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Healthy Lake Workshop Native Buffers & Stewardship Practices

Healthy Lake Workshop Native Buffers & Stewardship Practices. June 28, 2014 Eagle Lake Paw Paw , Michigan. Workshop Objectives Learn how to:. Improve your lake’s water quality and biological health Increase wildlife habitat Reduce shoreline erosion Discourage nuisance waterfowl

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Healthy Lake Workshop Native Buffers & Stewardship Practices

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  1. Healthy Lake Workshop Native Buffers & Stewardship Practices June 28, 2014 Eagle Lake Paw Paw, Michigan

  2. 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!

  3. 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)

  4. The Riparian Buffer Zone- The area between upland and water’s edge. nutrients bacteria chemicals animal waste ashes leaves Think of this vegetated area as the guardian of your lake’s health.

  5. Advantages of a Native Riparian Buffer Zone Kentucky Blue Grass Root Depth • 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

  6. Disadvantages of Traditional Lawns • 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

  7. Buffer Zone Basics Before After • 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

  8. Residential Phosphorus Loads Onebushel 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

  9. Buffer Zone Examples Before Before After After Source: JFNew

  10. K&A Buffer Zone Projects Before Before After After

  11. 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

  12. 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: Wild Ones

  13. More Tips: • Use a high proportion of flowering plants and trees • Add wildlife feeders and houses • Incorporate architectural features (artwork, garden ornaments, etc.) Source: Chicago Wilderness.org

  14. 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, notno maintenance

  15. 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.

  16. More Healthy Lake Practices: • Shoreline activities • Septic systems • Monitoring (water quality, vegetation, • invasive species) • Watershed management

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. E-newsletter • Different topics on how to • protect your lake • Unsubscribe at any time

  21. Questions? 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

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