Continue to next page
Introduction
Reading Your Shoreline
Identifying Your Objectives

Guiding Principles

Identifying Use Patterns & Owner's needs

Determining an Appropriate Approach

Developing Realistic Expectations

Designing Your Shoreline
Implementing Your Project

Constraints & Considerations

Legal constraints and considerations can affect your project. There may be regional, state, county or local laws, regulations, ordinances, or policies that you need to include in your planning. Begin by checking with the local zoning administrator who can tell you about permits that may be needed for shoreline alterations as well as provide information on the lake's shoreland classification and zoning requirements. From there, contact DNR fisheries and waters staff located in your area (chart below). They often share a common office.

Another valuable source for information on shoreland management and a Lake Finder to access specific information about your lake is the DNR web site: