Eagle Lake Improvement Assoc

Shoreline Restoration

This program incorporates one of our General Mission Goals—to encourage lake residents to be good stewards of the lake—by working with property owners to follow good practices while maintaining and improving their shorelines. By taking steps to stabilize an eroding shoreline, reduce runoff, or minimize the use of fertilizers, our lake residents can play a large role in improving water quality.

Working with the DNR, the ELIA encourages property owners to participate in the Healthy Lakes and Rivers program. Grants are available to offset much of the cost when following a “best management practice” such as installing native plants or creating a rain garden. Several residents around Eagle Lake have participated in the program.

To further promote the idea, our association has maintained a demonstration garden on the west side of the lake since 2004. The teaching site is named Zinnen Demonstration Garden, and it explains how the use of native plant species with long root systems can stabilize a shoreline subjected to erosion. A wide variety of native plants are featured there along with signage that depicts the need for native plants.

Volunteers around the lake maintain the site throughout the growing seasons via spring cleanup, weeding / mulching the site and introducing new native plants to the site. A walking path through the area and a viewing bench are now in place, allowing area residents to spend time enjoying the demonstration garden and learning about native plants.

The demonstration garden sits adjacent to the Zinnen Boat Launch, named after John and Loraine Zinnen, lifelong residents and supporters of the lake association. These plaques are located at the garden entrance to recognize their many contributions. The viewing bench was dedicated to Don Hermes in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote and improve Eagle Lake.

Check out this video!

From the Center For Land Use Education, this video explains the impact shoreline properties have on the lake.

Shoreline Best Practices
Protecting lake health starts at the shoreline, where small, thoughtful changes can significantly reduce erosion, improve water quality, and support a thriving ecosystem. Here are several simple but impactful ways shoreline property owners can contribute to lake health.

Establish a Natural Buffer Zone: Instead of mowing lawns right up to the shoreline, allow a strip of native vegetation to grow along the water’s edge. This helps filter runoff before it reaches the lake, reducing excess nutrients and pollutants. It also helps stabilize soil, preventing shoreline erosion.

Less mowing, more lake protection! We all know that fertilizer use around lakes can potentially impact the water quality. By minimizing turf grass near the water, you can improve shoreline stability, filter runoff, reduce maintenance and fertilizers. Want to upgrade your shoreline? Healthy Lakes & Rivers includes five simple and inexpensive best practices on your property that improve habitat and water quality. Click here to learn more.

Manage Stormwater Runoff: Simple adjustments can reduce the amount of polluted water entering the lake. Install rain gardens to capture and filter runoff and redirect downspouts toward planted areas rather than straight into the lake.

Maintain Shoreline Trees and Shrubs: Trees and shrubs along the shoreline help to prevent erosion with their deep root systems. They absorb excess nutrients before they reach the lake. Keep them healthy through proper pruning, and if they must be removed, consider replacing them with native plantings.

Native plants are adapted to local conditions and offer numerous benefits. Check out these useful references:

Native Plants For Beginners

Best Plants For Shoreline Gardens

Dispose of Yard Waste Properly: Leaves, grass clippings, and other organic debris can introduce excess nutrients into the lake if left near shorelines. Avoid dumping leaves or branches into the water, and this goes without saying, PLEASE pick up after your pets.

Reduce Hard Surfaces Near the Lake: Driveways, patios, and walkways that don’t absorb water create excess runoff. Where possible, replace concrete with gravel, mulch, or permeable pavers. You might also install swales or rain barrels to capture runoff.