Rip rap is stone that forms a foundation along shorelines to reduce erosion. They can be effective in the right conditions, but often, they are expensive and have adverse effects on lake and wildlife quality. Rip rap is not always the best solution to erosion control because it is costly and destructive to native plants and wildlife habitats.
Rip rap should never be used to replace stable vegetation along the shoreline. Please consult professionals before installing rip rap along river and creek shorelines to ensure it is the best solution and will hold properly. Incorporating native plants in your rip rap will enhance the appearance and provide extra support for stabilization.

Click to view a Rip Rap Fact Sheet.

Many people try to create a sand beach on their shoreline where they do not naturally occur. Your sand blanket will erode, and sand will migrate downshore due to any amount of wave action. If the bottom of your lake is soft, the sand will disappear by sinking into the mud.

Sand erosion can cover aquatic plant beds and fish spawning areas. Degrading fish and plants will harm the water quality of your lake.

Permits and Laws

You are allowed two sand blanket applications. After two applications, you must obtain a permit from the DNR. You are not allowed to install any plant liner underneath your sand blanket. Vegetation will constantly come in through the sand.

You may be required to submit an aquatic plant management permit to the DNR Division of Fisheries if you plan to weed the vegetation by hand or through herbicides. You must obtain a permit from the Division of Fisheries if you wish to place sand over emergent vegetation (cattails).

DNR Sand Blanket Permit Requirements

Shoreline erosion due to wave action is a common problem. Mowing the lawn to the water’s edge can worsen the problem and encourage algae growth and other water quality problems. For example, turf grasses have shallow roots.

This allows bank under-cutting by moving water or animal burrows. Banks erode at the shoreline and may slump. Lawn fertilizers may be flushed into the water and encourage algae growth. Short grasses are not effective in filtering sediment or pollutants from runoff. Short grasses attract geese whose wastes add pollutants to lakes.

• DNR Shoreline Alteration Fact Sheets
• Minnehaha Creek Permit Requirements
• RPBCWD Permit Requirements