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Healthy Lake WorkshopNative Buffers & Stewardship Practices
June 28, 2014Eagle LakePaw Paw, Michigan
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Workshop ObjectivesLearn how to:
Improve your lake’s water quality and biological health
Increase wildlife habitat Reduce shoreline erosion Discourage nuisance waterfowl Spend less time behind a mower and more
time enjoying the lake Get started improving your lake!
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Lake Assessment (NLA) Study
“Lakeshore Habitat - Of the stressors included in the NLA, poor lakeshore habitat is the biggest problem in the nation’s lakes; over one-third exhibit poor shoreline habitat condition. Poor biological health is three times more likely in lakes with poor lakeshore habitat.” (EPA, 2009)
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The Riparian Buffer Zone-The area between upland and water’s edge.
nutrients bacteria chemicalsanimal wasteashes leaves
Think of this vegetated area as the guardian of your lake’s health.
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Slows stormwater runoff allowing infiltration
Allows some settling out of pollutants prior to reaching lake
Provides bank stabilization Deters nuisance waterfowl Improves wildlife habitat –
along the shoreline and in the water
Increases plant diversity and interest along shoreline
Kentucky Blue Grass Root Depth
Advantages of a Native Riparian Buffer Zone
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Increased runoff/pollution More nutrients (pollutants) entering lake cause more aquatic weed growth Prone to erosion High maintenance (labor, resources) Requires chemical additions Loss of wildlife habitat/corridors Loss of species diversity Lack of interesting landscape
Disadvantages of Traditional Lawns
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Buffer Zone Basics
Shift away from manicured lawns to natural landscapes
Think about how much shoreline you are willing to start with…5 feet, 20 feet, 100 feet?
Every little bit counts
Before
After
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One bushel of grass clippings can contain 0.1 pounds of phosphorus
Enough to produce 30-50 pounds of algae in a lake!
Grass Clipping Source: www.newsc.org
Residential Phosphorus Loads
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Buffer Zone Examples
Before
After
Before
AfterSource: JFNew
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K&A Buffer Zone Projects
Before
After
Before
After
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Creative Buffer Zone Ideas
Select rare/interesting species Target specific wildlife habitat Choose specific bloom times Look at natural areas in your
region for ideas Incorporate nest boxes into buffer
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Source: Wild Ones
Tips for Natural Shoreline Design and Acceptance
Make plantings look intentional and cared for (plant in “drifts”)
Maintain the plantings (remove debris in spring, periodic weeding, etc.)
“Frame” the plantings (mowed strips, walkways, fences, etc.)
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Source: Chicago Wilderness.org
Use a high proportion of flowering plants and trees
Add wildlife feeders and houses
Incorporate architectural features (artwork, garden ornaments, etc.)
More Tips:
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Getting Started Don’t be overwhelmed…
it’s okay to start small Remember: Every little bit helps
Consider how you use your lawn – what area can you convert to a buffer zone?
Check on any permitting needs Clear existing lawn and/or landscaping Simply quit mowing the buffer zone or plant attractive
native shoreline plants Think of it as any other landscaping project…just using
native Michigan plants Maintenance will be required… low maintenance, not no maintenance
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Another bonus: Riparian buffers can deter unwanted guests
A buffer of dense native vegetation >3 feet high can discourage Canada geese from frequenting your shoreline.
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More Healthy Lake Practices: Shoreline activities
Septic systems
Monitoring (water quality, vegetation, invasive species)
Watershed management
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More Healthy Lake Practices-Shoreline activities
Create rain gardens to capture stormwater – and pollutants.
Limit fertilizer use (no phosphorus!)
Keep grass clippings, leaves and fire pit ashes out of lake
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Shoreline activities cont.
Remove pet waste from lakeshore areas
Wash cars in areas where water can soak into ground and not end up in the lake
Maintain some woody debris (snags, branches) for fish cover, food source
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Resources for Information and Materials for Installing Native Riparian Buffers
Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Michigan Native Plant Producers Local Conservation Districts Local Wild Ones Chapter
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• E-newsletter
• Different topics on how to protect your lake
• Unsubscribe at any time
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Thank you!Please feel free to contact us.
Patty | [email protected]
Mark | [email protected]
(269) 344-7117 | www.kieser-associates.com
Questions?