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Jon Shabica of Shabica & Sons, shared with the Club an insight on our Lake Michigan beaches. Located in Northfield, the engineering company specializes in rebuilding beaches for almost 60 years, by working with landowners, landscapers and multiple government agencies. Historically, the water level of Lake Michigan varies from low to high by about 6 feet. Jon said our lake levels are impacted by winter ice, wind, precipitation and evaporation. Breakwater structures perform the best in keeping sand and lakebed in place. One interesting fact is that here in Illinois, lake front property extends to the waterline which creates private beaches. In Michigan, a lakefront property ends at the sand - so all beaches are public beaches. That is why many issues on our side of the lake can be more complicated to resolve. Jon was very knowledgeable and excited about the topic. |
