Shoreline Smarts
Shoreline habitats around lakes – both on land and in shallow water – provide important habitat for fish and wildlife. Healthy plants along shorelines also protect water quality by absorbing and filtering pollutants carried from land by wind and rain.
Viewer Tip: When lake shorelines become too developed, they may no longer be able to support the plants, fish and wildlife that make our lakes so appealing! If you own property along a lake shoreline, consider leaving part of your landscape “wild.” For example, if you have 100 feet of shoreline, let 75 feet stay in its natural condition and use 25 feet for a dock or swimming area. The same goes for your home lawn – leave about 30 feet of natural vegetation between the beach and your lawn to create a buffer zone between your home and the lakeshore habitat.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
(Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2009. “The Water’s Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your lakeshore property.”)
