Stories about Getting to Clean Water: Repairing Wave-Damaged Shoreline

Homeowner effort to save Newman Lake property has water quality and wildlife benefits

By Diane Dent, Water Quality Stories Lead, Water Quality Program

Introduction

Boat wakes may seem harmless to the boater and fun for the water skier. But they can be a nightmare for shoreline homeowners watching their property fall away into the water. A shoreline stabilization project on Newman Lake used natural materials to stabilize 120 feet of a homeowner’s property that was particularly affected by wake erosion. This project illustrates the importance of having committed lake homeowners working together to protect their shorelines, and also serves as a great demonstration of how property can be protected while enhancing the wildlife and water quality functions of shorelines.

Problem

Wake boat.

Like many lakes in eastern Washington, Newman Lake is experiencing an increased number of people living year-round along the shore, and in the summer increased boating traffic with corresponding waves. Many shorelines are being lost at an alarming rate due to increased boat traffic and the increased use of “wake boats.” In addition to property loss, unnatural rates of shoreline erosion have both wildlife and water quality impacts.

This project’s property has been owned by the same family for over 80 years and is located in the narrowest section of Newman Lake, making it particularly vulnerable to wake erosion.

Project goals

The project attempted to address both the cause and symptoms of increased shoreline erosion. Implementation took place in late summer of 2012 and to keep costs reasonable for the homeowners, the project used volunteer labor.


Story written by Dave Moore, Ecology Eastern Regional Office

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