To Sea Wall or not to Sea Wall…that is the question
Sea Wall Panel Installation
As property owners on Lake Athens, we are all concerned about maintaining and enhancing the quality of the conditions on Lake Athens.
To that end, your Board of Directors wanted to bring to everyone’s attention some facts regarding retaining walls along the shoreline.
Retaining walls reflect all boat wakes and wind driven waves that hit them. As a result, retaining walls greatly magnify the wave action on the lake and significantly reduce the quality of water sports and boating conditions on the lake.
Video – Installing Sea Wall Support Pipe
Conversely, natural sloping shorelines allow boat wakes and wind driven waves to dissipate naturally on the shoreline, promoting smooth water conditions on the lake.
Sea Wall Support Installation
Other benefits of a natural shoreline include better aesthetics, the ability for trash and debris to be washed up on shore and be removed from the lake, easier foot access, the ability to beach your boat, and significant financial savings (properly installed retaining walls are expensive).
LAPOA does not oppose retaining walls where conditions necessitate, but we do want to encourage property owners to consider leaving your shorelines natural, if possible.
Welding the Sea Wall Cap
In addition, if your retaining wall needs major repair or replacement, please consider removing it and restoring your shoreline to its original, natural state.
Lake Athens would be smoother, cleaner, and more natural as a result.