Lakeshore Owners
Living on a lake provides a unique opportunity and responsibility to steward riparian areas.
Some beneficial management practices for lakeshore owners include:
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Understand that riparian areas include both land and shallow water areas (where cattails and bulrushes grow)
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Avoid disturbing the soil or building structures in riparian areas
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Eliminate the use of lawn herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to reduce water pollution and algal blooms
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Maintain a properly functioning septic system (have it routinely inspected and emptied)
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Slow and filter runoff from your property by using “low impact development” techniques such as rain barrels, rain gardens, and permeable pavement
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Maintain a natural shoreline and replace turf lawns with deep-rooted native plants to reduce erosion, help filter water runoff, and support biodiversity
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Share docks, piers and boat lanes within your community to minimize shoreline disturbance
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Allow aquatic and semi-aquatic plants to grow (e.g. cattails and bulrushes). These provide natural shoreline armoring, protect from wave and ice damage, and provide important fish and bird habitat
