Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Department

  Lake Superior Shoreland Erosion

  And Safe Building Setbacks

  Developing Your Bayfield County Coastal Property

Coastal Erosion Home View Maps & Coastal Shoreline Setback Calculator Coastal Erosion Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you planning to...

...Build on your Lake Superior property?

...Purchase new lakeshore property?

If so, you should know that several Lake Superior houses have had to be removed or relocated in recent years due to erosion. They were literally in danger of falling into the lake.

When making building plans, it’s important to understand the impact of erosion and include a safe setback distance for your new structure. Read on to learn more about erosion and setbacks on your property. Use the links above for further information and resources on shoreland erosion in Bayfield County.

Erosion and Your Lake Superior Property

A Shifting Coastline 

Unlike inland shores, Lake Superior’s coastline is subject to significant erosion. In fact, every year an average of 97,000 cubic feet of soil and rock per mile of shoreline is eroded along Lake Superior. 

Much of the Lake Superior shoreline in Bayfield County is bordered by steep bluffs with or without adjacent beach. These bluffs are very susceptible to erosion. Some, like rock slopes, erode very slowly. Others, especially those made of clay, can be stable for years and then erode or slump very quickly.

Many property owners or potential buyers don’t notice changes and are unaware of the dangers this process can pose to their property.

 

 

Protecting Your Investment

Erosion is inevitable so it's critical to plan for it by including a safe setback distance in any building plans. Planning a sufficient setback before you build will safeguard your investment for the future. It will protect your structure from erosion and minimize the chances that it will need to be moved or even destroyed in the future.

 

For more information contact:

Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Department
117 E. 5th Street
P.O. Box 58
Washburn, WI  54891
715-373-6138