Healthy Lake WorkshopNative Buffers & Stewardship Practices

June 28, 2014Eagle LakePaw Paw, Michigan

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!

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)

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.

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

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

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

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

Buffer Zone Examples

Before

After

Before

AfterSource: JFNew

K&A Buffer Zone Projects

Before

After

Before

After

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

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.)

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:

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

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.

More Healthy Lake Practices: Shoreline activities

Septic systems

Monitoring (water quality, vegetation, invasive species)

Watershed management

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

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

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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Thank you!Please feel free to contact us.

Patty | phoch-melluish@kieser-associates.com

Mark | mkieser@kieser-associates.com

(269) 344-7117 | www.kieser-associates.com

Questions?