COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Shoreland Protection and Restoration

All over the state, Wisconsin lakes and rivers are under pressure from residential and commercial property development and intense recreational usage. The water quality and natural environment of some lakes is being degraded as more and more people recreate and build close to the water’s edge.

Here are examples of the kinds of development that can upset the natural balance of a lake environment.

Non-native grass extends almost to the waterline. Any chemical used on the grass will pollute the lake. Rock rip rap prevents growth of aquatic plants that provide shade and cover for small fish and frogs, which muskies and northern need for food.	There is no natural shoreline buffer at all. The gravel "lawn" is unsightly and contributes to erosion. Notice that the neighbors on the left have left their shoreline in a more natural state. Do you see the difference? Which habitat is more attractive to birds, herons, and fish?

Nothing in this human-made landscape helps maintain water quality or allows wildlife to flourish. There is no 35-foot buffer zone between water and land, and the sand will gradually erode, reducing the quality of fish habitat.

Photographs by John Haack, UW-Extension Basin Educator, St. Croix Basin

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While there is still some controversy about public versus private rights (DNR article June 2000), many agree that healthy, natural lake environments mean higher property values and safer public health conditions.

Why restore shorelines?

Many residents and businesses are restoring their disturbed shorelines to create natural conditions that enhance wildlife and plants, and improves water quality. A buffer zone--an area of native vegetation that naturally links the water's edge and the land--can be planted to attract wildlife, filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and retain water for dry spells. Recently volunteers in Eagle River restored a popular boat launch and public dock. (DNR article, April 2000)

These photographs show what a natural shoreline without human disruption looks like.

A healthy and natural shoreline has several canopies (grasses, shrubs, and trees), is free of rip rap, and has aquatic plants that protect the shore from boat wakes that cause land erosion.	These natural aquatic grasses absorb boat wave action, which reduces land erosion. Minnows and frogs flourish in this habitat, before they become food for fish predators.

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Here are examples of native plants that you can purchase at area nurseries if you want to restore shoreline, attract butterflies and birds, and filter pollutants.

Cala lilies are pretty and frogs like them for their egg laying.	Blue flag is a natural flowering grass that can be purchased at area nurseries.
Swamp milkweed smells good and attracts butterflies.	Joe pye weed is a pretty flower that attracts butterflies.

Photographs by John Haack, UW-Extension Basin Educator, St. Croix Basin

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More Information

For more information about shoreline issues and restoration, use the resources below. Make copies and bring them to your next lake association meeting so others can learn about natural landscaping, or offer them to your local library.

• UW-Extension's Water Resources Page Web site with information about water quality programs and related environmental concerns in Wisconsin.
• UW-Extension's Shoreland Restoration Home Page This site is intended to be a growing, evolving, informational resource for people interested in learning about the functions, design, and construction of a riparian vegetative buffer zone
• UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Page Part of the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) and the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX). Together these groups ensure the protection of Wisconsin's inland lakes for future generations. This partnership has become a national model by working together to accomplish watershed restoration and lake protection goals.
• DNR Fisheries Management and Habitat Protection Wide variety of information on fisheries, habitat and wildlife management.
• DNR Why Protect Shoreland Areas? (available by contacting the Bayfield County Extension Office via e-mail or phone 715/373-6104 ) A four-page fact sheet that offers tips for waterfront property owners who want to protect their investment and the natural environment.
• Wisconsin Association of Lakes Variety of resources related to lakes management. The Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) is a grassroots organization made up of individuals and lake groups concerned about the future of Wisconsin Lakes.

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Bayfield County Shoreline Zoning Ordinance Revisions

Bayfield County recently completed a shoreline zoning ordinance revision process to protect the county's lake environments while still allowing property owners use of their land. For information about specific shoreline zoning ordinances, compliance, mitigation, and other interpretive questions, contact:

Bayfield County Zoning Office
Zoning Administrator
Bayfield County Courthouse
PO Box 58
Washburn WI 54891
Phone: (715) 373-6138
Email: Zoning@bayfieldcounty.org

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