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IS AN INDIVIDUAL PERMIT <br />REQUIRED? <br />For most projects constructed below the <br />ordinary high-water level* (OHWL) of <br />public waters, an individual Public Waters <br />Work Permit is required by the Minnesota <br />Department of Natural Resources (DNR) . <br />Riprap exception: An individual permit <br />from the DNR is not required for riprap <br />placement if the conditions outlined in this <br />information sheet are followed. <br />state jurisdiction extends waterward <br />range of water -level <br />fluctuation vanes <br />from lake to lake <br />ordinary high-water level <br />record high <br />water level <br />average water level <br />cattail, bulrush, sedges, <br />and other aquatic vegetation <br />Shoreline cross section. <br />If you have questions concerning the <br />contents of this information sheet, contact <br />your local DNR Area Hydrologist. See <br />contact information on reverse side. <br />Please note that local units of government <br />and other agencies may require a permit for <br />this project. <br />*For lakes and wetlands, the OHWL is the highest <br />elevation that has been maintained as to leave <br />evidence on the landscape. It is commonly that point <br />where the natural vegetation changes from predomi- <br />nantly aquatic to predominantly terrestrial. For <br />watercourses, the OHWL is the top of the bank of the <br />channel. For reservoirs and flowages, the OHWL is <br />the operating elevation of the normal summer pool. <br />What can I do to keep my shoreline <br />from washing away? <br />If your shoreline is eroding, any of the following events may be destabiliz- <br />ing your soil, resulting in erosion: fluctuating water levels, increased wave <br />or wake action, ice pushes, loss of natural vegetation, and human activity. <br />Protecting your shoreline from erosion may not require you to replace <br />natural shoreline with a high -cost, highly engineered retaining wall or <br />riprap. There are affordable, low -impact methods to stabilize your shore- <br />line and still protect <br />property values, water <br />quality, and habitat. The <br />Minnesota Department <br />of Natural Resources <br />(DNR) encourages you <br />to consider planting <br />native vegetation to <br />control shoreline <br />erosion, enhance <br />aesthetic values, and <br />contribute to better <br />water quality in your <br />lake (see Lakescaping <br />information sheet). <br />Both riprap and retain- <br />ing walls can reduce <br />erosion, but they can be <br />expensive and negative- <br />ly affect lakes by <br />creating a barrier <br />between upland areas <br />and the shoreline <br />environment. Riprap <br />should only be used <br />where necessary and <br />never to replace a stable, naturally vegetated shoreline. Additionally, <br />installing riprap on a stream or river bank is a special condition that may <br />require professional advice to ensure that the structure will stand up to the <br />fluctuations in water levels and flowing conditions. <br />Shoreline stabilized with riprap and enhanced <br />with a vegetative buffer. <br />Natural rock riprap consists of coarse stones randomly and loosely placed <br />along the shoreline. You should consult your DNR Area Hydrologist to <br />determine whether your shoreline needs riprap to stop erosion. If there is a <br />demonstrated need, such as on steep slopes, you may want to consider <br />placing riprap or a combination of riprap and vegetation. In most cases, <br />vegetation planted in the rocks will stabilize the riprap and improve the <br />appearance of your shoreline. Naturalizing your shoreline is the most <br />important contribution you can make to enhance water quality, maintain <br />fishery resources, and provide wildlife habitat. <br />Page 1 of 2 <br />