Shoreline & Lake-Lot Drainage Solutions
Barnes • Drummond • Gordon • Solon Springs• Cable •Hayward
Why shore-lot drainage matters
What we do:
Install riprap (armor stone, filter fabric, proper slope) along eroding shorelines.
Re-establish native vegetation buffers (groundcover, shrubs, trees) landward of the riprap to filter runoff, stabilize soils, and support habitat.
Integrate both hardscape (rock) and softscape (vegetation) to give a durable, ecological solution.
Why this matters:
According to the Wisconsin Land & Water Conservation Association Shoreline Stabilization Guide: “The native plant community … helps filter water and pollutants before they reach the lake edge, provides habitat for wildlife, and stabilizes slopes.” Iron County+2Wisconsin Land and Water+2
Local county guidance (e.g., Adams County Land & Water Conservation Department) lists the Best Management Practice of limiting mowing within 35 feet of the water and establishing vegetated buffers to reduce erosion and nutrient‐delivery. Adams County
When wave action or steeper slopes are present, riprap is the recognized method for protecting the toe of the bank from scour. Balsam Lake Pro Lawn+1
Permit notes:
Many projects (riprap, buffer re-vegetation) trigger a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) under the waterways program. Wisconsin DNR+1
If your shoreline alteration is landward of the ordinary high-water mark (OHWM), you may also need county zoning or shoreland-wetland permits. Iron County+1
We handle all permit coordination, site review, and documentation to ensure full compliance.
Before / After Snapshot:
Before: Bare slope, lawn to the water’s edge, signs of undercutting, soil slump.
After: Riprap toe placed at the correct slope, filter fabric installed, above that a 10–30 foot native buffer of sedges, shrubs and trees; lawn pulled back.
Benefits: Stabilized shoreline, improved water clarity, reduced maintenance, habitat for wildlife
Living on or near a lake lot means one of your most important landscape challenges is managing water — both from the lake side (wave action, changing water levels) and from the land side (surface runoff, downspouts, stormwater, lot grading). Without the right systems in place, you risk:
Accelerated shoreline erosion and loss of land.
Sediment and nutrient runoff entering the lake (affecting water clarity, aquatic plant growth, fish habitat).
Poor drainage in your lake-lot yard, pooling water, soggy zones, damage to retaining walls or plantings.
Improper lot grading or downspouts sending concentrated water toward the lake or into your foundation.
Our service offering addresses all of the above for property owners in the Barnes, Drummond, Gordon, Solon Springs, Cable and Hayward region. We combine proven shoreline protection methods with smart drainage planning, native-habitat re-establishment, and compliance with local permitting.
Downspout & Surface Re-Grading for Lake-Lot Drainage
What we do:
Reconfigure downspouts so that roof runoff is directed away from the shoreline or critical slopes, into infiltration or daylight zones.
Re-grade surfaces to maintain positive drainage (away from structures, away from the lake edge where needed, and away from propagating erosion).
Establish shallow infiltration zones or swales that slow water, allow infiltration, and reduce direct surface flow into the lake.
Coordinate with shoreline buffer and riprap strategy to create a holistic drainage-to-shoreline protection system.
Why this matters:
Uncontrolled downspout flow or sheet flow across a lawn directly into the lake increases sediment and nutrient load, and undermines shoreline stability.
As noted in buffer-studies, vegetated shoreline buffers help intercept runoff and reduce sediment/nutrient load. Buffalo County+2University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point+2
By routing roof and surface water appropriately, you reduce concentrated flow paths, minimize erosion-hotspots, and protect your investment.
Permit & Best Practice Notes:
While downspout re-routing and yard grading often don’t require separate state permits, they must not conflict with shoreline permits or local zoning rules (especially if they discharge onto the lake or into a navigable waterway).
Ensure finished grade is compatible with riparian rules (setbacks, impervious surface limits). See local shoreland zoning guidance. COURTE OREILLES LAKES ASSOCIATION+1
Typical steps involved:
Site assessment – identify downspouts, surface flow paths, lawn-to-shore relationship.
Design – plan new downspout discharge point, grade contours, swales or infiltration.
Prepare – remove obstructions, excavate as needed, install piping or infiltration elements.
Install – new downspout extensions, grade re-shaping, native infiltration bed establishment.
Monitor & maintain – check for ponding, turf damage, adjustments as needed.
Service Area
We proudly serve lake-front and lake-lot properties in Barnes, Drummond, Gordon, Solon Springs, Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin. Whether you’re on a large lake, flowage or smaller lake lot, we bring local experience, permit knowledge, and full end-to-end service.
Why choose us
Locally-based, experienced in northern Wisconsin lake-lot conditions (freeze/thaw, wave surge, fluctuating water levels).
Full-service: from site assessment → design → permitting → installation → maintenance planning.
Holistic approach: Shoreline stabilization and drainage planning (surface + subsurface), rather than one-off fixes.
Permit-compliant: We navigate state, county, zoning and shoreland regulations so you can relax.
Before/after transformations: We’ll show you examples (with you onsite) so you can see what your property will become.
Permit & Compliance Highlights
According to the WDNR: “The right project type for your shoreline depends on the wave energy it needs to withstand … A permit is required to install an integrated bank protection structure on any stream.” Wisconsin DNR
The Shoreline Stabilization Guide for homeowners emphasises: “Before starting any alteration of your shoreline, make sure you have any required permits from the appropriate local municipalities, county government, tribal government, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as needed.” Iron County+1
County best-practice: “Limit mowing within 35 feet of water… Acts as ‘filter strip’ so soil and nutrients do not flow into the lake.” Adams County
We’ll handle permit checks and filing for you — all you have to do is approve the design and schedule the work.
Get Started
Contact us today for a free site inspection and estimate on your lake-lot. We’ll walk your shoreline and lot with you, identify problem zones, and then present a customized plan including the preferred solution (or combination) of: riprap + buffer, downspout/surface re-grading, and/or French drains.
Let’s protect your shoreline, your view, your investment, and the quality of the lake you enjoy.
Ready to book?
Call 715-688-9990 and we’ll schedule your assessment in the Barnes, Drummond, Gordon ,Solon Springs, Cable and Hayward area.