Shoreland Restoration Program
Download printable application

The Lake Puckaway Protection and Rehabilitation District is proud to announce a new shoreland restoration program funded through the District’s Lake Protection Grant awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 2010. Many shorelands have been highly altered by housing, recreational, and agricultural development. The impacts of these developments effect water quality, fish and wildlife. Natural shorelines act as a buffer between the lake and human impacts. They intercept sediment, and nutrients that contribute to algae bloom and their associated negative impacts on recreation, property values, fisheries, and wildlife. Shoreland restorations also provide shelter, and food for many species of songbirds, frogs and butterflies while at the same time deterring geese from using adjacent lawns.

This program will select up to ten lake shore property owners interested in restoring a portion of, or their entire shoreline to natural vegetation. A portion of the funds may go to erosion controls such as silt fences, coir logs, rock riprap etc. if determined to be necessary by the application review committee. Not all projects will need this type of erosion control measures, but some may require it. Some erosion control measures are subject to local zoning and or state regulations and permits may be required.

The district will provide up to $2,000 with the owners providing at least 30% towards the project through purchases, or in-kind labor etc. The major element of the restoration must go to the establishment of vegetation. If they are selected, land owners agree to maintain the vegetation for five years, and place a sign in their yard saying it was funded by the District and its partners/underwriters. Sites chosen for restoration will be identified on a map on the district’s website, so they may be viewed by the public from the lake. Work will begin in 2012. Interested parties should fill out the application on the next page by November 25, 2011 and mail it to: Lake Puckaway Protection and Rehabilitation District, W591 Fox Ct., Montello, WI 53949. Download printable application.