Upper Spunk Lake and Spunk Creek Shoreline Restoration

Healthy shorelines are vital for lakes and rivers. They provide homes for fish and wildlife, filter water naturally, and keep the entire ecosystem balanced. However, erosion can threaten lakes and rivers by significantly impacting water quality and habitat. Stabilizing these areas can help protect our waters from continued sedimentation, damage to adjacent land, and improve areas fish and wildlife live.

The landowners contacted the Stearns Conservation District (SCD) office to restore their shoreline. With assistance from the SCD, the landowners implemented a shoreline restoration project on their property which included a failing retaining wall removal.

This project established a perennial vegetation consisting of native grasses, sedges, wildflowers, trees and shrubs along the shoreline in areas that had been previously cleared and had nonnative vegetation.

The shoreline restoration included 168 linear feet along with a buffer area of 7,300 square feet. A 15-foot-wide traffic area was maintained to access the lake.

Additionally, a permanent deed restriction was placed on the project area to ensure it remains as planned and continues to function for the benefit of the lake.

Components:

• Failing Retaining Wall

• Erosion Control Blanket

• Native Vegetation

Benefits:

• Sediment and Nutrient Reduction

• Habitat and Natural Aesthetics

Pollution Reduction Estimates:

• Phosphorus: 0.76 lbs./yr

• Sediment: 0.67 tons/yr

• Soil: 0.23 tons/soil

Partners on the project included the Stearns CD, Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.