03/30/2005 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Protection Guidelines "What can 1 do to Improve water quality and shorelands ?" Use Best Management Practices: MNDNR has adopted management guidelines called Bestmanage- ment Practices (BMP's) that help maintain and improve shoreland environments. The following are basic principles that property owners can observe to help improve water quality and shorelands. Maintain Buffer Strips: These are areas of natural vegetation adjacent to the shores of water bodies and wetlands that help prevent contaminants from entering the water. The best buffer strip is a mature woodland with full ground - level, mid -story, and upper -story growth. The buffer's filtering effectiveness drops off as the amount of vegetation decreases. Full height native grasses along the shore are more ef- fective as filters than short mowed lawns. The width of the buffer strip also affects its filtering capability. Maintain or plant native vegetation over as much of the property as possible to provide the best filtration. Do not dump lawn clippings or other debris within the buffer strip area. Prevent Erosion and Sedimentation: Soil erosion and sediment contain nutrients that promote exces- sive algae and bacteria in lakes. Stabilize and correct erosion problems as they occur by using mulch, sod, and other methods to minimize soil exposure and loss. Limit Lawns and Gardens: Carefully evaluate the need for lawn area. Watering can waste valuable groundwater. Lawns are poor at filtering out contaminants in runoff water before it enters the lake. Lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides have a tendency to reach the water systems and degrade them. Plant gardens away from the water's edge, use only safe additives, and control erosion. Avoid Toxic Chemicals: Use biodegradable soaps and household products, and carefully handle gaso- line and motor oils, especially when on or near water. Properly dispose of used oil, paint products, and other toxins. Reduce Storm Water Runoff: Concentrations of storm water can cause flooding, erosion, and loss of valuable water, which otherwise would infiltrate and recharge groundwater systems. Building sizes and hard surfaces should be minimized to help reduce the amount of runoff. Construction of rain gardens (infiltration basins) can help reduce the amount of stormwater that enters the lake. A fact sheet provid- ing information about rain gardens is included as part of these Environmental Protection Guidelines. Promote Species and Habitat Diversity: Shoreland areas provide a unique ecological zone that is required for certain plant and animal species. Destroying this to replace it with lawn and structures robs the community of this diversity. Once this type of landscape is destroyed, it is difficult to replace. Maintain as much of the natural landscape as possible to promote a diverse, interesting, and healthy environment for plants, animals, and yourself! Recommended resource for additional information: Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality by Henderson, Dindorf and Rozumalski, available at MnDNR Bookstore (Ph: 651 - 297 -3000) BRUGGEMAN PROPERTIES B u i l d i n g C o m m u n i t i e s S i n c e 1 9 5 9 Page 3