The North Central Lakes Collaborative (NCLC) produces columns and radio announcements entitled "Lake Waves" for distribution to the media and organizations. The pieces cover a variety of healthy lakes topics. Lake Waves subject matter is relevant for lakes-area communities throughout northern and central Minnesota.
A Shoreland Stewardship Checklist
June 6, 2008
Audio:
Click here for "A Shoreland Stewardship Checklist" sound file.
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In Minnesota, we value our lakes. How well does your waterfront protect shoreland habitat and water quality? Put your property to the test by answering five short questions from the Shoreland Stewardship Checklist.
Do you have a buffer zone of native vegetation close to the shoreline?
Native species are heartier and adapted to local soil and climate conditions. The tangle of native roots along your shoreline will filter impurities from runoff and stabilize the shoreline, while the foliage from trees, shrubs and plants provide critical shelter for shoreland wildlife.
Do you use pesticides or herbicides on your lawn or gardens?
If you're fertilizing your lawn, you may as well be fertilizing the algae and rooted aquatic vegetation in your lake. About 55 percent of rain falling on turf lawns ends up in the lake ? bringing surface-applied chemicals with it. Most Minnesota soils are already phosphorus rich, so adding more likely won?t improve your lawn or gardens.
Have you preserved or replaced mature trees along your shoreline?
The extensive root networks from mature trees stabilize the slope down to the water?s edge. The shade from these giants also provides a cooling effect in the shallow near-shore waters, where 90 percent of a lake?s fish and wildlife species live or travel.
Do you leave fallen trees and branches in the shallow waters outside of your water recreation area? Fish and wildlife use these critical pieces of habitat for shelter and resting areas. Herons, turtles and largemouth bass are a few of the critters that love these over- and in-water structures. Fallen trees and branches also dampen wave impacts along your shoreline, which can help prevent erosion.
Are there bare spots - devoid of vegetation - on your lot?
Bare soil can create major erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient loading problems in the lake. Bare spots are often caused by foot traffic, shading, construction projects, or uneven water flow. Replanting native ground cover in these bare areas can help water infiltrate rather than run off into the lake.
Shoreland stewardship practices benefit all Minnesotans. If you value your lake, take care of your shore! For more lakes information email us at lakewaves@dnr.state.mn.us.
Shoreland buffers can be beautiful
June 13, 2008
Audio:
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Print:
Installing a shoreland buffer can provide habitat for critters and fish and help to protect the health of the lake, but isn?t it just a bunch a weeds along the shore?
The answer to this question is: ?not necessarily? ? sometimes ?weeds? can take over a shore, but usually native plants are interesting and beautiful. That is why it is important to take the time to plan the design and prepare the site when installing a shoreland buffer.
In planning a shoreland buffer, consider how the shoreline will be used, then add some creativity. A colorful boarder of native wildflowers mixed in with grasses and flowering shrubs between the beach and lawn area is likely to attract butterflies, humming birds and people. While some plants may not have showy flowers, they may have interesting seed heads or lush foliage.
A meandering path through a thicket of ferns and other shade loving plants can add interest and excitement to a landscape. Adding aquatic plants near shore may draw in birds to feed on the seed heads and fish hiding from predators, resting in the shade or feeding. There are many beautiful plants that work in upland, wet areas along the shore and in the water. Diversity in the kinds of plants will help to attract a broader variety of wildlife and create a more interesting landscape.
Any gardener knows that good site preparation results in a garden that is easier to care for. Sometimes invasive plant species can ?take over? a site. Removing these plants may take some diligence, but the results are well worth it. Once established, a healthy shoreland buffer with a diversity of plants may be less susceptible to weed invasions. But, like any garden it takes some attention.
There are workshops, books, CDs and websites that can help in designing and maintaining the shoreland buffer that suits both the site and your needs. Both the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and University of Minnesota Extension Service have staff and resources that can provide assistance.
Shoreland stewardship practices benefit all Minnesotans. If you value your lake, take care of your shore! For more lakes information email us at lakewaves@dnr.state.mn.us.
Natural Shores - Preserving the sounds of nature
June 20, 2008
Audio:
Click here for "Natural Shores - Preserving the sounds of nature" sound file.
Print:
In Minnesota, we value our lakes. We love the sharp cry of an eagle, the murmur of frogs, the sudden splash of a fish, the wind through the cattails ? the familiar sounds of the lake. Many Minnesotans take these sounds for granted. But unless we practice good shoreland stewardship today, these sounds could disappear.
As population pressures increase and more lakefront property is developed, the natural lakeshore habitats around our lakes are being replaced by manicured lawns and hard surfaces. Even though shorelands occupy relatively small parcels of land, they provide habitat for an incredible number of plant and animal species.
There can be as much as 500% more diversity of plant and animal species along a natural shoreline than in upland areas. Not only do fish and amphibians call this habitat, "home,? but numerous birds and mammals also spend at least part of their life cycle in or around the water. Many such species depend on lakeshores for breeding, nesting and raising their young.
If this habitat is lost, no longer will we hear the tremolo of loons. No trumpeting calls of great blue herons. No banjo-like strum of green frogs. Instead there will be the sounds of civilization - gas-powered tools, motorboats, personal watercraft, radios.
So what can we do? According to experts, shoreland stewardship is critical and the restoration and preservation of natural shoreland buffers is key:
- Re-establish or preserve natural shoreland buffers: An un-mown buffer strip of native vegetation should ideally extend 25 to 50 or more feet from shore, but even 10 to15 feet provides benefits.
- Include a variety of native species in new plantings: Native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers are well adapted to our climate, they are best able to withstand native insects and diseases, and they are most suitable for native wildlife.
- Preserve aquatic vegetation: Native aquatic plants perform critical functions within the lakeshore ecosystem, including providing underwater cover for fish, amphibians, birds, insects and other organisms within the food chain.
Shoreland stewardship practices benefit all Minnesotans. If you value your lake, take care of your shore! For more lakes information email us at lakewaves@dnr.state.mn.us.
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