Potential Impacts of Docks on Littoral Habitats in Minnesota Lakes

To understand the potential impacts of docks on lake shoreline habitat, an inventory of docks across north-central Minnesota was undertaken and full build-out projections were simulated. Lakes were selected randomly from three lake development classifications (lake class), which define statewide minimum development standards for Minnesota. The three lake classes, in order of increasing restrictions for development, are general development, recreational development, and natural environment. Docks were pervasive along shores for many lakes. Over 14% of the shoreline and 3% of the littoral zone were estimated to be impacted by docks. Build-out scenarios estimated that up to half of the shoreline and 14% of the littoral zone could be impacted with future development. Shoreline development policies may need to be revised to address impacts to fish habitat and recreational surface water use.