Landowners can use bioengineered natural shorelines to protect their shorelines. Natural shorelines use native plants and natural biodegradable materials that decrease erosive forces, prevent harmful runoff, and increase wildlife and fish habitats. The conservation district is here to help with technical advice, permitting questions, and as a landowner advocate.
Erosion can be caused by wind, rain, wave, human activity, and ice. Seawalls can cause wave flanking that causes erosion at each end of the seawall. Natural shorelines help to prevent erosion by decreasing the wave energy hitting the shoreline and preventing ice push.
Erosion Control
How does a natural shoreline help with erosion? Through native plants and natural biodegradable materials. Native plants have long root systems some reaching 15 plus feet below the ground surface. These root systems keep soil particle from being washed away. Natural biodegradable materials such as erosion blankets and coir logs also help to break up the wave energy preventing erosion.
Permits
Bioengineered shoreline projects will need a permit through Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). This permit is a joint permit for EGLE and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Follow the link below to Miwaters.gov to submit a permit.
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3313_72753---,00.html