Preserve Your Waterfront Investment

It is important to understand the role that our natural shoreline habitat plays in the health of our waterways.  The shorelines of Michigan lakes and streams are home to 87 species of birds and 19 species of mammals (O’Neal & Soulliere, 2006).  The near shore area provides critical habitat for 65 species of fish native to Michigan (Eagle et al, 2005) with an equally diverse variety of upland plants and aquatic plants.  Because the shoreline serves as the heartbeat and pulse of our lakes, the edge and transition zone that connects the upland area of your property to the lakes is both dynamic and fragile.  A natural shoreline of trees, native shrubs and perennials provide shade, habitat for wildlife, and a root structure that stabilizes the soils and reduces erosion.   The aquatic plants within the shores of our lakes serve a similar role to buffer the erosive wave energy that occurs along our shorelines.

Extensive research and documentation has been done comparing the health of engineered systems on developed lakes to those with a more sustainable natural shoreline philosophy.  Some common practices have proven detrimental to the health of our lakes.  For example, as attractive as a formal bluegrass lawn may be in a suburban environment, the problems associated with the practice of planting a bluegrass lawn to the water’s edge far outweigh its beauty when one considers the health of our lakes and streams.  A bluegrass lawn does not have the deep root structure of native woody plants and perennials.  It is not able to control the erosive forces of wave action whether by natural forces or heavy water craft usage on the lake.  Lawn areas adjacent to our lakes have also been major contributors to high concentrations of phosphorus, which contribute to increased algae-blooms and a reduction in the clarity of many of our highly developed lakes. With no buffer planting between our lakes and formally maintained lawns areas, run-off from a rain event may also carry residual herbicides and pesticides as well as other pollutants, such as salts and petroleum products and deposit them in our lakes and waterways.  These problems are almost non-existent on waterways with natural shorelines.

It is rare to find an undeveloped lake that requires management of its aquatic plants.  It brings to mind a quote from Sir Winston Churchill, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”  This applies to the health and preservation of our lakes and waterways as well.  Having seen the error of our ways, the pendulum has shifted in a  positive direction as property owners are becoming more familiar with good stewardship and sustainable natural shoreline practices.  The future of the lakes and waterways we love will depend on each of us making it our responsibility to promote good stewardship practices.

Good Stewardship Practices:

• Think GREEN and consider a “buffer planting zone” adjacent to the shoreline.
• Consider using native trees, shrubs, and perennials within a “buffer planting zone”
• Use phosphorus-free fertilizers( i.e. Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium 27-0-4)
• Use phosphorus-free soaps and detergents
• Refrain from over-irrigating lawn and planting areas
• Control soil erosion and sedimentation
• Dispose of pet waste properly
• Dispose of hazardous chemicals appropriately

You can become a better steward of your waterfront property by consulting with your local conservation district, watershed council, or certified natural shoreline professional.  They will passionately guide you through the steps you can take to improve the natural habitat of your shoreline. The fresh waters of our lakes and streams are the thread that weaves generations of sportsmen, naturalists, and artists together in mind and heart.  What a great heritage for those of us who enjoy the beautiful shorelines of Northern Michigan.

As featured in Michigan Home and Lifestyle magazine Summer 2015 Article