We all share the goal of protecting our beautiful lake and property values. Many homeowners historically used riprap (large rock armoring) to stabilize their shorelines, but a growing number of experts, including the Minnesota DNR, are urging us to reconsider this approach. The MPR news arcticl, Minnesota is armoring its shorelines with rocks, but lakes are paying a price, explains that while rock armoring stops erosion, it can come at a significant environmental cost. Riprap eliminates vital habitat for fish, turtles, and beneficial insects, and it prevents stormwater runoff—which often carries nutrient pollution like phosphorus from lawns—from being naturally filtered. This unfiltered, nutrient-rich water flows directly into the lake, fueling problematic algae blooms.
Fortunately, effective and often more affordable alternatives exist to protect your shoreline without compromising lake health. Techniques like establishing a natural buffer or using bioengineering structures like willow wattles can successfully protect against erosion while promoting a healthy, vibrant lakeshore ecosystem. We encourage all homeowners facing shoreline issues to explore these natural restoration options before resorting to rocks. Contacting our local watershed district, rwmwd.org, is a great place to start.