May existing vegetation be removed from the shoreline?

Local planning and zoning ordinances regulate the amount of vegetation that may be removed from shore and bluff impact zones and from steep slopes.

• Trees, shrubs, and other ground cover that are dead, diseased, or pose a safety hazard may be removed.

• Limited clearing (10 to 20% of existing vegetation), cutting and trimming are allowed to provide a view of the water from the principal dwelling and to accommodate stairways and access paths or areas.

• The screening of structures and vehicles from view on the water (assuming summer leafed-out conditions) must not be substantially reduced.

• Intensive vegetation clearing of shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes is not allowed.

May aquatic vegetation be removed for recreational and aesthetic reasons?

Aquatic vegetation cannot be removed for aesthetic reasons.  However, under certain conditions, some plants my be removed for recreational purposes.

A permit is needed to:
 

• Destroy any emergent vegetation.

• Control vegetation in an area larger than 2500 square feet or winder than 50 feet or 1/2 the total shoreline, whichever is less.

• Use herbicides or algaecides to control plants.

• Transplant aquatic plaints into a lake.Use and automated unattended plant control device in the lake.

A permit in not needed when:
 

• Submerged vegetation is cut of pulled by hand.

• The cleared area does not extend along more than 50 feet of the property shoreline, or 1/2 the length of the total shoreline, which ever is less.

• The total clearance area does not exceed 2500 square feet.

• A channel with a maximum width of 15 feet is maintained to reach open water in a boat.

• The cut or pulled vegetation is immediately and permanently removed from the water and placed where it cannot re-enter the lake.

Aquatic vegetation must never be destroyed or prevented from growing in an area posted for fish spawning or by placing mats, plastic sheets, or like materials on the bottom of the lake

For information on local ordinances contact the appropriate Planning and Zoning Office. For help in making decisions on vegetation removal, contact the DNR Forestry Office at (218) 828-2565.