Shoreline Erosion Protection in Michigan

Shoreline Erosion Protection Specialists

White Lake Dock & Dredge is a Michigan-based contractor specializing in all forms of shoreline erosion protection for both residential and commercial customers. We provide both in-house consultation and construction services to homeowners and companies who live on the Great Lakes.

Although we offer a variety of marine construction and dredging services, when water levels are high on the Great Lakes we like to focus on helping homeowners protect their properties with erosion protection measures that actually work. We are experts in design, permitting, and installation of rock revetments and other seawall structures (for smaller water bodies). If you live on the Great Lakes, our revetments are effective at preventing land loss and soil erosion while also protecting the natural lake shore environment that we all love.

Our team mainly services the West Michigan area ranging from Chicago to Traverse City; we’ve done projects in  Muskegon, Grand Haven, Saugatuck, South Haven, Manistee, Ludington, Holland, Greater Chicago area, and everywhere in-between.

Decades of Experience

White Lake can trace our Great Lake erosion protection experience back to the 1980s, the last time water levels on the Great Lakes were this high. Over the years we’ve installed miles of rock revetment and other shoreline protection measures. We’ve learned what works and what doesn’t work. Our team has over 100+ years of combined experience in all facets of the industry including design, permitting, and construction.

Shoreline Protection

If you live on the Great Lakes the only form of erosion protection we recommend is rock revetment.

If you are considering some form of erosion protection for your property, there are many options available to you – but only some of them will work. We would love to be a resource for you and explain why and what to look out for.

At White Lake, we take shoreline protection seriously. We own property on Lake Michigan, so we can truly understand the importance of protecting your property while also protecting the natural beauty of your shoreline. While it can be cost-effective to do-it-yourself or go with the cheapest option, you’re often trading short-term solutions for long-term damages.

What is riprap / rock revetment?

Riprap, also known as rip rap, rip-rap, rock armor, armoring, or revetment, is rock or other material used to protect your shorelines against natural water and weathering damage. Common rock types used in a rip-rap solution include granite and limestone. Sandstone should NEVER be used for a project of this nature.

At White Lake, we engineer Great Lakes shoreline protection solutions with rock revetment, which are designed to withstand Michigan’s harshest and most unpredictable weather conditions while also minimizing negative environmental impacts to the natural coastal shelf.

Lake Michigan Water Levels

For current Lake Michigan Water Levels visit this page.

More information on Lake Michigan shoreline erosion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop shoreline erosion?

It is nearly impossible to completely stop the natural forces of erosion, however, measures like rip rap can lessen the forces of shoreline erosion.

How can we prevent beach erosion?

Beach erosion can be prevented with seawalls and rock revetments.

How do rock walls prevent erosion?

Rock walls are made to protect structures by slowing the natural movement and erosion of sand by waves.

How can we prevent sand dunes from eroding?

Stabilizing dunes includes planting vegetation to reduce the effects of wind and waves on the dunes.

  1. Plant grass and shrubs and don’t remove natural vegetation.
  2. Install rip rap stone; rock revetment.

How long does rip rap last?

Rip rap rock armor can last for generations. It tends to be the biggest investment, but the best, most long-lasting solution to preventing shoreline erosion.

What’s the best way to protect your shoreline?

Rip rap is the best way to protect your shoreline.

 

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