Breakwaters with Transitional Wetlands

After this design was implemented at Kinkaid Lake, the transitional wetland was naturally colonized and is now teeming with life, both flora and fauna with 121 volunteer plant species; 50 invertebrate species; 25 reptile & amphibian species; 8 mammal species; 12 bird species; and 9 fish species identified*.  This large, multi-year project, 30,000 lineal feet, was built by Macoupin Boats with no heavy equipment on the bank, and is the largest project of its type ever undertaken.  Secchi Disk measurements have increased significantly in recent years, but additional observations are needed to draw a definitive conclusion about water clarity improvement.  This design has also been successfully implemented at other mid-western lakes and is recommended where the littoral slope is no steeper than 12%.  

 
 

The impressive results of the Lake Rip Rap methods were featured in the January/February 2008 issue of Land and Water Magazine, Jan 2005 issue of Erosion Control Magazine, Jun 2005 issue of  Lakeline Magazine and the Nov/Dec 2004 issue of Land and Water Magazine,.  Oral presentations of these methods have been given to the annual conferences of the North America Lake Management Society, the Illinois Lake Management Association, the Indiana Lake Management Society and the Rivers Institute at Hanover College.  

*REFERENCE:

Severson, J.  2007.  Wetland Habitat Enhancement and Shoreline Stabilization using Breakwaters on Kinkaid Lake in Southern Illinois,  MS Thesis, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois                 
                                                        

For the detailed findings of this study, contact: 
Hank Sutton   (217) 899-9706 or hank@LakeRiprap.com

 


 

Click the images to see the transition.

Typical results of natural slope reduction and natural plant colonization.

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