Ice Damage Repair
Ice Damage to Shoreline Property
Property owners often return in spring to find unexpected damage caused by “ice heaving” or “ice jacking.” This powerful force pushes ice into shoreline ridges, which can damage retaining walls, docks, boat lifts, and even nearby cabins.
What can I do?
Is a DNR permit required to remove or grade soil (ice ridge) pushed onto my shoreline?
Near-shore areas play a vital role in maintaining the health of a lake’s ecosystem. Because of this, most work conducted below the ordinary high water level (OHWL) of public waters requires an individual Public Waters Work Permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
However, Minnesota regulations do allow certain exceptions for ice ridge removal or grading. A permit may not be required if all of the following conditions are met:
The ice ridge was created by ice action within the past year
The project is exempt from local permits or has been approved by a local government permit
No more than 200 feet of shoreline is impacted
Muck, clay, or organic materials are moved and stabilized at an upland site above the OHWL
Sand or gravel is either removed as described above or graded back to match the original lakebed, ending at or below the OHWL
No additional excavation or fill material is added to the site
All disturbed areas are stabilized immediately to prevent erosion and sediment runoff
Local zoning authorities, the Watershed District (if applicable), and the Soil and Water Conservation District are notified at least seven days in advance
