The individual and cumulative impacts of seawalls have deteriorated Michigan’s inland lake water quality and habitat. Hardened shorelines and seawalls significantly reduce the quality of lakes by reflecting wave energy and removing shoreline habitat for wildlife and fish, as well as promoting runoff and reducing water quality. Bioengineering is a method that protects your shoreline from erosion and enhances inland lake water quality. Bioengineering is an all natural solution that uses plants, appropriately-sized rocks, and woody structure in order to protect shorelines against erosion.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), has created a variety of resources to help individuals who want to improve their shoreline and learn about bioengineering and other best management practices for inland lakes (BMP). This WebinarThe Michigan Seawalls Project presents data and examples from the state of Michigan about the problems they have caused and the solutions. Five new factsheets covering Low energy bioengineering, Biotechnical erosion Control, Aquatic plants, Shoreline woody structure, soil lifts have recently been published on EGLE’s Shoreline Protection websiteAlso available in paper and electronic versions: EGLE’s District Offices. EGLE also has a new product: Shoreline protection story mapThis story map highlights Michigan bioengineering projects. This story map contains photos, plans, information, and information on each bioengineering projects. It will be continuously updated with new projects. If you’re ready to install a BMP on your shoreline EGLE also has example plans on Seawall replacements with BMPs, lower energy bioengineering, Bioengineering with higher energy, Riprap, Boardwalks and docks in wetland, Shoreline woody structure. More information is available on EGLE’s Shoreline Protection website and the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership.
Caption: Installed a bioengineering project at Intermediate Lake in Antrim County.
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