Shoreline & Waterfront Solutions

Shoreline & Waterfront Solutions

Shoreline and Waterfront Solutions for 2020

The focus of Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) has always been “Waterfront Solutions.” Initially, that meant – Piers and Boat Lifts, – along with a wide variety of services surrounding those two items. As a result, PWS quickly gained a reputation as the Leader on the Door County Peninsula. 

As the Leader, PWS gets requests for many unique situations throughout the year in both the residential and commercial areas.

PWS hasn’t been sitting on their proverbial – laurels. PWS has been instrumental in solving problems for many people. We always keep our eyes open for additional ways we can help with issues vital to you.

We looked around until we saw the next problem was actually right in front of us every day – Eroding Shorelines.

tree roots exposed by water

Shoreline tree roots exposed

How long will this continue?

2020 Forecast 

The high water you have experienced in recent years will continue into 2020 – and for the foreseeable future.  In fact, the 2020 projections are for another 10″ of depth on top of the already high water depths this year. (We’ll keep you updated on the situation as we get closer to Spring).

How has this Affected Door County?

As property owners, most of you have already seen the damage to your shoreline. The entire Door County Penninsula has seen significant damage. Naturally, the losses are extensive along the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula. However, the Green Bay side of the peninsula has not been spared, as shown.

As the demand for help grew, PWS realized we had to step-up to help our customers and fulfill our commitments to them.  

Additionally, the shoreline damages and deep water has slowed our operation down.  High water exposes our crews to deeper water on a daily basis. In some cases, they can no longer walk to the ends of the dock without having their waders swamped. The wet suits they wear do not adequately protect them from the frigid water temperatures.

Therefore, PWS has made several significant decisions for 2020. We have a series of announcements to make, beginning today.  

What has changed?

Through much of 2019, we have been doing shoreline reconstruction and protection work. We expanded our line of excavating equipment, trucks, trailers, and track-mounted skid steers to accomplish this work. 

We’ve trained operators, and they are currently completing jobs with the favorable weather we are having. This work will continue until the ground is frozen harder than the excavating equipment can handle. Even then, we will continue to bring in boulders and rip-rap for shorelines where excavating is not required. 

Shoreline work 

The project starts with obtaining the needed state permits. Next, we mark out the sites and deliver the required rock, ranging from rip-rap (around 1 ton) to boulders (from 2 ton and up to 8 1/2 tons). 

Heavy excavation equipment is necessary to dig into the ground and/or move these multi-ton boulders.  

The boulders & rip-rap form a barrier to the high water and the turbulence from storms. It’s the turbulence that undermines and washes away the shoreline, uprooting trees and destroying buildings, as shown. 

Lake Michigan shoreline erosion

Shoreline Erosion

As you can see, the scars are significant and can adversely affect your property value.

In the coming months, we will continue to show “before and after” photos of the work we have completed.

Who is your contact for all shoreline work?

Dave Kalista (920) 905-2588 has taken the lead on the shoreline work with our remaining staff as support staff. Contact Dave at dave@wisconsinpws.com. 

Dave is very knowledgeable and ready to handle your shoreline work from beginning to end.

We will feature more examples in the coming weeks. Follow this link for additional information. 

More announcements will follow.

Pier & Waterfront Solutions can help you. Give us a call today!

Don’t Forget 

Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in ShoreMaster docks, lifts, accessories, and now, shoreline and waterfront work!

Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, just south of Sturgeon Bay, PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.  Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.

Call Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Email Dave@wisconsinpws.com for more information.