Importance of Healthy Shorelines

Picture an ideal lake setting. The sun glimmering on clear, clean water.
Children wading along the shore. A fisherman casting for elusive bass.
Chances are this view also includes lushly vegetated shorelines
blending into the surrounding landscape.

The interrelationship between a lake and its shoreline is important. The
shoreline zone is the last line of defense against forces that may
otherwise destroy a healthy lake. A naturally-vegetated shoreline filters
runoff generated by surrounding land uses, removing harmful
chemicals and nutrients. At the same time, shoreline vegetation
protects lake edges from the onslaught of waves and ice generated by
our harsh Midwestern climate. The shoreline zone also provides critical
habitat for aquatic insects, microorganisms, fish, and other animals,
thereby helping to maintain a balance in sensitive aquatic ecosystems.

Unfortunately, as lake landscapes are developed, natural shorelines
often are damaged or destroyed. Beneficial natural vegetation is cut,
mowed, or replaced. In urban and rural environments alike, this often
leads to eroded shorelines, degraded water quality and aquatic habitat,
impaired aesthetics, and a reduction in property values.