Lakers bring planners together on dynamic gravel beaches

Dynamic Equilibrium Beaches, Dynamic Gravel Beaches - whatever you call them, it's an old concept that's relatively new on the shores of Flathead Lake. Dynamic gravel beaches act naturally, absorbing wave action, preventing erosion, and hosting an array of organisms beneath and among the rocks and gravel.

In January, Flathead Lakers board member Steve Rosso and Executive Director Kate Sheridan convened a seminar on gravel beaches, led by Dr. Mark Lorang. Several local entities are currently in the process of determining their lakeshore policies, and representatives from Lake County, City of Whitefish, and others were able to attend.

Dr. Mark Lorang has studied wave action and beach erosion, and installed over two miles of dynamic gravel beaches around Flathead Lake, including at the Flathead Lake Biological Station. He has also designed beaches to be constructed at Yellow Bay State Park and the new Somers Beach State Park.

The Lakers feel it is important to provide education and resources on best practices such as dynamic gravel beaches that can reduce erosion and restore lakeshore habitat, thereby contributing to good water quality. In Lake County, for example, installing a dynamic gravel beach requires a variance, whereas the current regulations make riprap or a seawall more straightforward to receive approval on, even though they are more detrimental to the lake as a whole.

Please stay tuned for more events this year that will be open to the public on dynamic gravel beaches. Learn more about Somers Beach State Park.