Highway 10 Shoreline Restoration Project Update

The Pelican River Watershed District was the lead agency in coordinating an effort to restore approximately 1,800 feet of shoreline along the north side of Big Detroit Lake. While the project was separate from the Highway 10 realignment project, the timing was perfect to work closely with MNDOT to make this project financially feasible. Workers have re-graded the shoreline, removed excess rip-rap and added soil to repair the site that was once eroding rip-rap and turf grass. A variety of trees, shrubs and wildflowers that are native to Becker county have been planted. Examples of such species are Bur oak, a variety of Dogwoods, Blazing stars, and Black-eyed susans.

In using a professionally designed plan, the District created a more aesthetically appealing environment to welcome our visitors as well as created an inviting atmosphere for our residents to enjoy walking, biking and nature observation within the restoration area. The project also enhances fish and wildlife habitat while reducing sediment inputs to the lake.

Check out our new Shoreline Restoration Site

Located at the City Beach Park

The Pelican River Watershed District is working with Prairie Restoration and the City of Detroit Lakes to restore a portion of the shoreline at the City Beach Park. The project includes the planting of shrubs, native flowers and grasses, and creating walking trails through the site with educational signage.

The first step in our restoration project at the City Beach Park was to spray all the existing turf grass to stop its growth.

Next, the dead grass and vegetation was burned off in a controlled burning by Prairie Restoration. The soil was loosened and seeded with native plants, grasses and shrubs as well as a cover crop to help control weed growth.

Fencing was placed at the entrances to the future trails to set the boundaries of the native growth. The flowers are expected to grow fully within three years of annual burning, mowing and maintenance.