Shoreline Repair and Protection

Shoreline services

Owning shoreline along the Mississippi River is a privilege, and property owners on Lake Onalaska and throughout the La Crosse area take pride in their waterfront views and the memories that come with them. Maintaining that shoreline, however, requires ongoing attention due to changing water levels, seasonal flooding, and strong winds that can impact the stability of your property.

Schafer’s Marine works closely with homeowners in La Crosse and Onalaska WI to provide reliable shoreline repair and protection services. From addressing erosion to restoring damaged areas, we understand the unique challenges that come with owning waterfront property on the Mississippi River and Lake Onalaska.

Whether your shoreline has been affected by spring flooding, storm activity, or natural wear over time, our team has the experience and equipment to handle a wide range of shoreline projects. We focus on practical, long-lasting solutions that help protect your property while maintaining the natural look and usability of your waterfront.

Rip Rap and Erosion Control

Living on a river or lake system like the Mississippi River and Lake Onalaska means dealing with constant environmental forces such as current, waves, fluctuating water levels, and winter ice. Over time, these conditions can take a serious toll on your shoreline, leading to erosion, instability, and property damage if not properly addressed.

Rip rap installation is one of the most effective ways to protect and stabilize your shoreline in La Crosse and Onalaska WI. At Schafers Marine, we offer a range of rip rap solutions designed to match the specific conditions of your property and provide long-lasting shoreline protection.

Proper rip rap installation involves much more than simply placing rocks along the shoreline. The most important part of the process is the preparation beneath the surface. Just like building a house, a strong foundation is critical—without it, even the best materials will fail over time. Our team focuses on proper grading, base preparation, and material placement to ensure your shoreline is built to withstand the elements year after year.

Shoreline Clean Up

Let Schafer’s Marine handle the hard work of cleaning up and restoring your shoreline after the impact of changing water levels, storms, and natural debris. We provide shoreline cleanup services in La Crosse and Onalaska WI, helping property owners remove buildup and maintain a clean, usable waterfront.

If you're looking to promote a more natural and sustainable shoreline, we also assist with the removal of invasive trees and vegetation. Our team can work with you to develop a plan that meets local requirements and can be submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for approval.

At Schafer’s Marine, our goal is to create healthier, more stable shorelines while preserving the natural beauty of lakes and rivers throughout La Crosse and surrounding areas.

Want to take the next step toward your dream shoreline? Check out our sister company, La Crosse Dock, for the best selection of new and used docks and boat lifts!

Tree Removal

Schafer’s Marine provides shoreline tree removal services in La Crosse and Onalaska WI, whether the trees have washed up along the shore or are still standing and need to be safely removed. Our team has the equipment and experience to handle a wide range of shoreline conditions.

Using our crane barge, we are able to remove trees near the shoreline with little to no disturbance to surrounding lawns and property. This allows us to complete tree removal efficiently while protecting your waterfront and maintaining the natural appearance of your shoreline.

Schafer’s Crane Barge

Schafers Marine’s work barge is equipped to handle a wide range of marine services in La Crosse and Onalaska WI. Outfitted with a knuckle boom crane with over 50 feet of reach and a 10,000-pound lift capacity, our barge allows us to access difficult shoreline and waterfront areas with precision and efficiency. Designed to operate in as little as 2.5 feet of water, it gives us the ability to work in areas that are otherwise hard to reach.

With the ability to lift, place, drive, remove, and move materials, our equipment is designed to support everything from shoreline repair and rip rap installation to tree removal and marine recovery. No matter the project, Schafer’s Marine has the capability and experience to get the job done safely and effectively.