It is important to recognize that re-planting of a shoreland area is
only necessary if native plants have been depleted or bare soils are
exposed. If you are developing or building on a lot that has not
yet been cleared, consider making the smallest possible 'footprint' on
the landscape. This can be done by minimizing the size of the area
to be cleared, using 'green building techniques', and by removing only
single trees or branches to allow views of the lake. If native plants
are missing from your shoreland you can begin to restore your shoreland,
or portions of it, by planting appropriate native species for your
particular site.
Strategies for Restoration
Passive
Restoration
The easiest approach to restoring your shoreland is the “no-mow” approach. Simply
allow the existing plants to grow in a strip along the shore.
Seeds of native plants often lie dormant in the soil for years.
By not mowing, you allow these seeds to germinate and grow.
Removal of undesirable, aggressive plants in this zone will speed
the process. A list of non-native
invasive species is available in this site.
Plants growing in this undisturbed buffer area will trap
nutrients and other run-off from the upland and provide wildlife
habitat.
Active
Restoration
The second strategy for promoting a native shoreland buffer strip is
to actively plant species that are appropriate to one’s particular
shoreland site. Prior to
planting, it is important to consider the following 5 general steps.
These will take you through the planning phase and into planting and
maintenance.
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