Land Protection Grant Opportunities
Preserving your shoreline for future generations: Already have a natural shoreline? read this webpage which offers guidance on conservation easements as a means to protect and maintain natural shorelines.
Shoreline Restoration Planning
What to ask your lakeshore landscape contractor: Key questions to ensure your contractor follows best practices for shoreline restoration.
Native Plants for Shoreline: A guide to selecting the right native plants to support shoreline health.
Minnesota Native Plant Encyclopedia: A resource for identifying native plant species suited to different environments.
MN DNR Restore Your Shore Page: A comprehensive guide on how to restore and maintain natural shorelines.
It’s SHORE Important, the interactive shoreline game
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
- Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Environmental Land Department
- Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations (MNCOLA)
- Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR)
- 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