Welcome to the Wisconsin Lakeshore Restoration Project portal
Gives background information on the project and other details on its origin and history
Describes the study design and the different parameters explored by the project
Supplies a listing of references, research papers, and other scientific literature on assorted lakeshore habitat assessments
Lists the NE Wisconsin partners involved in this project and some of the economic affects it had locally
Shares examples of different inland lakeshore habitat restoration best practices, erosion control treatments, stormwater control work, and water conservation strategies utilized in this project
Lessons LearnedReviews lessons learned during the course of this project
Project PressProvides links to press on this project and published peer-reviewed journal papers gleaned from the research
PhotosOffers selected photographs of before and after pictures taken at project sites
Outreach TipsFurnishes information and resources needed by lake communities for assembling, coordinating, and delivering a lakeshore habitat restoration program in your area
The lakeshore restoration movement
For many of us,
lakeshores represents the sweep of one’s heart, a place filled with
memories of growing up, catching fish, watching frogs, and whiling away
the sweet summer days. However, during the past few decades especially,
the over domestication of our lakeshores has altered their character in
damaging ways. But do not despair, change is afoot!
People
around Wisconsin and beyond have been rethinking what is best for the
lakes and for their families. They are taking on the task of restoring
their lakeshores to a more natural look. Lake residents and
organizations, natural resource agencies from the Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources (WDNR) to local land conservation districts to
tribal partners, energy companies, and businesses such as resorts and
restaurants, all have embraced the idea of restoring lakeshore habitat.
A lot of great things can come from this effort.
Reestablished
native trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and other plants improve
wildlife habitat so there is more for our families to enjoy. These
natural areas along lakeshores enhance water quality, helping our lakes
become healthier and more satisfying for everyone. Often lakeshore
restoration projects form teams, including local contractors, nurseries,
consultants, and others specializing in habitat restoration and erosion
control work. Miles of lakeshores have been returned to a more
naturalized character, with the full complement of healthier soil,
fallen leaves and other organic material building in the groundlayer.
Projects grow towards well established, diverse herbaceous layers. Over
time, a rich groundlayer of ferns, grasses, sedges, rushes, and
wildflowers grows in underneath a unique shrub layer and understory tree
layer of smaller samplings. Above, a fuller canopy layer also grows.
Together, this suite of native vegetation adds to the lakes ecosystem,
improving the structural beauty, functionality, and habitat value of the
shoreline.
Lakeshore property owners who participate in habitat
restoration by installing assorted best practices on their land
are giving back to their lake and helping to address the number one
stressor to lakes - the loss of lakeshore habitat.