Lakeshore Property Owners: 5 Powerful Shoreline Practices in Minnesota

“90% of Minnesota’s lakeshore erosion is preventable with sustainable shoreline practices by property owners.”

“Minnesota has over 11,000 lakes, making shoreline conservation vital for local water quality and biodiversity.”

Introduction: Minnesota’s Lakeshores Need Us

As lakeshore property owners in Minnesota, we hold a unique privilege and responsibility. Our land sits at the vital intersection of water, soil, wildlife, and community, shaping not only the health of our properties but also the fate of Minnesota’s cherished lakes. With more than 11,000 lakes, countless streams, and over 11 million citizens relying on clean water, safeguarding our shorelines from erosion and pollution isn’t just a personal endeavor — it’s an act of stewardship for future generations.

The Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Crosby, together with county specialists, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and local restoration experts, are leading efforts to empower us with knowledge and practical tools for shoreline improvement. Through landowner education events and accessible resources, we can take impactful steps towards conserving soil, improving water quality, and preserving the natural beauty of Minnesota’s lakes for everyone.

Why Attend the Lakeshore Lunch & Learn in Crosby?

The Lakeshore Lunch and Learn event, hosted by the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Crosby, Minnesota, provides an exceptional opportunity for lakeshore homeowners. Set for Saturday, May 17 at Heartwood Living (500 Heartwood Drive, Crosby), this interactive session runs from 9 a.m. to noon and is crafted specifically for lakeshore property owners passionate about preserving shorelines in Minnesota.

• Expert Guidance: Hear from a diverse panel of county, state, and private-sector shoreline restoration specialists.
• Practical Insights: Learn shoreline best practices that protect water quality and add value to your land.
• Networking: Meet other property owners and experts who share your commitment to conservation.
• Technical Resources for Landowners: Access cutting-edge tools and local support for your next improvement project.
• Support: The event is made possible by the Clean Water Fund, ensuring resources are available to all who wish to participate.

Registration is just $5 (lunch included!) but space is limited and advance registration is required.
Register here or call 218-828-6197 by May 3 to save your spot.

Common Issues for Lakeshore Property Owners

Lakeshore property owners in Minnesota face a host of interconnected challenges that threaten the beauty, stability, and functionality of their waterfront land. Understanding these issues is the first step toward taking effective action:

• Shoreline Erosion: Wave action, ice heaving, and rainfall runoff can quickly wear away soil, threatening structures and diminishing habitat.
• Water Pollution: Nutrient runoff from fertilizers, pet waste, and failing septic systems leads to algae blooms and reduced water quality.
• Loss of Native Vegetation: Lawns and invasive species replace protective native plants, making shorelines more vulnerable.
• Stormwater Management Problems: Hard surfaces and compacted soils cause excessive runoff, flooding, and sedimentation.
• Regulatory & Zoning Confusion: Navigating county requirements or obtaining technical resources for landowners can seem overwhelming.

Fortunately, a suite of local conservation practices and resources exists to overcome these hurdles. From the SWCD to the Minnesota DNR, help is available every step of the way in preserving shorelines in Minnesota.

5 Powerful Shoreline Best Practices in Minnesota

Tackling shoreline restoration and water conservation can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and community support, we can achieve remarkable results. Here are five effective, science-backed practices for lakeshore property owners — all rooted in the expertise of the SWCD, county specialists, and local implementation projects.

1. Native Shoreline Buffer Zones

Establishing and maintaining natural buffer strips of native grasses, flowers, and shrubs along the water’s edge is one of the strongest defenses against erosion and pollution. These living “green belts” intercept rainfall, slow down runoff, filter contaminants, stabilize soil, and provide critical wildlife habitat.
Tip: Aim for a buffer depth of at least 15–25 feet, using plants adapted to Minnesota’s climate. For guidance, consult your county SWCD or shoreline restoration specialist.

2. Strategic Bioengineering for Erosion Control

Instead of hard bulkheads or riprap, bioengineering uses natural materials (like coconut fiber, willow stakes, and erosion-control blankets) to reinforce banks. This technique mimics natural processes and blends beautifully with native landscaping, while protecting the shoreline for years.

• Plant live stakes (dogwood, willow) in spring or fall
• Layer biodegradable mats to anchor new vegetation
• Design slopes less than a 3:1 ratio for optimal stability

Most technical resources for landowners can help you design and install these systems with county support.

3. Responsible Runoff & Stormwater Management

The transition between land and lake is delicate. Installing rain gardens, redirecting downspouts away from the shore, and using permeable paving can reduce the volume and turbulence of runoff — minimizing erosion and nutrient delivery to the lake.

• Rain Gardens: Capture and filter stormwater, providing pollinator habitat while protecting your beach.
• Permeable Walkways: Materials like gravel or permeable pavers let water soak in, limiting runoff and soil compaction.

Start by mapping your property’s drainage using SWCD guides, or use digital monitoring tools covered later in this blog.

4. Minimize Lawn Impacts & Fertilizer Use

Traditional lawns contribute to runoff, soil compaction, and pollution. Limit grassy areas near the shore and switch to native groundcovers. Reduce or eliminate fertilizer and pesticide use, especially within 30 feet of the water.

• Mow above 3 inches or not at all near the shoreline
• Compost clippings away from the lake
• Focus on low-maintenance, deep-rooted Minnesota species

5. Shoreline-Friendly Landscaping & Maintenance

Maintenance choices matter! Avoid removing overhanging trees, woody debris, or aquatic plants—they’re crucial for holding soil and supporting fish habitats. When landscaping, retain contour and natural features, minimize clearing, and use hand tools instead of heavy machinery near the water’s edge.

• Remove invasive species like buckthorn, but leave stumps in place
• Avoid compacting soil with vehicles or heavy foot traffic

These local conservation practices are practical, economical, and highly effective for property owners prioritizing sustainability and water protection. Next, let’s critically examine each practice’s cost, environmental benefit, and maintenance needs.

Comparison Table of Shoreline Practices

To help Minnesota’s lakeshore property owners make well-informed decisions, here’s a detailed comparison table of our five featured shoreline best practices. We summarize the core features, environmental impact, estimated costs, and maintenance levels.

Essential Water Conservation & Soil Tools for Property Owners

To put these shoreline best practices into action, we need the right tools and resources. Fortunately, whether we’re tackling a full-scale restoration project or simple garden improvements, a variety of time-tested solutions — backed by the efforts of organizations like SWCD, local county offices, and the Clean Water Fund — are available:

• Soil Testing Kits: Identify soil composition, nutrient load, and risk of compaction or erosion. Most districts offer affordable or free soil tests.
• Native Plant Guides: Detailed lists of region-specific flowers, sedges, and shrubs, along with planting blueprints for successful establishment.
• Shoreline Erosion Assessment Tools: Templates and checklists from your SWCD and Minnesota DNR to help us spot early warning signs.
• Rain Barrel & Water Reuse: Capture rooftop runoff for garden use, reducing direct flow to the lake and lowering water bills.
• GIS Mapping Technologies: Some SWCDs offer access to aerial imagery so property owners can visualize drainage and landscape features. Satellite-powered apps, like those provided by Farmonaut (see below), take this to the next level!

Tip: Reach out to your county SWCD for on-site technical support and digital access to guides, videos, and planning assistance.

Digital Tools for Landowners: Farmonaut’s Precision Solutions

Advances in agricultural technology have given lakeshore property owners new digital tools for monitoring, assessing, and maintaining shorelines. Farmonaut brings satellite-powered, AI-driven insights directly to our mobile devices and browsers — democratizing precision resource management for everyone, from large farms to small lake homes in Minnesota.

Real-Time Soil and Water Conservation Monitoring

Farmonaut’s crop health monitoring platform leverages multispectral satellite imagery to measure soil moisture, vegetation health (NDVI), and other key environmental metrics in real time. Not just for field crops, these insights help property owners in:

• Detecting early signs of shoreline erosion or compaction
• Identifying stressed patches within native buffer zones
• Tracking recovery and growth after improvement projects
• Monitoring the impact of stormwater management strategies

This technical resource connects every Minnesota homeowner to data previously reserved for large-scale agribusinesses.

Learn more and start using Farmonaut’s web and app tools for property monitoring:

Farmonaut Large Scale Farm Management

Mobile Accessibility for On-the-Go Landowners

Using Farmonaut’s Android and
iOS apps, we can receive instant notifications related to soil moisture trends, drought stress, or vegetation changes that may signal problems on the shoreline. This enhances our ability to act swiftly — whether adjusting sprinkler timing, inspecting erosion hot-spots, or altering buffer maintenance.

AI-Based Personalized Advisory

Farmonaut’s Jeevn AI system processes satellite data plus local weather information to provide us with customized, actionable advice. This supports evidence-based decisions about erosion control, native plant selection, and water use.

Blockchain Product Traceability

Transparency is important for those purchasing locally cultivated products or interested in the chain-of-custody for restoration materials. Farmonaut’s
product traceability solution leverages blockchain to map every resource’s journey — supporting informed, sustainable choices for our shoreline improvement projects.

Fleet & Resource Management for Multi-Lot Landowners

Managing a lakeside community, estate, or multiple properties? Farmonaut’s
fleet management tool
helps orchestrate landscaping equipment, staff, or grant-funded improvement teams to minimize costs and optimize efficiency.

Environmental Stewardship: Carbon Footprinting

For those of us aiming to go beyond mere compliance, Farmonaut also provides

carbon footprint tracking. Monitor real-time emissions and track property-level progress toward environmental goals — a strong fit for sustainability-focused homeowners and larger lakeshore communities.

Developers & Integration

Tech-savvy property managers or organizations working on multiple shoreline restoration projects can integrate satellite, weather, and analytics tools
directly via the

Farmonaut API
and see full developer documentation

here.

Local Improvement Projects & Minnesota Resources

Local conservation projects across Minnesota, boosted by support from the Clean Water Fund and coordinated by SWCD and county extension offices, are demonstrating the power of collective action. By participating in landowner education events and learning from technical resources, we’re part of a statewide movement to preserve Minnesota shorelines.

• Contact Crow Wing SWCD or use the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources Clean Water Fund project locator to find local programs, funding opportunities, and demonstration sites near you.
• Attend property walks, native plant giveaways, and technical workshops — all advertised through your county SWCD and conservation district websites.
• Access downloadable blueprints and maintenance calendars for shorelines and rain gardens.
• Find certified shoreline restoration specialists or grant writers to help fund your improvement projects.

More Minnesota Trivia: Did You Know?

“90% of Minnesota’s lakeshore erosion is preventable with sustainable shoreline practices by property owners.”

“Minnesota has over 11,000 lakes, making shoreline conservation vital for local water quality and biodiversity.”

• The average Minnesota lakefront property loses up to 5 acres of soil each year to erosion, unless protective measures are taken.
• Participating in shoreline restoration can increase land value and contribute directly to the clean water fund mission.
• Every acre of restored shoreline can remove up to 130 pounds of phosphorus annually — preventing hundreds of thousands of gallons of algae bloom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Register & Further Resources

If you’re a lakeshore property owner in Minnesota, don’t miss the Lakeshore Lunch & Learn with Crow Wing SWCD in Crosby — your ticket to expert advice, grants, and technical support for sustaining healthy, beautiful lakeshores.

• Event Date: Saturday, May 17
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
• Location: Heartwood Living, 500 Heartwood Drive, Crosby, MN
• Cost: $5 (including lunch)
• Register: cwswcd.org/trainings or call 218-828-6197 (by May 3)

The event is made possible by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources via the Clean Water Fund, ensuring inclusive access to all technical resources.

Explore further:

• 
  Farmonaut Large Scale Farm Management
  – Digital farm and environmental monitoring for shorelines and adjacent properties.
• 
  Carbon Footprinting with Farmonaut
  – Measure and track your property’s carbon emissions.
• 
  Farmonaut Product Traceability
  – Ensure supply chain transparency on materials for land improvement.
• 
  Farmonaut Fleet Management – Optimize logistics for lake association or multi-lot management.
• 
  Satellite & Weather API Access – For custom integrations and monitoring.
• 
  Farmonaut API Developer Docs – Integrate Farmonaut’s technical resources into apps or association dashboards.

Together, by following proven shoreline best practices, leveraging local and digital tools, and staying engaged with events like those in Crosby, we can become authentically invested stewards of Minnesota’s lakes.

Act today—for your land, your water, and your community.