Protecting Yor Waterfront Investment 10 Simple Shoreland Stewardship Practices 1
HEALTHY WATERSHEDS MAKE HEALTHY LAKES and higher property vales The qality of or lakes and streams is ltimately a reflection of how we take care of or land. A watershed is the land area that drains to a lake or stream. Waterfront property owners, inland residents, recreational sers, agricltral prodcers and other bsinesses all can play a positive role in maintaining and improving the water qality of or lakes and streams. How will shoreland stewardship practices affect yor pocketbook? A recent stdy of over 1,000 waterfront properties in Minnesota fond that when all other factors were eqal, properties on lakes with clearer water commanded significantly higher property prices. 1 Similarly, higher property vales were fond on lakes withot Erasian Water-Milfoil. 2 What yo and yor neighbors do to sstain or improve water qality will improve resale potential. On the other hand, if water qality is degraded, lower property vales cold reslt. This pblication was developed for people who live on developed waterfront lots. It describes three types of opportnities to protect yor property investment: Crb Polltants Crb polltants at their sorce fertilizers, hosehold toxins, eroding soils, malfnctioning septic systems. Ct Rnoff Ct the amont of rnoff that picks p polltants and carries them to the waterway by minimizing the hard srfaces that create rnoff. Captre & Cleanse Captre and cleanse polltant-carrying rnoff before it reaches the waterway with shoreland bffers, rain barrels or rain gardens. 2 3
Crb Polltants Simple Step 1 WHEN YOU RE FERTILIZING THE LAWN, REMEMBER, YOU RE NOT JUST FERTILIZING THE LAWN. Photo cortesy of Washington State Department of Ecology, King Conty,and the cities of Belleve, Seattle, and Tacoma Choose zero-phosphors fertilizer If yo mst fertilize, avoid fertilizers that contain phosphors. Remember, it s phosphors that accelerates algae growth in or lakes and rivers. Most lawns and gardens already contain adeqate and often excessive amonts of phosphors. Based on a stdy of 236 lawns sampled in Dane Conty, the average available soil phosphors concentration was approximately for times higher than the amont needed to maintain a healthy lawn. 3 Consider this one pond of phosphors in rnoff can reslt in 500 ponds of algae growth! 4 Phosphors is an essential ntrient for plants. However, when too mch phosphors makes its way into or lakes and streams it promotes the rapid growth of weeds and algae and decreases water clarity, often trning lakes green. Decaying algae also depletes oxygen in the water, so that fish can no longer thrive. Hman activities contribte a great deal to the amont of phosphors that enters a lake or stream. Middle nmber indicates amont of phosphors If yo follow the instrctions on a bag of fertilizer containing phosphors, yo may be adding over 50 ponds of phosphors to a half-acre lot each year. 5 Beginning April 1, 2010, fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphors or available phosphate cannot be applied to lawns or trf in Wisconsin nless the fertilizer application qalifies nder certain exemptions. 6 Check local ordinances. 4 5
Crb Polltants Simple Step 2 Properly dispose of hosehold hazardos wastes Do not por old oil or pesticides into the ditch or wash paint brshes at the end of yor driveway. Where do these polltants end p? In or grondwater, lakes and streams! 7 Gasoline, oil, solvents, old paints, thinners, fertilizers, pesticides, cleaners and many other prodcts need to be disposed of properly. Some conties offer Clean-Sweep programs where yo can take these prodcts for safe disposal. To find ot abot local options, contact yor conty Land and Water Conservation Department. Yo can find their contact information at www.wlwca.org or in the phonebook. IF YOU WOULDN T DRINK IT, DON T DUMP IT! Sediment fences serve as a last resort for preventing constrction site erosion, bt the best policy is to leave the natral shoreline intact. Simple Step 3 Minimize erosion dring constrction Dring constrction is the time that soil with its algae-feeding ntrients washes into a nearby lake or stream nless the bilder ses erosion controls. When yo re planning a constrction project, follow these steps to protect the lake: DEVELOP AN EROSION CONTROL PLAN. These pblications will help yo: Erosion Control for Home Bilders clean-water.wex.ed/pbs/pdf/storm.erosio.pdf EVEN BETTER, MINIMIZE YOUR USE OF TOXIC PRODUCTS. See yor conty UW-Extension family living edcator for alternatives to toxic hosehold prodcts. civicpls.com/docmentview.aspx?did=119 They describe how to preserve existing vegetation, bild an access drive, install a sediment fence, protect soil piles, clean p sediment and replant the area. FENCE THE CONSTRUCTION AREA TO LIMIT CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY TO THE NECESSARY AREA OF THE SITE. This approach redces erosion and soil compaction. In fact, this approach can redce the amont of sediment and phosphors delivered to a lake by 18-fold. 8 DIVERT RUNOFF AROUND DISTURBED AREAS TO MINIMIZE EROSION. AFTER CONSTRUCTION, ESTABLISH VEGETATION RIGHT AWAY. The less time bare soil is exposed, the less erosion yo will create. 6 7
Crb Polltants Simple Step 4 Inspect and maintain yor septic system reglarly PUMP OR INSPECT YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS. 9 Jst like owning a car, there is maintenance, inspection and service reqired for septic systems in order to prevent prematre failre. Inspection and pmping costs ($50-100) are minor compared to the cost for installing a new system ($3,000-$8,500). 10 Hire a licensed pmper, plmber or plmbing inspector. DIVERT SURFACE WATER AWAY FROM THE DRAIN FIELD. AVOID DRIVING OR PARKING ON THE DRAIN FIELD TO PREVENT COMPACTION OF THE SOIL. KEEP THE ROOTS OF TREES AND SHRUBS AWAY FROM THE DRAIN FIELD PIPES TO AVOID OBSTRUCTED DRAIN LINES. WHEN A REPLACEMENT SYSTEM IS NEEDED, CONSIDER AEROBIC DIGESTERS, RECIRCULATING SAND FILTERS and other efflent filtration systems that may do a better job of treating wastes and may be designed to remove ntrients and other contaminants. Most waterfront homeowners in Wisconsin tilize a septic system, althogh some densely developed lakes have converted to pblic sanitary sewer systems. Owners of private septic systems have a responsibility to protect their family s health, as well as to protect the srface and grond-water from contamination. Properly fnctioning systems are designed to remove most disease-casing hman pathogens, bt generally are NOT designed to remove or treat water-solble ntrients or polltants. 12 The more water and material that goes into yor septic system, the more that comes ot into yor drain field. Recent research at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on septic systems located in sandy soils has fond both phosphors and nitrates migrated ndergrond over 150 feet from drain fields. If these ntrients seep ndergrond into the lake, aqatic plant growth and algae blooms are likely reslts. Malfnctioning systems are especially harmfl. Efflent from failed systems can reslt in direct contamination of well or srface water and cold case serios hman health risks. Reasons for septic system failre may inclde advanced age, overloading, poor site placement and/or poor maintenance. EVIDENCE OF A MALFUNCTIONING SEPTIC SYSTEM: AVOID PUTTING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS DOWN THE DRAIN OR TOILET BECAUSE THEY MAY CLOG THE DRAIN FIELD: Cooking grease, oils, coffee gronds, cigarettes, facial tisses, paper towels, sanitary napkins, tampons or disposable diapers. 11 AVOID USING A GARBAGE DISPOSAL. Compost yor vegetable scraps instead. CONSERVE WATER. Use low-flow toilets, facets and showerheads to redce the volme of water the system mst filter and absorb. Sewage backing p in the basement or drains. Ponded water or wet areas over the drain field. Bright green grass over the drain field. A dense stand of aqatic plants along only yor shoreland. Sewage odors. Bacteria or nitrate in nearby well water. Biodegradable dye flshed throgh yor system is detectable in the lake. 8 9
Ct Rnoff Rnoff is excess water that comes from hard srfaces like roof tops, driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, decks and compacted soils. Rnoff water washes fertilizer, eroded soil, car flids and other polltants into or lakes and streams. To redce rnoff, let water soak into the grond. Simple Step 5 Redce the hard srfaces like rooftops and driveways on yor property When considering additions, decide whether the extra space is really needed. Perhaps yo cold bild p instead of ot. Also consider rnoff from decks, sidewalks and parking areas. Gravel areas qickly become compacted and are nearly as impervios as paved srfaces. Pervios pavers are an option for areas that do not have heavy traffic. WHICH LOTS WILL CREATE MORE RUNOFF? Simple Step 6 Plant trees and shrbs or protect yor wooded areas Wooded areas develop a thick nderstory of small shrbs and plants and a dff layer. This dff protects soil from rain impact and absorbs water. Root systems keep the dff in place, not in the lake. Lawns absorb little rainfall. A recent Wisconsin stdy fond that lawns created mch more rnoff than wooded areas. As a conseqence, the rnoff from lawns carried eight times more phosphors to the lake than the rnoff from similar sized wooded areas. 13 LAWNS CREATE MORE RUNOFF BECAUSE: Grading a lot removes the natral divots where water natrally ponds and has time to soak in. Heavy eqipment, vehicles, lawn mowers and foot traffic compact the soils dring and after constrction. Removal of trees and shrbs cases more rain to hit the grond and rn off rather than landing on leaves and branches. Allowing water to soak in rather than rn off yor property filters ot polltants and replenishes or grondwater. 10 11
Captre & Cleanse Simple Step 7 Direct downspots onto yor lawn or landscaping, not onto hard srfaces Simple Step 8 Install a rain barrel Collect water from yor rooftop to water yor yard dring dry periods. The barrel shold be covered to keep ot silt, leaves and insects. 4 cortesy of www.raingardens.org 4 Rain Gardens a beatifl soltion to water polltion Simple Step 9 Bild a rain garden Rain Gardens: A How-To Manal for Homeowners provides easy-to-follow instrctions to create a rain garden providing gidance on the following qestions: Where is a good spot in my yard for a rain garden? How big shold it be? What plants wold work well? What do I need to do after it s planted? This pblication is available throgh conty UW-Extension offices, and at: learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq037.pdf HOW DOES A RAIN GARDEN WORK? Rain gardens are jst what they sond like areas that soak p rain water dring wet times and serve as a beatifl garden all the time. They are landscaped areas planted to wildflowers and other native vegetation to replace areas of lawn. The gardens fill with a few inches of water and allow the water to slowly filter into the grond. 14 The plants in the rain garden act as filters for the rain water, helping to slow the rnoff and allowing it to soak into the grond rather than flowing ot into storm sewers, ditches, or drainage ways on the way to lakes and streams. Keeping rain on yor property, where it natrally belongs, will help solve some of or water polltion problems. In addition to the benefits they provide to or water spply, rain gardens also provide wildlife habitat for birds, btterflies and dragonflies and are an aesthetically pleasing addition to any property. 12 13
Captre & Cleanse Simple Step 9 Protect or restore yor shoreland bffer If yo have native vegetation along yor shoreline, consider yorself and the local wildlife fortnate. A matre native bffer represents many years of natre at work and discorages ndesirable, exotic plants and animals while attracting songbirds, btterflies, trtles and frogs. If yo have lawn to the water s edge, a simple, no-cost way to get started in restoring yor shoreland is to stop mowing next to the water. Seeds in the soil will germinate and valable native plants will begin to reappear. Florishing shorelands provide some of the most effective protection for the lakes and streams of Wisconsin. When trees and branches fall in the water, they form critical habitat for tiny aqatic organisms that feed blegills, trtles, crayfish and other critters. Additionally, a fallen tree is like a dock for dcks and trtles, as well as serving as a perch for kingfishers, osprey and songbirds. If yo have lawn to the water s edge and wold like to play a more active role in restoring yor shoreland, yo can replant native trees, shrbs, grasses and wildflowers to attract songbirds and btterflies. The main area where water rns off yor property is the best location to start planting to improve water qality. Yo can create a natral, appealing waterfront landscape while eliminating expensive and time-consming lawn care. The pblication Protecting and Restoring Shorelands (learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/ GWQ038.pdf) will help yo think abot what benefits yo want from yor bffer and the size needed to achieve these. For help designing and planting a natral shoreland, contact yor Conty Land and Water Conservation Department listed at www.wlwca.org or a local nrsery that specializes in native landscapes. Some conties have cost-share programs to help restore yor shoreland. Natral shorelands contain a lsh mixtre of native grasses, flowers, shrbs and trees that help to filter pollted rnoff and provide important habitat for animals in the water and on the land. The trees, shrbs and plants not only help shelter and create privacy for both the homeowner and the lake ser, bt may also act as a noise bffer. Larger areas of natral shoreline provide more benefits. However, any amont of natral shoreline is better than none. 14 15
Endnotes 1. Krysel, Charles et al. Jne 2003. Lakeshore property vales and water qality: Evidence from property sales in the Mississippi headwaters region. www.friendscvsf.org/bs_stdy.pdf 2. Horsch, Eric J. et al. 2009. The Effects of Aqatic Invasive Species on Property Vales: Evidence from a Qasi-Experiment. Land Economics, 85(3):391-409. http://171.66.125.237/cgi/content/abstract/85/3/391 3. Bennett, E.M. 2003. Soil phosphors concentrations in Dane conty, Wisconsin, USA: An evalation of the rban-rral gradient paradigm. Environmental Management 32, no. 4: 476-487 and Bennett, E.M. personal commnication 4/13/05. 4. Henderson, Carrol L. et al. Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Qality. Minnesota Department of Natral Resorces, p. 27. 5. Calclated by Kate Demorest, UW-Stevens Point. 6. Trf Fertilizer: Restrictions on Use, Sale & Display for Homeowners http://datcp.wi.gov/ Environment/Fertilizer/Trf_Fertilizer/ 7. How we are killing or local lakes and wetlands with leaves and grass clippings. Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, Maplewood, MN 8. Wisconsin Department of Natral Resorces memo from John Panska 11/6/94. Graphic by Wisconsin Lakes Partnership 9. Department of Commerce, COMM 83 10. Portage Conty Onsite Waste Specialist, personal commnication 8/5/04. 11. Life on the Edge. 7th ed. Dresen, Michael and Robert Korth. 2003. University of Wisconsin-Extension, College of Natral Resorces, UW-Stevens Point. 12. Pierce, Bryan; Kraft, George and Pal McGinley. Agst 2003. Garding Or Grondwater. UW-Extension. www.wex.ed/ces/shoreland/modles.htm 13. Graczyk, David J. et al. 2003. Hydrology, Ntrient Concentrations, and Ntrient Yields in Nearshore Areas of For Lakes in Northern Wisconsin, 1999 2001. p 41, USGS Water Resorces Investigation Report 03-4144. water.sgs.gov/pbs/wri/wrir-03-4144/ 14. Rain Gardens: A Hosehold Way To Improve Water Qality in Yor Commnity by University of Wisconsin-Extension, pblication GWQ034, and Wisconsin Department of Natral Resorces pblication WT 731-2002, learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/ GWQ034.pdf In addition to this booklet and the resorces below, we encorage yo to join yor local lake or river association, Wisconsin Association of Lakes, River Alliance of Wisconsin or other conservation grops. Additional resorces, training and workshops may also be available throgh yor conty UW-Extension or Land and Water Conservation office, or local DNR office. Additional Information: GENERAL REFERENCES: The Living Shore. A 17-minte video showing the importance of leaving a natral bffer zone between the lake and lake owners dwellings, and providing information abot selecting and planting shoreline plants. UW-Extension and University of Minnesota Extension. Phone: 888-936-7463 http://cyfernet.extension.mn.ed/distribtion/natralresorces/dd8307.html Life on the Edge... Owning Waterfront Property. UW-Extension Lakes Program. Comprehensive gide for waterfront property owners.112 pages. Phone: 715-346-2116 or email wexlakes@wsp.ed PHOSPHORUS: Phosphors in Lawns, Landscapes and Lakes. 2004. Minnesota Department of Agricltre and partners. Phone: 651-296-6121 www.mda.state.mn.s/news/ pblications/chemfert/reports/phosphorsgide.pdf Understanding Lake Data. 2004. UW-Extension and Wisconsin DNR (G3582) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/g3582.pdf Brown Water, Green Weeds. 2001. UW-Extension (GWQ003) and Wisconsin DNR (WT-459-92) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq003.pdf FERTILIZER: Lawn & Garden Fertilizer. 2008. UW-Extension (GWQ002) and Wisconsin DNR (WT-528-99) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq002.pdf Rethinking Yard Care. 2008. UW-Extension (GWQ009) and Wisconsin DNR (WT-526-99) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq009.pdf EROSION CONTROL AND RUNOFF Erosion Control for Homebilders. 1999. UW-Extension (GWQ001) and Wisconsin DNR (WT-457-96) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq001.pdf Controlling Rnoff and Erosion from Yor Property: A Landowner s Gide. 2008. Brnett Conty Land and Water Conservation Department and partners. www.brnettconty.com/docmentview.aspx?did=119 SEPTIC SYSTEMS Care and Maintenance of Residential Septic Systems. 2006. UW-Extension (B3583) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/b3583.pdf 16 17
STORMWATER RUNOFF A Storm on the Horizon: An Edcational Video on the Effects of Stormwater on Or Rivers. 18 minte video by Trot Unlimited. Phone: 715-386-7568 or email andrewlamberson@hotmail.com RAIN GARDENS Rain Gardens... A Hosehold Way To Improve Water Qality in Yor Commnity. 2002. UW-Extension (GWQ034) and Wisconsin DNR (WT-731-2002) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq034.pdf Rain Gardens: A How-To Manal for Homeowners. 2003. UW-Extension (GWQ037) and Wisconsin DNR (WT-776 2003) Phone: 608-267-7694 learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq037.pdf Wisconsin Native Plants for Rain Gardens. dnr.wi.gov/rnoff/rg/plants/plantlisting.htm Wisconsin Native Plants for Shady Rain Gardens. dnr.wi.gov/rnoff/rg/plants/shady/ shady.htm SHORELAND BUFFERS The Waters Edge: Helping Fish and Wildlife on Yor Waterfront Property. 2000. Wisconsin DNR (PUB-FH-428 00). learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/ GWQ040.pdf Shoreland Restoration: A Growing Soltion. 2001. A 15 minte how-to gide. UW-Extension (GWQ032) Phone: 877-947-7827. http://cyfernet.extension.mn.ed/ distribtion/natralresorces/dd8307.html Restoration Stories. 2003. UW-Extension and Wisconsin DNR. www.brnettconty.com/docmentview.aspx?did=120 Protecting Or Living Shores UWEX (GWQ039) DNR (WT-764-2003) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq039.pdf Protecting and Restoring Shorelands UWEX (GWQ038) DNR (WT-748-2003) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq038.pdf A Fresh Look at Shoreland Restoration UWEX (GWQ027) DNR (FH-429-2003) learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq027.pdf Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Qality. Minnesota Department of Natral Resorces. The best detailed planning gide available for shoreland restoration in Wisconsin.180 pages. Phone: 800-675-3757 Wisconsin Native Plant Sorces. 2004. UW-Extension (GWQ041) and Wisconsin DNR (WT-802). learningstore.wex.ed/assets/pdfs/gwq041.pdf INVASIVE SPECIES We all have an important role to play in keeping or lakes, streams, and landscapes free of invasive species. The main way aqatic invasives spread to new waters is by hitching a ride on the boats and eqipment of the very people who enjoy the water the most. 18 19
Written by Lynn Markham and Kate Demorest, Center for Land Use Edcation, UW-Extension. Reviewed by: Ssan Tesarik, Wisconsin Association of Lakes Carmen Wagner and Bzz Sorge, Wisconsin DNR John Haack, Darren Lochner and Eric Olson, UW-Extension Adrey Greene, Walworth Conty Land Use and Resorce Management Amy Kelsey, Cooper Engineering Tim Fnk, Red Cliff Band of Lake Sperior Chippewa Karen Engelbretson, KJE Design LLC Sam Lewis and Marlo Orth, Wisconsin Lake Leaders DNR PUB WT-821 2012 UW-Extension Center for Land Use Edcation Graphic design by Amy B. Torrey, UW-Extension, Environmental Resorces Center Photography by Bob Korth, Jeffrey Strobel and Szanne Wade (except as noted). Copyright 2012 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. University of Wisconsin Extension is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer and provides eqal opportnities in employment and programming, inclding Title IX and ADA reqirements. UWEX Pblication GWQ044 R-09-10-20M-50 20 Images of trademarked prodcts are examples only and do not represent endorsement or criticism by athors, University of Wisconsin-Extension or Wisconsin Department of Natral Resorces.