Shoreline
Lakes drive much of our economy in the north. We not only have some of the cleanest lakes in the state, but in the entire country! Our lakes and rivers are also the source of clean drinking water for many larger cities downstream. Whether you are a regular at a resort, own a cabin or permanently reside lakeside, you know the value of our lakes.
Risks to water quality
Properties that are directly connected to open water sources have greater potential to harm the quality of the water. Overdevelopment or broad land use conversion near water sources results in lower water quality. Storm water collects contaminants from buildings and fertilized yard space. Impervious surfaces like the roof of a building or paved driveway/walkways expedite the flow of storm water runoff. The contaminants, and additional nutrients / phosphorus that stormwater carries, are harmful when they waterways. Just one pound of phosphorus rapidly grows into five hundred pounds of algae when it activates in water.
Native Shoreline Buffer
The NATIVE BUFFER PROGRAM is a voluntary program that encourages the creation of high quality shoreland and streambank buffers that protect water quality within a watershed.
A shoreland buffer is a naturally vegetated plot of land, located between the water’s edge and the land uphill. A shoreland buffer can be composed of a mix of native aquatic plants, grasses, wildflowers and/or shrubs and trees. Basically, it is undisturbed portions of land at the shoreline. Portions of shoreline would not be mowed or manicured into a sand beach.​
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a nutrient found in manure, leaves, soil, and fertilizer. Under natural conditions phosphorus is typically scarce in water. Human activities, however, have resulted in excessive phosphorus loading into our lakes. Phosphorus triggers harmful algae blooms.
The good news: There are many simple conservation practices that can protect or even restore the water quality in our lakes!
Slow the flow of stormwater
Slowing and absorbing stormwater runoff is critical to protecting water quality.
Rain barrels are fantastic for capturing runoff from rooflines under a downspout.
Broken walkway and driveway surfaces like stone or pebble allow water to better soak into the ground.
The deep roots of trees and native plants act as a sponge, soaking up storm water runoff.
Possibly most effective ( and beautiful) are rain gardens with native flowers and plants. Strategically placed rain gardens do a fantastic job of soaking up excess water before it reaches waterways.
Site Visit Request
Request a site visit with a conservation technician. Find out how your property can make a difference.
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Fill out the request form or call the number below.