Permits

Yes! a permit is needed for this action. Stabilization actions must be in accordance with applicable State of MN DNR, City of Detroit Lakes, Becker County, and Pelican River Watershed District regulations and guidelines.

Types of Shoreline Stabilization 

1. Re-vegetation or bioengineering using native plant material (i.e., trees, shrubs, seeding, plant plugs). Using native plantings for shoreline and bank stabilization is a cost-effective approach to address shoreline erosion.  Where re-planting alone is not sufficient to stop erosion, a bioengineering (soft structures) approach may be more appropriate. Natural vegetation should be left intact to the maximum extent practicable, however regrading and replanting of slopes may be necessary. Where unstable banks are present, the slopes should be replanted with native, non-invasive trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Steep slopes may require the use of jute or turf reinforcement mats to prepare the site to readily accept native plants and/or dormant woody plant cuttings called “live stakes.” Many low-growing species are available that will not block waterfront views. Some species of common shrubs have roots that extend deep into the soil, helping to keep the soil and shoreline together. When damage does occur to a natural shoreline, native plants can easily re-establish and protect the shoreline. Soft structure techniques use a combination of plants, natural materials such as fiber coir logs, biodegradable landscape fabric, coconut fiber blankets, live stakes (e.g., cuttings from species like willow), and brush bundles (i.e., branches from live woody plants) and may include regrading and replanting of slopes. This design creates a natural appearance, provides habitat for fish and wildlife, and leads to long-term stabilization of a shoreline, reducing the need for future work. Contact Becker County Soil and Water Conservation District or the local greenhouse for plant species suggestions.
2. Bio-armor (combination of native plants and extra shoreline support with natural rock rip-rap):
   Where native plantings or plant bioengineering techniques are not suitable for the site, then the use bio-armoring (combination of native plant material and natural rock riprap) is appropriate. Areas along the shore needing extra support can benefit from the use of natural rock rip-rap. Rip-rap is placed at the base or toe of a slope to the smallest possible footprint necessary, following the natural contour of the shoreline, in combination with vegetative stabilization techniques used higher up the bank.  A layer of clean crushed gravel placed behind the rock will help prevent further loss of sediment from the bank. Vegetation planted among the rocks and at the top of the bank will greatly increase the long-term stability of the shoreline from ice and wave action, provide a buffer to filter rainwater, and provide wildlife habitat.
3. Natural rock rip-rap: Rip-rap is a layer of natural rock placed along the shoreline to prevent shoreline erosion from wave action (not placed for “cosmetic” reasons). Installation of riprap is allowed only where there is a demonstrated need to stop existing erosion or to restore an eroded shoreline (MN DNR).

• • The use of riprap in a project should be the minimal impact solution, must not cover emergent vegetation [unless authorized by an aquatic plant management permit from MN DNR Fisheries], must conform to the natural contour/alignment of the shoreline, and not obstruct navigation or flow of water.
  • Only natural rock (cannot average less than six (6) inches in diameter or more than thirty (30) inches in diameter) may be used that is free from organic material, soil, clay, debris, trash or any other material that may cause siltation or pollution. Concrete is not allowed (MN DNR).
  • Riprap will consist of coarse stones that are randomly and loosely placed. A row of boulders at the water’s edge, uniform rock size or arrangement (panning or stacking) is not considered natural rip rap. (MN DNR).
  • A filter of crushed rock/gravel, or filter fabric material must be placed underneath the rock. Where organic soils may present an issue for soil loss, geotextile filter fabric may be used (MN DNR)
  • The finished slope does exceed three feet horizontal to one foot vertical beneath the ordinary high-water level; and
  • The height of the riprap extends no higher than three feet above the ordinary high-water level, or one foot above the highest known water level, or one foot above evidence of erosion, whichever is less; and extend no more than 6 feet lakeward of the OHW (City of DL Shoreland Ordinance)
  • For rip-rap projects greater than 200 linear feet of shoreline, a MN DNR permit is also required.

    

Yes! A permit is required for vegetation alterations (trees, shrubs, ground cover, shoreline buffers, landscaping) , installation of landscape features, vegetative buffers, and for removal of dead, diseased, or unsafe trees within the Shore or Bluff Impact Zones, or on steep slopes within the Shoreland Zone. If you are interested in a shoreline buffer contact Becker County Soil and Water Conservation District as there may be cost-share grants available. 

Be aware there are limitations with pruning and trimming of trees, shrubs and groundcover in the protected shore impact zone and on steep slopes such as to provide a view to the water from the principal dwelling and to accommodate the placement of stairways and landings, access paths, and beach and watercraft access areas as allowed for in City of DL or Becker County Shoreland Ordinances.  

Tree Removal. Tree removal should be a last resort option. Please contact the District for assistance in determining whether a tree is dead, diseased, or unsafe (structures,  powerlines, storm damaged). For each tree permitted to be removed, it will be replaced with a native tree species on a 1:1 basis. Stumps may be ground down flush to the ground; below-ground roots must be left in place, as they provide stability on fragile lakeshores. Tree replacement will be appropriate native species and  1.5″ – 2.0″ trunk caliper size.

Removal of tree and/or stumps is considered excavation and will be permitted only if their removal is required for the legal placement of lake access paths or structures  where the removal cannot be avoided; each tree/stump removed will be replaced with native tree species on a 2:1 basis. Erosion and Sediment control best management practices are required to stabilize the affected project area. For a tree in a problematic location and/or not an appropriate species,  replacement will be on a 3:1 basis. 

If there is no structure at risk, consider letting the tree fall on its own – dead trees are wonderful habitat. Trees and deep-rooted vegetation also hold your valuable shoreline together and prevent erosion. Natural shoreline vegetation increases habitat for loons, fish and songbirds, while discouraging use by geese who prefer mowed lawns and sand blankets.

Violations: Within the Shore Impact Zone, tree removal violations will be mitigated with native tree species on a 3:1 basis (3 trees planted for each tree removed).

No permit is required for trimming, pruning, and thinning of branches or limbs to protect structures, maintain clearances, or provide limited view corridors, however such actions may not result in adversely affecting the health of the tree. 

Bluff Impact Zone – Alterations to land or vegetation within a Bluff Impact Zone is not allowed. The District may require a geotechnical report to verify the stability of the bluff. Schedule a site visit (218-846-0436 or prwdpermit@arvig.net) to review the site.

Vegetation Alterations. Any proposed permitted action must prepare a permanent vegetation plan to addresses the following:

• Must preserve or establish and maintain full tree canopy and native ground cover.
• Limited pruning and trimming are allowed to provide filtered views of the lake from the principle dwelling.
• Demonstrates that the action will not create or increase erosion or stormwater runoff from the site.
• Meets all local ordinances

Yes! A PRWD Permit is required for beach or perched sand blankets in the SIZ.

• • • The lake bottom must be suitable (hard bottom – sand, gravel) for supporting the material.
    • The maximum size cannot be greater the 50 linear feet, (or ½ width of the lot, whichever is less), by 10 feet wide. The depth of sand on the beach will not exceed six (6) inches.
    • Use only clean, inorganic sand or gravel – free of nutrients and pollutants (no silt, loam, clay – these cause water quality problems if they enter the lake).
    • Designs will incorporate a method for diverting surface water runoff around the beach area to prevent erosion of sand into the lake during rain events. Examples of diversions include installation of a low berm along the backside/landward of the sand blanket or where high volume of runoff is occurring, a combination of swales, raingardens or berms may need to be considered. It is far more cost-effective (and beneficial to the lake) to incorporate sound stormwater diversions in the initial design phases than having to reconstruct beaches and replenish beach sand in the future.
    • Beach sand blankets are in a location that will not readily wash or erode into the waterbody. Shorelines with slopes greater than 5% percent, on emergent vegetation or wetland areas (emergent, marshy shorelines) are not suitable for a sand blanket. A perched sand blanket may be installed if near shore topography is suitable.
    • Non-biodegradable fabric under the sand blanket is not allowed.
    • Beach Replenishment: Replenishment of sand may be repeated once at the same location but may not exceed the amount of sand and dimensions of the original sand blanket (MN DNR). More than one sand replenishment requires a permit from the MN DNR.

Perched Beach Area
If a shoreline does not have a natural beach, this is a clear indication that natural erosive forces (wind, water) will work to destroy any sand beach constructed on site. Construction of a beach in a “perched” position helps prevent the erosion of sand into the water and requires less maintenance by the property owner.

• • • placed on a shoreline location where the least amount of tree, vegetation, rock, or soil alteration occurs.
    • a “perched beach” must have little slope and be located entirely out of the water, above and landward of the OHW.

For more information, see the Resource Library.

Yes! Repair of a shoreline pressure ridge that was damaged by “ice push/action” within the last year (previous winter season) may be repaired with an approved PRWD Permit. Minnesota DNR, City of Detroit Lakes, and Becker County may also regulate alterations to ice ridges. For more information, please review the DNR website , or see the Resource Library.

PRWD uses the following criteria to approve shoreline pressure ridge repair permits:

• • Modifications or repairs are only allowed on ice pressure ridges that experienced recent damage from ice action within the last year;
  • A ridge of no less than eight (8) inches must be maintained parallel to the shore or ice ridge repaired to previous height (whichever is higher). The 8-inch difference shall be measured between the ridge top and 3 feet landward of the ridge;
  • All ice ridge material that is composed of muck, clay, or organic sediment cannot be put in the lake and must be placed and stabilized at an upland site above the ordinary high-water level (OHWL);
  • All ice ridge material that is composed of sand or gravel may be regraded to conform to the original cross-section and alignment of the lakebed, with a finished surface at or below the ordinary high-water level (OHWL) or it may be removed.
  • No additional excavation or replacement fill material occurs on the site;
  • All exposed areas are immediately stabilized as needed to prevent erosion and sedimentation;
  • A four (4) foot lake access/walkway may be placed on top of the ridge, but not cut through the ridge.

Minnesota DNR, City of Detroit Lakes, and Becker County may also regulate alterations to ice ridges. For more information, please review the DNR website , or see the Resource Library.

Yes! Installation of stairways, lifts, landings, and lake access walkways will require a permit from the Pelican River Watershed District.

Proposed activity must meet all other local ordinance requirements (City of Detroit Lakes, Becker County). Stormwater from all new and reconstructed impervious surfaces in the shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes must be treated following PRWD standards. See the Stormwater Management Section for more information.

For lake access walkways (all projects must also meet City of Detroit Lakes and Becker County Ordinance requirements):

• • • One walkway is allowed for lake access at a maximum of 4 feet wide;
    • One 32 square-foot landing is allowed along the staircase; Becker County Ordinance allows at the bottom of a steep slope or bluff a 48 square foot landing if the staircase exceeds 10 feet in height.
    • Walkways can be built on top of ice ridges, not through;
    • New patios or decks are not allowed in the shore impact zone.

Yes! Work conducted the Bluff and Shore Impact Zones or Steep Slopes in the Shoreland District requires a permit from PRWD. These activities may also require a Zoning Permit from Either Becker County or The City of Detroit Lakes. Contact PRWD, Becker County Planning and Zoning, or the City of Detroit Lakes for more information.

Yes!  Retaining wall construction, repair, replacement within the Shore and Bluff impact zones are allowed only for the purposes of correcting existing shoreline slope instability or erosion and not intended aesthetic purposes or for creating a beach or recreational use area.

Pre-application meeting.   Conduct a preliminary on-site meeting with the District Engineer and staff to review existing site conditions and shoreline slope erosion/repair alternatives and options such as bioengineering methods.   The property owner and/or contractor may present proposed/preliminary conceptual plans/sketches to the District.

 Project Design Plans.  

• • • Retaining wall designs involving the construction, repair, or replacement in the shore impact zone are required to include a site evaluation and construction plans designed and signed by an appropriate registered professional. The District may require a geotechnical report to review if conditions are suitable for wall construction.
    • Retaining wall design plans must comply with accepted engineering principles. The plan must include an analysis which shows that the wall will withstand expected ice and wave action, and earth pressure. The base of the wall must be above the highest known water elevation and the dimensions of the retaining wall are the minimum necessary to control the shoreline slope instability or erosion problem. Design drawings include current profile, evidence of previous profile (if applicable), and proposed profile meeting the slope, width and height standards of MN DNR.

NOTE: For waterbodies within the City of Detroit Lakes – Fences & landscape walls are not to be constructed in the shore impact zone (City of DL Shoreland Ordinance).

For more information, see the Resource Library.

It Depends.  Most projects that are granted a variance or conditional use by Becker County or the City of Detroit Lakes for impervious surface lot coverage, structures in the shore impact zone, or for projects requiring on-site mitigation measures (i.e., shoreline buffers, stormwater management practices, plantings) will require a District permit. District permits are approved only after the required approvals (variance, conditional use, or permit) have been granted by local zoning authorities. The District works closely with Becker County and the City of Detroit Lakes and assists in review of mitigation requirements. It is best to contact the District early in the planning phase (218) 846-0436 or email at prwdpermit@arvig.net.