The Shawano Lake shoreline survey was completed from June 25th, 2019 to July 12th, 2019 by Connecting Our Waters. A total of 1003 parcels were surveyed, equaling about 18 miles of shoreline. This survey was conducted as part of the Shawano Lake management plan update.
Shawano Area Waterways Management (SAWM) and the Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties (WAMSCO) offered volunteer time and boat use to assist with the survey. American Marine & Motorsports also donated a boat for couple days during the survey. Our volunteer’s boat had a slight mishap the day before the survey was to start. A kayak was also used on a few days when motorized boats were not available.
The results will be used to make suggestions on shoreline improvements which will also improve water quality.
The shoreline survey methodology used was created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). The methodology considers the first 35 feet shoreward from the lake. It takes into account canopy cover, composition of the buffer zone, presence of human structures, run-off concerns, shoreline stabilization efforts, and items present in the water near shore.
The general observation made was that seawalls and manicured lawns were most common around the lake. Due to the size and wave action on Shawano Lake, seawalls have been a necessity. A buffer of native plants along the seawall can be very beneficial for the lake. Proper maintenance of a lawn is also very important in preventing run-off.
The other concerning thing seen during the survey were point sources emptying into the lake. While these point sources may be long standing and legal – they are dumping untreated water into the lakes. There are many techniques that can be used to improve the water running into the lake. More information can be found here: http://www.renewourwaters.org/ or by contacting Emily Henrigillis (emily@fwwa.org 920.851.6472).
A more formal report will be shared with interested parties during the winter of 2019/2010. For more details on the outcome of the survey, please contact Emily Henrigillis.
Media coverage about the Shawano Lake shoreline survey:
https://fox11online.com/news/local/shoreline-survey-is-designed-to-gauge-shawano-lake-health?fbclid=IwAR2NnuCOVnKrph1Ss41rVn-5SwlcBsf51BkZomAyz9X2J6DrkXN1Fwjhguw
https://www.wsaw.com/content/news/Shawano-Lake-survey-could-help-runoff-and-erosion-511495842.html?fbclid=IwAR1j59Xqffn7iYXCHYkcvjoH42ys2BYPt-T5AR4HsCPSHOiyzlkF2TVwLW0
