It’s home to 3,300 miles of shoreline and teems with life supported by diverse ecosystems. Great Lakes Shorelands Management Program . As homes have to be relocated inland, trees, vegetation, and animals are either destroyed or lose their habitat. The MNSP has created a list of plants to help find the "Right Plant for the Right Place". And more important than the economic impact is the safety hazard that the shoreline erosion presents to residents and visitors.But Mother Nature suffers from coastal erosion as well, especially when it’s exacerbated by erratic weather patterns due to climate change.Little by little, the loss of land from the shoreline means an eventual loss of natural habitats and ecosystems for animals native to the Great Lake Region. The pathway should be made of sand, not hard surfaces like concrete or stone, to preserve the natural habitat.Seawalls are very common around the lakes, but they can The less invasive and disruptive you can be of the land around the shoreline, the better. Understand that erosion is a part of your life as a property owner there.

A natural, vegetated shoreline is less expensive to construct, absorbs and disperses the energy of waves, provides habitat and tends to be self healing.
Now, many waterside residents living on the lakes are dealing with a The water levels of the Great Lakes are at all-time highs. Build smartly and take small steps—like the ones listed above—to keep our shorelines stable.In sum, shoreline erosion in and around the Great Lakes is a severe problem.

The rise to current lake levels over the last several years has led to significant erosion of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The seawalls prevent the animals from being able to come ashore to lay eggs, resulting in a decrease in their populations. The water level in Lake Michigan is near all-time high levels right now. The purpose and benefits of plantings/stone are to provide a natural transition between the open water and upland, while providing habitat.Many problems can be avoided with proper placement of structures to minimize loss of natural vegetation and changes to topography. As a result, homes along the West Michigan shoreline are being destroyed.

In order to prevent ongoing erosion your property may benefit from the addition of deeper rooted plants such as shrubs and trees. Michigan State University Extension recommends mowing no more than two times per season. Shoreline hardening that occurs with the construction of vertical walls (seawalls) has significant adverse effects on the fishery, wildlife and the overall water quality of a lake. A natural, vegetated shoreline is less expensive to construct, absorbs and disperses the energy of waves, provides habitat and tends to be self healing. Construction of any type of shore stabilization structure such as a sea wall, bulkhead, revetment, bioengineering. Northern pike, bluegill, bass and other fish spawn in shallow shoreline areas. If you do have to cut down trees, leave the stumps and roots. The good news is that DeVooght house lifters can help you One of the most helpful ways to cope with living in a HREA is to address the reality of your situation. In fact, since 1964 the DeVooght boys have been safely elevating and moving structures of all construction types and sizes.Over the years we’ve honed our collective knowledge and skillset and made breakthrough process changes that have elevated our company to the be one of the very best companies in our field. The natural vegetation on your coastal property is a natural erosion deterrent. Shorelands Management. Thanks to an increased awareness of our role in climate change and a renewed interest in caring for these precious ecosystems and lands, we have the opportunity to preserve the shores of the Great Lakes for years to comIt’s been a family affair! Individuals and agencies alike are working to decrease the levels of erosion around the Great Lakes region. But, when there’s a storm, the lakes’ waves crash onto the shoreline with great force, chipping away at the land bit by bit. The shorelines of the Great Lakes are constantly changing due to waves, currents, and tides. The Great Lakes boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in all of North America. As the shoreline erodes, foundations become water damaged and crumble or fall directly into the lakes themselves.As the global climate changes and water levels rise in the Great Lakes, property owners need to find solutions to keep their homes intact and to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy determines which parts of the shoreline are HREAs. Property destruction is evident along the Lake Michigan coast. What is Shoreline Erosion At its simplest, erosion is the wearing away of a shoreline due to forces—usually water and wind—moving sand or soil from one area to another.

Trees, shrubs, and other plants native to this region are the perfect addition to your property to keep it looking beautiful and out of the water!This may be your only option if you live along a high risk area along one of the great lakes or a waterway.

When you’re creating a path from your home to the shore, keep it as narrow as possible. Leaving a natural transitional area or adding deep rooted plants, including natural (unmowed) vegetation, can minimize the effects of waves, ice and fluctuating water levels. Even with your very best efforts, the changing climate has a huge effect on the rising waters and coastal erosion we’re seeing at the Great Lakes.