This task involves examining your shoreland buffer area not only to
map its current condition, but also with an eye to its future condition.
Do you have any signs of erosion?
Where are your house, pier, and other structures (e.g.,
boathouse, gazebo) located? Where
are the existing trees, shrubs, and other native plants?
Where is the view you enjoy?
Where is your access to the lake?
These topics are addressed in detail, below.
1. Surface
water run-off and discharge from gutters can carry soil
particles (sediment) into the lake, uproot plants, and destroy wildlife
habitat.
· Are any areas
eroding or forming gullies in the buffer zone?
· Are areas below
gutters or downspouts showing signs of erosion?
· Can you divert
run-off into vegetation so that it seeps into the ground instead of
running directly into the lake?
2. Plants
that overhang the shoreline provide wildlife habitat and help
moderate shallow water temperatures.
Coarse woody debris (dead branches and logs) also provide habitat
for wildlife and can help divert run-off.
· Do any shrubs or
trees overhang the shoreline?
· Is coarse woody
debris present on the shore or in the water?
3. Curving
a path to the lakeshore increases the chance that surface water
runoff will be intercepted and will percolate into the ground before it
reaches the lake. This is particularly important on shores that slope to
the lake. The path should be made of material(s) that allow rain and
run-off to seep into the ground.
· If the existing
path is straight, can it be laid out in a curve to intercept run-off?
· If the path’s
surface is made of impervious material, such as concrete or black-top,
can it be changed to a surface (such as gravel or woodchips) that will
allow rain and run-off to seep into the ground?
4. Existing
native trees and shrubs in the buffer area can frame your view
of the water. They will also screen the view of structures on your land
when your property is seen from the lake. This will give you a sense of
privacy and help your property blend in with the natural shoreline.
· Where is your
view of the lake?
· Can you prune a
few limbs from existing trees to frame your view, rather than cutting
down trees or shrubs?
· Can the access path also
serve as the view-shed?
5. This
is a good time to look critically at the number
and position of structures within the shoreland buffer and make
necessary changes.
· Do structures along the
shoreline and within the buffer meet current zoning regulations?
· Can you move structures
within the buffer to other areas of your property to restore a more
natural shoreland view from the lake and conform to zoning regulations?
· Where do you
want to locate the pier?
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