Natural Shorelines
SMALL CHANGES. DEEP ROOTS. A BETTER FOREST LAKE.
Erosion is unsightly and expensive. Native plants are a natural, low-maintenance solution.
Protecting Forest Lake starts at your shore
Turf grass and rock walls may look tidy, but they rarely stop erosion, flooding, or ice damage. Natural shorelines, using native plants, are proven to protect property, improve water quality, and support lake health.
- Prevent Damage - Native roots stabilize soil, reducing erosion and damage from water and ice.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, native plants need less mowing, watering, and fertilizing than lawns.
- Reduce Runoff - Vegetation soaks up rain and snowmelt, cutting erosion and standing water.
- Support Wildlife - Native shorelines provide habitat for birds, pollinators, and aquatic species.
Ready-to-Plant Native Garden Designs
Designed for function, beauty, and ease.
We offer three customizable Pocket Garden designs that protect your shoreline while supporting lake life.
Shoreline Sanctuary
A mix of native plants that offer food, cover, and nesting space for birds and turtles.
Loon Landing
Low-profile native plants and zones that support nesting loons.
Goose Be Gone
Dense, tall vegetation deters geese from landing and nesting.
All designs are customizable and compatible with docks and lake access.
Simple Steps to a Stronger Shoreline
Step 1: Contact Us
Schedule your free site visit with a shoreline expert. Call or email us today!
Step 2: Pick Your Pocket Garden
We’ll help you choose or adapt a design based on your shoreline conditions and goals.
Step 3: Apply for Cost-Share Program
You can qualify for up to 75% reimbursement through our Shoreland Habitat Cost-Share Program. It only takes a few minutes to apply!
Step 4: Install with Support
Do-it-yourself or hire a contractor—we’ll guide you either way.
Cost-Share Program
Get up to $1,000 back for shoreline restoration.
Financial Assistance
WHAT: Up to $500 reimbursement to improve water quality within the watershed, either directly or through targeted education and outreach. Examples include: native plantings, buffer strips, water spout diversions & rain barrels, and turf replacement.
WHO: Residents, farmers, homeowners associations, schools, nonprofits, and businesses.
WHAT: Up to $1000 reimbursement to improve the quality of shoreline habitat within the watershed, either directly or in close proximity to shorelines. Examples include: native plantings, buffer strips, tree and shrub plantings, and in-lake wood placement.
WHO: Residents, homeowners associations, and businesses.
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
WHAT: Landowners who meet the criteria outlined in this program can receive payments of up to $300/yr. Criteria include the presence of high quality natural resources, compliance with all District rules and local ordinances, and shoreline or streambank buffers where applicable. Contact the District for the full criteria list.
WHO: Residential land owners
Technical Assistance
District staff can provide assistance in identifying and dealing with resource concerns such as shoreline erosion, localized flooding, and invasive species.
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.
Eligible projects can receive free design work and support from Watershed and Conservation District Staff. Services available include development of shoreline and buffer restoration plans, raingarden and pollinator garden plans, review of contractor estimates, and assistance navigating state and local permitting requirements.
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.
Learn More About Native Plants and Shoreline Restorations
Cleaner Water Has Arrived
Revegetating Moody Lake
