Contact us before you do shoreline work

For lakes and wetlands, a permit is needed for most work that occurs below the Ordinary High-Water Line (OHWL) or the 100-year Flood Elevation.  Typically the OHWL is located where aquatic vegetation changes to predominantly terrestrial or upland vegetation, but this isn't always the case. The 100-year Floodplain Elevation is a set elevation for each lake.

For information about the OHWL or 100-year Flood Elevation of a lake, please contact RPBCWD or the Minnesota DNR.

Shoreline Activities That Require A Permit

Below is sample of shoreline work that requires a permit. This list is NOT all inclusive. Contact RPBCWD to see if your proposed project requires a permit.

• Adding riprap, rocks, landscaping blocks, or other hardscaping
• Adding a beach (sand blanket)
• Disturbing soils (grading, excavating, adding soil, dredging, etc.)
• Building or expanding a structure such as a building or bridge
• Clearing upland/terrestrial vegetation near and along the shoreline.
• Control of most native aquatic plants (Minnesota DNR permit).

100-year Flood Elevations

Every major lake within the watershed district has a set 100-year flood elevation.

Resources

Flood Maps

Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to find a flood map.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Permitting

• Water Permits (external link) - Includes "Do I need a permit?",  information about aquatic plant control, lake aeration, and more
• Shoreline Alterations Information Sheets
• Aquatic plant management and permitting