Shoreland
The way we treat our shorelines affects lake water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and the value of our property. And the best way to improve our shorelines is to add or keep a buffer strip of natural vegetation along the shore itself. Buffer strips of native wildflowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.
If you have lawn to the water's edge, lawn behind rip-rap, steep slopes, or little vegetation near the shore, consider a natural shoreland landscaping project to restore native vegetation by creating a shoreland buffer zone — an area of native vegetation along the water's edge.
Learn about how to maintain your shoreland, and the things you can do to help your lake stay healthy and your property maintain its value.
Where can I get information on restoring my shore?
Can someone come out and walk me through my shoreland and answer questions?
Yes, please go to the Shoreland Advisors Page and schedule a visit today!
What kind of native plants can I use in landscaping my shoreland?
Landscaping with Native Plants
Where can I buy native plants?
Native Plant Nurseries and Native Plant Vegetation Consultants
Where can I find contractors and vendors in Itasca County?
Itasca Soil and Water Contractor/Vendor list
How do I design and build a rain garden?
How to Manual for Building a Rain Garden
Do I need an Itasca County permit to remove shoreland vegetation?
What resources can Itasca County provide me regarding my shoreland?
Where can I see examples of lakeshore makeovers?
How can I improve water quality by using native plants, raingardens and shoreline stabilization?
Where can I find information and photos about MN native and non-native plants?
Native plants for stormwater landscaping, shoreland stabilization, and restoration.
Native Plants for Stormwater Landscaping
Looking for ideas on how to attract pollinators to your property?
Plantings for Pollinators: Guiding Principles and Design Concepts for Residential Pollinator Habitat
Click to view guide (pdf)