Healthy Lakes

Owners of shoreline property often prefer a manicured lawn and mow right to the shoreline. Unfortunately, this does little to help the lake and can increase runoff of phosphorus and sediment into the lake. As the graphic to the right illustrates, as natural vegetation is removed and areas of hard surfaces and lawn

increase, there are increased amounts of runoff, phosphorus and sediment that flow to water bodies.

HOW CAN YOU HELP PREVENT THE RUNOFF?

Instead of urban traditions such as manicured lawns, why not help preserve the natural Wisconsin lakeshore by leaving a buffer of natural vegetation along the shore? Shoreline restoration is the practice of restoring the healthy transition between land and water and bringing back the healthy native plants that will do much to absorb the runoff. Native plants are superior to non- native plants for the conditions found along your shoreline.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP: EASY AND INEXPENSIVE:

Stop mowing along the shoreline. You can create a buffer zone by simply not mowing along the shoreline. Turf grasses will grow 12-24 inches tall before going to seed. Creating a curving edge that separates the buffer from your lawn and any pathways to the water will also give your shoreline a pleasing, natural appearance. Over time, natural vegetation will fill in and provide a more diverse plant cover.

INEXPENSIVE:

Create a buffer of native plants. You can improve the beauty and interest of your lakeshore and provide habitat for birds and butterflies by planting a buffer of plants native to Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DNR has provided several templates for these gardens to suit your property type and interest and provides grant money through the Lake District for these projects.

MORE EXPENSIVE:

Install rain gardens to infiltrate the water from your roof or impervious surfaces before it reaches the lake and install diversions to direct the water to a rain garden or infiltration area. The Wisconsin DNR has handbooks and grant money through the Lake District for these. Professional installation is recommended.

NEED HELP DECIDING WHAT TO DO?


Visit the healthylakeswi.com for more information about controlling runoff and project ideas.

Additional Resources:

Native Plantings:

Healthy Lakes Wisconsin Native Plantings Best Practices

Native Plant Companion Guide PDF

Rain Gardens:

Healthy Lakes Wisconsin Rain Gardens Best Practices

Rock Infiltration:

Healthy Lakes Wisconsin Rock Infiltration Best Practices

Fish Sticks:

Healthy Lakes Wisconsin Fish Sticks Best Practices

Planning a Health Lakes Project:

https://healthylakeswi.com/about/

The Lake District will try to arrange for professional consultation at no cost to you before you make your decision. If there are enough committed participants, the Lake District can apply for grant money to help defray the cost of the projects.