Reporter's Notebook: Covering the impact of rock riprap on Minnesota lakes

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more of MPR’s Kirsti Mahron articles in her "Trouble by the Water" series, covering wake impacts, pros/cons of riprap, and shoreline steward programs.

Rock riprap is probably one of the most misunderstood options for addressing shoreline erosion. This MPR article does a good job of explaining the pros and cons of rock riprap versus other options like native buffer zones. If you’re curious about this topic, please reach out to us…we’d love to talk to you about your shoreline!

2026 Stearns County Shoreland Workshop

Every year, the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) sponsors a workshop on shoreland best practices. The next event will be on Thursday, February 5th on the St. Benedict campus in St. Joseph. A number of speakers are scheduled, including MPR's Kirsti Mahron, who developed a multi-part series on vanishing natural shorelines (that included an article about a parcel on our very own Chain of Lakes). Dan Shaw of the MN Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR) will speak about establishing and maintaining native vegetation. Shoreline owners that implemented recent restoration projects will also be presenters. Various contractors and native retailers will have booths on-site. You can use the QR code in the document below to register. The cost is $35 per person and includes lunch. Registration cost after Jan 26 is $70.

https://www.stearnscountymn.gov/1802/Shoreland-Workshop