Shoreline Restoration

As Northern Minnesotans, our lakes, rivers, and wetlands have always been an important part of who we are. However, the quality of our waters is by no means guaranteed. The effects of development are real and need to be reversed. Lakeshore development directly causes a number of negative effects, including:

• Increased pollution
• Erosion of the shorelines
• Decreased wildlife habitat
• Decreased species diversity
• Decreased property values

The best way to mitigate these effects is to preserve or reintroduce a vegetative buffer zone around the perimeter of the lake. To be effective, a buffer zone should be between 25 and 100 feet wide and encompass at least 75% of the shoreline. The vegetation in the buffer should only include plants native to your region because exotic species can cause immense destruction to an ecological system. And diverse vegetation produces diverse benefits, so restoration projects should introduce as many forms and species of native plants as possible.

This site is being developed to help increase such diversity by showing shoreline property owners some of the plants which may help them to restore a vegetative buffer and improve the ecology of their shoreline. It is designed for projects in and around Beltrami County in Northern Minnesota, USA. However, most of the plants listed on this site grow over a wide territory, so it may be of use to people in other areas as well.

To view specific species, browse the following categories:

• Trees
• Shrubs
• Flowers
• Grasses (including sedges)
• Weeds (exotic plants)

Plant characteristics and habitat requirements have been given for each plant in addition to a photo and some general information. Two ratings have also been given for each plant where applicable: The National Wetland Indicator Status for Region 3. and the range of USDA Hardiness Zone.

© Anita Merritt and Carl Sewall
Updated December, 2004

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