Shoreline Stewardship

One of the biggest threats to Michigan’s inland lakes is the loss of nearshore habitat. According to the National Lake Assessment results indicate that fifty percent (50%) of Michigan’s inland lakes were rated as poor with another 20% rated as fair for lakeshore habitat. It is clear that high impact development such as removing native plants on the land and in the water, excessive impervious surfaces (buildings, driveways etc) and seawalls are causing problems for inland lakes. Studies have shown that when habitat is lost both on the land and in the water this harms the birds, reptiles, insects, fish and other wildlife that depend on certain plants for their survival.

We want to help change this trend through promotion and implementation of lake friendly landscaping, erosion control methods and policies. These lake friendly practices help keep the lake clean, maintain or restore habitat for fish and wildlife and create a beautiful place to enjoy nature.

Co-Sponsor

Wayne Andersen
(andersenwayne@gmail.com)

Co-Sponsor

Peggy Haverberg
(peggyhaverberg@gmail.com)

Shoreline Stewardship 2022 Update

by Peggy Haverberg | Jun 14, 2022 | Shoreline Stewardship

Protection of, along with proper management of our lake shorelines is one of the most important actions a riparian can engage in to preserve and improve the health of Hamlin Lake. Our current initiative for Shoreline updates is at the LSP (Dam to Lake region) This...

Shoreline Restoration Projects

The High and Low Bank Restoration projects, performed by professionals, took 3 men one week to complete. The planning process and permitting process (performed by amateur:) took about 3 months.

These projects can also be a do-it-yourself opportunity, with lots of help at the DEQ website to get you through the permitting process and several websites on potential shoreline restoration options. (including the one posted at the bottom of this site)

High Bank Restoration

Working with officials at the Ludington State Park, we began a new High Bank Restoration Project on the shoreline of Hamlin Lake. Here are some photos of the work performed.

Above are some images depicting severe high bank erosion at Ludington State Park.

Local, dead tree material (revanents) were brought to the shoreline to break up the wave action before reaching the shoreline.

Fascines (local plant bundles) were wrapped into bio mat and staked along the shore to promote a vegetative barrier.

Lastly a terrace was built up the high bank, topped with 4′ of sifted top soil, covered with bio mat for soil retention and due to the nature of the high traffic park environment, more trees were used to prevent foot traffic from again eroding the shoreline. The area was planted with indigenous plants to ensure long term viability.

LOW BANK RESTORATION PROJECT

Pictured above is the before photo depicting severe low bank erosion at the Ludington State Park Island Trail shoreline.

Sand from the park was transported via boat and bucket to the erosion site.

After partial filling of the area, erosion mating was put in place.

Next, the coir log was staked in place, the loose rock moved to provide buffer between coir and wave action.

With the mat, coir and rocks firmly anchored and providing a barrier to further wave action erosion, the low area was futher filled with sand and then 4″ of sifted top soil.

Turf reinforcement mat was placed on the top soil, indigenous planting put in place and then brush to prevent the summer park foot traffic from injuring the site allowing the planting to take hold.

Hamlin Lake Preservation Society
PO Box 178
Ludington, MI 49431