Shoreline/Streambank Stabilization Cost Share Program

The Shoreline/Streambank Stabilization Cost Share Program promotes plant-based approaches to stabilizing shorelines by providing grants to public entities and private property owners. Eligible projects include using deep-rooted native plants to hold shorelines in place and provide critical habitat, with an emphasis on the replacement of hard armor (e.g. riprap).

Cost Share Grants for Shoreline/Streambank Stabilization

Who is Eligible: Public entities and private property owners (residential, non-profit organizations, private schools and businesses, homeowner and lake associations)
Examples of Eligible Practices: Using native plants to stabilize shorelines and streambanks
Cost Share Percentage: Grants will be awarded for up to 50% of the project’s cost
Maximum Grants: $5,000 cap for residential projects. No set maximum for other proposals, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on how well the project meets program criteria
Criteria: Grant proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Water Quality Improvement
Soil Erosion Control
Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Innovative Applications
Collaboration
Public Outreach

What is Stormwater Runoff?

In a natural environment, most rainwater soaks into the ground or is captured by trees and other plants. As land is developed, it is covered by hard surfaces – roads, parking lots and rooftops – that prevent natural infiltration, and allow water to quickly run downstream. This runoff, known as stormwater, carries dirt, fertilizer, pesticides, pet waste and debris into lakes, streams and wetlands.

Storm sewer systems, which are designed to prevent localized flooding in urban areas, also often carry polluted water into our valuable surface waters. Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one water quality problem in Minnesota and across the country.

Why use Native Plantings on Shorelines and Streambanks?

Native plants are the best choice for the borders between land and water because their roots filter and absorb polluted runoff before it enters the lake, stream, or wetland. The plants also anchor the soil to prevent erosion, beautify shorelines and improve their natural height and density to discourage geese, which prefer turf.
[Insert both Shoreline Restoration and Geese Photos]