With the consistently rising water levels all around Northern Michigan, the destruction the Great Lakes are leaving is becoming more and more apparent. What used to be enormous beaches, firepits and patios, and secure decks now looks like utter wreckage. So, what are those with beachfront properties to do?

What is Shoreline Restoration?

Shoreline restoration is the process of stabilizing and structuring a deteriorating shoreline. In order to solve the problem at your shoreline, your contractor needs to understand why the problem has occurred—land-based forces, water-based forces, or human activity. Once the why is determined, the best solution can be selected. Products such as rip rap (rocks), erosion control blankets, coir logs, native plants, and more can all help restore a problematic shoreline.

Hire a Contractor You Trust

A shoreline project done incorrectly or without permitting can not only cost you a ton of money, but it can result in sometimes irreversible damage to your property. Be sure as a homeowner to ask the right questions to your contractor and understand that shoreline projects are usually not a project that can be started immediately. Ask questions about what type of equipment will be used and what type of products will be used. If your contractor doesn’t know the answer to many of these questions or if they don’t feel permitting is important—move on to find a new one!

Permitting

There are three permits that we use most commonly when doing shoreline work—Soil and Erosion, DEQ, and Army Corps. If your project location is ON or below the ordinary high-water mark, you MUST pull permits to work near the shoreline. Many people incorrectly believe that permits are only needed for extreme things like dredging or building a wall—however, many projects require permits to even move soil around. If your project is located on one of the Great Lakes, you will likely need all three permits. The DEQ is also used on inland lakes. The permitting process is very confusing, so asking an expert about permitting will help you understand why you need permits and what type you need!