Runoff from shoreline properties has been shown to negatively impact water quality, enhance shoreline plant growth, and impair fish breeding areas. Manicured and fertilized lawns sloping towards the lake are particularly damaging. Lakeshore residents are encouraged to naturalize shorelines with vegetation buffers, rain gardens and other measures.
See Native plant suppliers, landscapers, and restoration consultants for Minnesota | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)
Cost-share grants to residents who wish to undertake projects to improve, restore natural shorelines are available from the PRWD
Minnesota DNR Shoreland Management Programs
Shoreland Modifications within a 1,000 feet of the shoreland of Detroit Lake require compliance with MN Shoreland Standards and City of Detroit Lakes Ordinance.
Property owners occasionally return to their cabins in the spring only to discover they are dealing with property damage caused by a phenomenon called “ice heaving” or “ice jacking”. This powerful natural force forms a feature along the shoreline known as an “ice ridge”. The result may include significant damage to retaining walls, docks and boat lifts, and sometimes even to the cabin itself. Please contact the Pelican River Watershed District (218-846-0436) if you have questions about shoreland damage because many times it requires a permit and compliance is important so costly restoration does not occur.
Shoreline Alterations: Ice Ridges