Leave it to nature
Maintain gravel roads/driveways
Control erosion for construction
Maintain your septic tank
Watch out for invasives
Be wake-wise
Whether you live on the lake or not, you can implement best practices that protect the ecosystem while potentially increasing the value of your property. Protecting out waterways is a collective effort, and the actions of individuals across the watershed make a big difference.
Learn more about best management practices below and in the LEA Homeowner’s Guide. Print copies available at LEA’s office or by request.
1) Leave it to nature
While lawns may look nice, they are a gateway for chemicals, soil, phosphorus, and sediment to run off into your lake. Natural vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and wildflowers filter phosphorus and other nutrients from the water before they reach lakes and streams. Planting along roads and waterways provides a buffer which reduces erosion and serves as a habitat for wildlife.
The land within 100 feet of the high water line of lakes and ponds is protected by state shoreland zoning laws and should be left as undisturbed as possible. It is best to keep all rocks and pre-existing vegetation along the shoreline in place.
If you’re doing work in the shoreland zone, check your town’s shoreland zoning regulations and the state shoreland zoning handbook. Read about applying for a permit by rule and find a local contractor certified in erosion control practices.
What plants do I buy?
Buying plants can be overwhelming. Before you head to your local garden shop, look around in the environment for planting ideas. What already grows well here? Nature knows best and provides may native options that can be used in a buffer.
Resources
2) Maintain gravel roads and driveways
Without plant material mitigating water runoff, driveways, camp and gravel roads contribute to erosion and sedimentation issues and are a major source of phosphorus in lakes. Below are some best practices for maintaining your roadway.
Crowning and Ramping your road
Techniques such as crowning, ramping, and rolling dips can help maintain adequate drainage on gravel driveways. Crowning a driveway means to create a higher point in the center of the road running along its length. The road then gradually slopes down and directs runoff toward either side. However, in some scenarios it’s better to ramp your road. Ramping only slopes the driveway in one direction, directing flow to one side or the other for a section of the road. Not sure which one is best? Consult with a professional contractor.
Ditches collect runoff and allow subsurface water to drain away from your road and the lake. Stabilize your ditch with vegetation or line it with rock, creating outlets away from wetlands and waterbodies and toward areas like robust forest. Use gravel for driveways, roads, hard packed surfaces, and crushed stone or riprap for infiltration trenches and steps.
Other helpful hints:
Resources
3) Use erosion control on construction
Construction that causes soil disturbance must have an erosion control plan before building. Any control measures used should be installed correctly and maintained throughout the entirety of the project. Here are a few erosion control methods, and when to use them.
Resources
4) Pump out your septic tank
Maintaining your septic tank benefits you and your environment. Improper septic maintenance leads to a failing system where it’s more likely that settled solids wash into and clog the leach field. Replacing your septic system when it fails is expensive. Malfunctioning systems can release chemicals, bacteria and viruses into the ground, eventually entering nearby bodies of water. Like many pollutants, these cause harm to plants and animals and cause unwanted algae or plant growth.
When to check your septic
Learn about the lifespan of a septic system
Signs of a failing septic system
How to prolong the lifespan of your septic system
Prolonging the lifespan of your septic system is fairly easy, and ultimately cost effective.
5) Watch out for invasive species
Invasive change ecosystems by spreading quickly and being difficult to permanently remove. Aquatic invasive plants and animals spread primarily by boats and boating equipment.
Aquatic Invasive Species
How to avoid spreading aquatic invasives
Terrestrial Invasive Species
Plants – invasive plants often come from landscaping or decorator projects due to their strong root system and attractiveness. Despite their beauty, these plants establish themselves quickly and uproot surrounding native species. Terrestrial invasives can decrease property value, increase the cost of agriculture, and make outdoor recreation difficult.
How to mitigate and prevent terrestrial invasive plants
Additional Resources
Invasive Pests
6) Be Wake Wise
Boat wakes in shallow and small parts of the lake can have detrimental impacts for habitats, surrounding land, and other lake-users. Large wakes cause shoreline erosion and stir up bottom sediments which feed algae, damage docks and boats on the shore, and can even spread invasive species. Staying aware of your surroundings and being mindful of your speed helps maintain the lakes habitat and ecosystem.
You can still enjoy water activities while protecting your lake by following these simple guidelines:
Want to learn more?
Check out some of the links below or on the left to see what you can do!
Rules for cutting trees and plants
Certified Contractors for the Shoreline (DEP Database)
Tips for fertilizers and pesticides
Need more help? Learn more about getting a Clean Lake Check-Up or a LakeSmart evaluation!
