What is the purpose of lining the shoreline with coarse stone?

The purpose of lining the shoreline with coarse stone is primarily to prevent erosion. When waves and currents continuously strike the shore, they can wear away the land, leading to loss of soil and habitat. Coarse stone acts as a protective barrier, absorbing the energy from these natural forces and reducing their impact on the shoreline. By stabilizing the bank, the stone helps maintain the integrity of the ecosystem surrounding the water body, benefitting both the flora and fauna that rely on that habitat.

While your selected answer suggests a focus on deterring muskrats, which can indeed be a consideration in shoreline management, the primary purpose of using coarse stone is to combat erosion. Other options like creating a swimming area or enhancing aesthetic value are secondary benefits that may arise from effective shoreline management but do not speak directly to the primary ecological goal of erosion prevention.