Buffer Zones
Take Advantage of Natural Features
- Leave depressions and irregularities in your lawn. Don’t grade it to drain directly into the lake.
- Don’t mow down to the edge of the lake.
- Leave as much shrub and tree growth as possible between the lawn and the lake.
- If you have flat wet spots on your property, use them. Deliberately filter roof, driveway and road runoff water through them.
- Don’t mow these areas – let them grow up naturally.
Reduce the Impact You're Making Now
- For new construction, minimize the amount of roof, driveway and parking area (impervious surfaces).
- Minimize your lawn area. (don’t mow as much).
- Minimize bare areas by defining and limiting your parking area, beach area and foot paths. Be sure foot paths to the lake are kept narrow (6 feet or less) and winding (not a straight shot to the lake which could channelize the water). Stabilized heavily traffic areas with wood chips, bark mulch or some of the newer erosion control materials (some of these can support car traffic and still allow grass to grow up through them.)
- Tell your family and visitors about why it is important to protect the vegetation (don’t forget the kids!
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