NATIVE PLANTINGS & SHORELINE RESTORATION Assistance

The quality of shorelines has a direct impact on water quality in our lakes. The District has extensive goals for protecting and restoring shorelines and is developing a comprehensive program to support residents, lake associations, and communities protect their shorelines and their lakes.

Many of Minnesota’s lakes are in trouble. Nearly half of Minnesota’s natural shorelines have already been lost, and natural shoreline continues to vanish at an alarming rate.

Mowed shorelines allow 7 to 9 times more pollutants to enter the lake than a more naturally vegetated shoreline. These pollutants accumulate in lakes, often creating serious water quality problems while also promoting algal blooms.

In addition to removing pollutants, Natural shorelines provide valuable habitat for fish and loons, frogs, butterflies, and more.

Protecting and Restoring

In spring of 2023 the CLFLWD launched its new Comprehensive Shoreline Program. This program provides technical and financial resources to lake shore owners looking to restore and protect their shorelines. These resources are outlined below. Contact Land Management Specialist, Aidan Read for more information (651) 583-6590 or email.

Shoreline vegetated with deep rooted native plants.

Financial Assistance

Mini Grant

Shoreland Habitat Incentive Program

Community Water Cost-share

WHAT: A competitive grant offering funding of up to 75% of approved costs for highly ranked projects with a maximum of $8,000. Eligible projects must improve water quality in the watershed district. Examples include: shoreline restorations, wetland restorations, raingardens, and/or labor conducted by an approved contractor.

WHO: Residents, homeowner associations, schools, non-profits, and businesses

Property Tax Payment Program

Technical Assistance

Site Visits

Soil Testing & Weed Wrench

Residential soil testing, interpretation of results, and management recommendations are available upon request. Cropland and pastureland are not eligible for this service.

A full size Extractigator (i.e. weed wrench or buckthorn puller) can be checked out on a reservation basis. This tool can be used to remove woody vegetation that is too difficult to be removed by hand. A refundable $150 deposit is required.

Project Design & Support

Local Contractors and Suppliers

CLFLWD Local Service Providers and Contractors

This list does not imply any endorsement or recommendation by CLFLWD. This is not a complete list of resources. It is intended to be an aid to those seeking initial guidance on project installation. It is strongly recommended that 2- 3 contractor bids be received, and references be obtained before selecting a contractor. If you would like to add resources to the list, contact CLFLWD at (651) 395-5850.

Interested in these programs? Contact Land Management Specialist, Aidan Read.
(651) 583-6590 | email