Lake of the Woods Shoreline Restoration: Stop Erosion & Start Enjoying Your Property
Lake of the Woods is no ordinary lake. It’s one of the largest freshwater lakes in North America – visible from space, bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island, and crossing international boundaries. In all, Lake of the Woods spans over 1,700 square miles between Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota.
The majority of Minnesotans on the lake live on the southern shore, between Wheeler’s Point in the east and Longworth in the west. That means your shoreline is in Baudette or Warroad, MN.
If you own property, you know it isn’t all great fishing and scenic vistas, because erosion is a fact of life. When erosion has damaged your shoreline, what was once a waterfront dream can feel like a soggy nightmare.
You didn’t buy land on Lake of the Woods to worry about how much closer the water will get to your building next summer. The good news is that you can stop erosion and start enjoying your lakeside again. Since 1996, Lakeshore Guys® has helped Minnesotans protect their waterfront properties. With our riprap installation and other solutions, we can stop erosion and build the infrastructure you need to more fully enjoy Lake of the Woods. Contact us to discuss your situation and to book an on-site consultation, or read on to find out more.
About Lake of the Woods
The name comes from the French explorer Jacques de Noyon, who dubbed it “Lac des Bois” in 1688 because of the dense forests surrounding the lake. The name may also be influenced by a mistranslation of the Ojibwe name “Pikwedina Sagainan,” meaning “inland lake of the sand hills.”
Lake of the Woods possesses over 14,500 islands and 65,000 miles of shoreline. It is fed primarily by the Rainy River in the east and outflows through the Winnipeg River in the west, and was an important fur trading route in the 18th century.
Today, as back then, it offers plentiful fishing with species like walleye, northern pike, muskie, and smallmouth bass. Many enjoy the lake for boating, kayaking and canoeing in summer, and when it freezes over in winter, trade in their paddles for snowmobiling and ice fishing. Because of its high latitude, Northern Lights are sometimes visible, particularly between September and March.
One of the unusual things about Lake of the Woods is its international boundaries. A rectangular projection of US territory into the lake causes it to be shared by Minnesota and the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. Part of its western shore is formed by the Northwest Angle, a non-contiguous section of Minnosota. It’s the most northern point of land in the Lower 48, and only accessible by boat or driving through Canada.
Shoreline Problems
The Wheeler’s Point to Longworth area of shoreline is subject to significant erosion. In winter, the phenomenon known as ice push or ice heave happens when expanding ice exerts pressure on the shoreline. This can displace soil and rocks along the shore, causing erosion, and generally destabilizing the area.
In peak boating season heavy boat traffic makes waves that continually impact the shoreline. They wash away soil and vegetation causing the gradual loss of land.
Muskrats contribute to erosion by burrowing into the shoreline, where they build extensive tunnel networks that can collapse, forming sinkholes and weakening the soil.
Stop Erosion Now
Only a properly installed riprap shoreline can halt the erosion. Riprap consists of large stones strategically placed along the shore, on top of a special layer of geotextile filter fabric. Riprap not only protects your land, but also makes your property easier on the eyes, while still blending in with your surroundings.
Your local landscaper is unable to build a riprapped shoreline that’s sturdy enough to stand the test of time, let alone to halt erosion on your part of the lake. Technically they can build one, and they’ll say it’s easy, and it might even look nice – for a season or two. Then it will crumble like sandcastles in the tide and you’ll need to get it rebuilt. Our shorelines stay put.
For muskrats, we have a way to keep them and similar mischief makers away, so as to preserve the safety and beauty of your land.
We use a 72″ proprietary galvanized muskrat-resistant fabric, called Muskrat Mesh™. This fabric covers several feet of your shoreline above water, as well as extending into the water a few more feet, which helps prevent muskrats from being able to burrow into the shore at, above, and below the water’s edge. Hardening this area with thick fabric and steel wire makes it much harder for the muskrats to dig into your shoreline, and much easier to swim away and try it somewhere else.
We’ve seen just about every riverbank and shoreline problem imaginable. We have tested, proven methods of managing them, so you can enjoy your waterfront property to the fullest.
Inhabited US Islands
Though the majority of islands belong to Canada, several are part of Minnesota. Oak Island is one of the larger and more developed islands with a mix of year-round private residences and seasonal vacation homes. Flag Island also has year-round homes and seasonal cabins. While island living can be uniquely satisfying, islands face significant erosion challenges because of their exposure to the elements and the impact of boat traffic and ice push. Stable shorelines are important to all property owners, but have an added level of urgency if you live on an island.
If you own property on one of the US islands in Lake of the Woods and are seeing it get washed away, contact us to learn more about our erosion control solutions designed to preserve your property for years to come.
Infrastructure: Constructing a Staircase Down to the Lake
Whether you prefer the durability of metal, the ease and efficiency of lumber, or the rough-hewn charm of stone, our custom-designed staircases and steps provide safe and attractive access to your part of Lake of the Woods. We can build you a staircase out of a wide range of materials, including:
- Lumber
- Prefabricated concrete
- Metal
- Stone (e.g., flagstone)
- Sawn boulders
Once you can get down to the water more easily, you can start to enjoy it more. Then you may also want a boat ramp, a sand beach, a patio, or other amenities.
Check out photos of some of the waterfront staircases we’ve designed and installed.
Contact Lakeshore Guys® to Give Your Stretch of Lake of the Woods New Life
If enjoying your part of the lake requires you to halt the erosion and make your shoreline more solid, then you’re in luck. Our DNR-approved practices, shoreline innovations, in-depth explanations of our processes, photos, videos, and best-in-industry reviews make your next step a clear and easy one. Contact Lakeshore Guys® today for a consultation.