Why Natural Shorelines? Michigan's inland lakes need them!

The loss of natural shorelines is the biggest threat to the overall health of Michigan Lakes.
 The National Lake Assessment  (NLA) results indicate that inland lakes across the nation need better care. Overall, the water quality in Michigan's inland lakes is really good.  However, the Michigan results of the National Lake Assessment indicate that, lakeshore habitat and physical lakeshore complexity are major stressors for Michigan lakes with over 50% having poor lake habitat complexity.  This means our lakes are losing too much natural vegetation both on the land and in the water. ​

​50% of inland lakes have POOR nearshore habitat!
Graphic:  2012 National Lakes Assessment - Michigan Results MDEQ
A shoreline without development.
Native plants along lake shores are in the right place from nature's perspective.  If you look at a lake that has little to no development the shoreline will typically have three (3) tiers of vegetation:  

1) Trees (canopy)
2) Shrubs 
3) Plants (in the lake and on the land)
Keep the Plants! They aren't "just weeds"!
Did you know many of the things that you love about lake front living depend on natural vegetation?   A healthy (natural) shoreline has a variety of trees, shrubs and plants.  These plants are doing "work" by supporting a large variety of fish and wildlife.  In many situations when humans come along many plants instantly become "weeds" especially the plants in the near shore area in the lake (littoral zone).  When lakeshore lots are developed native trees, shrubs and plants are typically replaced by lawns and the plants are also removed from in the lake.   Once the vegetation is gone the fish and wildlife are gone too!   They can't just "go someplace else". Each bird, frog, butterfly, fish, turtle etc have different requirements for what they need for food, for nesting, raising young and staying safe. 
Missing frog songs?
When aquatic plants are removed that takes away frog homes!
Just ask Larry
What fish and wildlife are at risk?
Inland lakes support a high number of different kinds of fish and wildlife both on the land and in the water.  The near-shore (littoral zone) areas of inland lakes are some of the most diverse areas.  When too many of these plants are removed from the water Michigan stands to lose a lot.  
Is it a Goose or Lawn Problem?
If you have ever complained about Canada geese on your lakefront property you just might have a lawn problem not a goose problem.  The reason?  Canada geese are grazers and that means lawns are perfect for them because lawns offer an all you can eat buffet!  When you turn your healthy lakefront property into an expansive lawn you are putting out an invitation for Canada geese to come to your property.  Big lawns are even better because there are no places for predators to hide which means these areas are safer for geese to raise their young.  Maintaining natural vegetation at the lakeshore helps to discourage geese and other waterfowl from your property. They might still go through the taller vegetation to find some lawn but they will typically choose the property that has easy access to lawn. 
Photo: Julia Kirkwood
Restore Your Shore
Every lakefront lot that has a lawn has the potential to have some native vegetation added back.  This is going to look different for every property.  Big or small - every property can have some native vegetation restored.  There are many ways to be creative!  Identify your priorities and create a plan.   
Still not decided if you have goose or lawn problem?
See what Sebastian says!
 Keeping it natural helps the lake in many other ways by:

1)  Slowing and filtering runoff as it moves towards the lake
     to help keep it clean.
2)  Allowing more water to be absorbed into the ground
     than runoff.   
3)  Protecting the lake edge from wave and ice erosion
     when there is a good mixture of native plants both on
​     the land and in the water.
​Showing Runoff from impervious surfaces.​
                             Graphic: Amelia Hansen
As lakefront lots are developed natural vegetation is also replaced by impervious (hard) surfaces such as driveways, rooftops and parking areas. These types of surfaces do not allow water to soak into the ground thus creating more stormwater runoff.  The water that used to soak into the ground and very slowly make it's way to the lake underground is now quickly getting to the lake.   People sometimes make it even easier for stormwater to get to lakes by directly piping storm sewer drainage to their lake.  This stormwater runoff has the potential to carry pollutants to lakes.  Ever wonder what would happen to your lake if someone spilled gasoline or oil next to your storm drain?  What happens to all that road/driveway salt or extra fertilizer you are using?  Keeping impervious surfaces to a minimum such as not over building on your lot and using rain gardens instead of storm sewers helps to allow water to soak into the ground instead of running off into the lake. 

Share the Shore
Graphics by Kristen Faasse for MNSP

Welcome Geese!

This property offers very little habitat, is unprotected from erosion and attracts geese. 

Sharing the Shore

This property is sharing the shore and yet still has some lawn. 

Sharing the Shore More!

This property is sharing the shore more and still offers relaxing and playing options. 
Ask yourself "Do I really need all that lawn?"  
You can create an aesthetically appealing lakefront landscape without great expanses of lawn and still provide lake access, relaxing and entertaining areas for your enjoyment. ​
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