Restoring Natural Vegetation

Shoreland Restoration

Langlade County Ordinance

Shoreline buffer restoration. An applicant for a zoning permit for construction of a new principal structure or an addition to an existing principal structure shall restore the water quality, habitat and natural beauty protection functions of the shoreline buffer area to the extent practicable.

Plan requirements. An applicant shall submit a restoration plan for approval by the LRRD prior to issuance of a zoning permit. The plan shall provide the following:

	Restoration on a waterfront lot shall, to the extent practicable, be conducted on all land within 50’ of the ordinary high water mark and limited to the minimum lot width for the class of waterway on which the land is located.
	In the viewing corridor, sod, mulch, or other approved, non-erodeable natural material is allowed to the minimum extent necessary for access and recreation. Whenever feasible, the grass species used shall be no-mow/low grow grasses. One path with a maximum width of 4 feet is allowed.
	One 200 sq. ft area at the water shall be allowed for swimming access in the viewing corridor and one 400 sq. ft. area is allowed for a picnic/play/lounge area.
	Within the restorable area, no vegetation cutting or raking shall occur and native shrubs and trees shall be planted.
	Vegetation used shall be native to Wisconsin and shall be installed at densities that are adequate to reestablish the water quality, habitat, and natural beauty protection functions of a shoreline buffer area.
	Once the shoreline buffer has been reestablished, vegetation removal and land disturbing activities are generally prohibited.

How Does Shoreland Restoration Affect Me?

Any time a zoning permit is required for your principal structure including, but not limited to, building a home on an undeveloped lot, moving back or tearing down an existing home, or building an addition, you will need to submit a shoreland restoration plan for approval by the LRRD. The portion of the shoreland property that may need to be restored will depend on the extent of disturbance. If you have a well-established lawn with few trees, your restoration plan will be more involved. The process is straightforward but does take up-front planning from you.

Why we have this in our ordinance

Natural shorelines offer many benefits to the habitat and diversity of wildlife and fish that use the shore and near shore area. Keeping your shoreline natural helps maintain the healthy transition between the water and the land. There can be as much as 500% more diversity of plants and animal life in a natural shoreline as compared to lawns. Natural shorelines also serve as a buffer for filtering runoff to the water, provide privacy by screening structures as viewed from the water, and also enhance natural scenic beauty. By restoring your shoreline to a natural condition, the degradation of shorelands can be reversed. The restoration can be as easy as simply putting the lawn mower and trimmer away.

What you can do...

Langlade County has trained staff who can assist you in completing an approved shoreland restoration plan. Please contact the LRRD for assistance or Click Here.

Northern Wisconsin Native Plants

When selecting native plants for your restoration, you are probably wondering, “What types of native plants grow in my area?” Northern Wisconsin and Langlade County have a wide array of native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants. Many have colorful flowers and fruits that can be eaten by all sorts of wildlife as well as humans. These plants cans also provide year-round enjoyment through leaf and stem colors, fragrance, and scenic beauty.

TREES: The LRRD has compiled a listing of nearly 50 trees that are native to Langlade County, thrive along shoreland, and are easily purchased. Which trees species will grow on your property will depend on environmental factors such as sun exposure, soil
type, moisture, and pH. Examples of native trees are pines, balsam firs, hemlocks, maples, oaks, ashes, birch, and aspen.

SHRUBS: There are many types of shrubs found in the region. Many of these can be easily grown and provide berries, color and years of enjoyment. Examples include blueberries, highbush cranberries, dogwood, hazelnuts, and juneberries to name a few. If you want to plant shorter shrubs to enhance your lake or river view, many shrubs are only one to three feet in height.

GROUNDCOVER: If you enjoy flowering plants and grasses, you will love the possibilities available using local groundcover plants. In early spring, you may see native flowering plants and grasses already on your shoreline and upland-they just need a chance to grow. Simple steps like not stepping on the young shoots will help immeasurably. Creating a walking path to your lake or river will protect these young plants and keep soils from becoming compacted.

Invasive Non-native Plants and Aggressive Natives

When selecting plant species for your shoreland restoration, it’s important to remember that some nursery-grown plants are aggressive growers and can dominate and eliminate other species. Not purchasing or planting aggressive, invasive or other types of non-native plants is key to developing and maintaining a healthy, native shoreline.

Please contact the LRRD to arrange for a site visit to help determine existing plant species and whether you may have invasive or aggressive plants.


Greater Periwinkle or Running Myrtle	Gout-Weed or Snow on the Mountain
Although some plants are popular with shoreland property owners, they should not be planted because they are not native and invasive. The two above species of groundcover are not native and eliminate native flora and fauna. All plantings within 50 feet of the OHWM should be native. For a complete listing of easy to find native plants that will grow in differing environments, Click Here.

This web site is intended to provide general information regarding zoning requirements.
Please check with the Land Records & Regulations Department for specific and updated regulations
that may apply to your property.