DETRIOT LAKES, Minn. – As warm weather approaches, many are eager to get back outside and prepare for summer. However, in lakes country, some are facing a unique challenge this year as they prepare their docks and boat lifts. Tera Guetter from the Pelican River Watershed District has noticed an uptick in calls about unusual lakeshore damage. “I have never seen that before and I’ve been here since 1999,” says Guetter. The issue stems from low water levels heading into winter and minimal snowfall this year, creating perfect conditions for sand ridges along the shore. Guetter explains, “When the ice was coming off, it just kind of scraped the bottom of the lake and brought up all the sand up on the beaches and so Mother Nature did its thing.”
While ice ridges are normal and beneficial for a healthy lakeshore habitat, the current ridges have posed a hurdle for lakeshore property owners looking to install their docks and boat lifts. Some have resorted to using skid steers, rakes, and garden hoes to level out the ridges. Guetter emphasizes the importance of obtaining permits before making any shoreline improvements. However, due to the uniqueness of this situation, permits won’t be needed. Still, they encourage people to rake up vegetation first and avoid pushing materials back into the lake. If you are a lakeshore property owner in need of help in protecting or repairing your shore, you can reach out to the Pelican River Watershed District.