Deep Dive 4: Native Buffers - do they make a difference?
With summer officially wrapping up, we're wrapping up our report out on the Survey Results. This is the fourth and final ‘Deep Dive’ into the comments we received with the Survey last fall (here are the full survey results: https://www.srcl.org/s/SRCLA-2024-Member-Survey-Results.pdf).
Some of the feedback we received from last year’s survey had to do with our efforts to encourage shoreline owners to consider installing a native buffer instead of mowed grass to the water’s edge. The general question was “Does it really make a difference”?
The answer is an unequivocal “YES”! A key cause of poor water quality is the inflow of undesirable nutrients as runoff from lawns, farms and roadways. One of the most damaging chemicals is phosphorus, which is used in many lawn fertilizers. One pound of phosphorus enables the growth of 500 pounds of algae, so even incremental reductions in runoff can make a big difference in nuisance algae.
Here’s a link to an informative summary from the MN Natural Shoreline Partnership as found on the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) website: https://mnlakesandrivers.org/nsp/
The Minnesota Natural Shoreline Partnership aims to reshape perceptions, attitudes and policies around lakeshore development and stewardship, inspiring the dedication and action needed to protect and restore natural shorelines for the benefit of people, fish, and wildlife habitat, recreation, lake health, and water quality.
And here’s a link to a DNR article with a lot of useful information about the benefits of installing a native buffer zone and other steps you can take to foster a natural shoreline: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/shoreline_alterations_lakescaping.pdf
If you’re interested in finding out more about options to improve your own shoreline, there are a number of convenient resources available to you.
The Stearns Conservation District (SCD) has a team of specialists that will visit your site and make recommendations about how you can reduce runoff and/or address erosion. They will draw up detailed plans that you can use to get bids from contractors. There is a cost-share program that can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs via state funds administered by the county. For more information on the SCD’s shoreline program, contact Greg Berg (greg.berg@mn.nacdnet.net).
The SRCLA also has a Land Use budget that may provide subsidies of up to 25% of eligible project costs. Contact Rick Reimer (rick.reimer64@gmail.com), our Land Use/Lake Steward Lead, if you’d like to learn more about our program, which can be used in conjunction with the county program.
And then there’s the exciting new Lake Steward program. The SRCLA is one of more than 50 lake associations that are participating state-wide. The first step is to take a short on-line “Are You a Lake Steward?” quiz to assess how your property impacts water quality. You’ll be connected with a trained SRCLA evaluator, and they’ll schedule a site visit to view your property and offer personalized tips to restore habitat, reduce erosion and manage runoff. If your property meets the criteria, you’ll proudly earn a Lake Steward sign—a visible symbol of your commitment to protecting our lakes for future generations. You can find out more about the Lake Steward program (including a link to the on-line quiz) at the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers website: https://mnlakesandrivers.org/lake-steward/
In the first few years since we’ve joined the program, nine properties around the Chain have been awarded Lake Steward signs. See if your neighbors are among them via this link: https://www.srcl.org/lake-stewards JOIN THE CLUB!