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Water Quality Strategies for Riparian Landowners • Owners of property that abut wetlands,ponds, or lakes in Arden Hills often inquire about what can be done to improve water quality. A natural shoreline is one factor that can have a positive effect on water quality. A natural shoreline is a complex ecosystem that sustains fish and wildlife and protects the entire lake. Native vegetation along the shore acts as a buffer zone, intercepting nutrients and reducing runoff, erosion, and sedimentation. Aquatic plants provide food and shelter for ducks, songbirds, and other animals while reducing problems caused by Canada geese and burrowing muskrats. Plants growing in and near the water are critical for wildlife and fish habitat and minimize erosion and help maintain water quality. A buffer zone is a strip of native vegetation that extends both lakeward and landward form the water's edge. A buffer zone that extends 20-50 feet form the shore is preferable,but even 10-15 feet provides benefits. Creating and maintaining natural buffer zones along that shore does not mean your property has to look unkempt. Buffers and upland islands of trees, shrubs, and flowers can bring natural beauty to your yard. Tall native plants have deep root systems that will slow erosion, decrease ice damage, increase rain infiltration, and act as a barrier to discourage Canada geese from • walking on your shoreline property. Your shoreline is part of a larger community and ecosystem. Individual choices by many have cumulative impacts on a lake and its ecosystem. Your actions can restore or degrade the quality of the ecosystem. Restoring your lakeshore to a more natural condition is important, even if your neighbors are not restoring theirs,because it can improve water quality, including fish and wildlife habitat. Submergent and emergent plants provide underwater cover for fish, amphibians,birds, insects, and other organisms. These plants break wave action and help to stabilize bottom sediments that are often loaded with nutrients. Bottom sediments that are re-suspended by current and wave action can contribute to algae blooms in ponds and lakes. Plants growing on upland slopes and lake banks help keep the water clean by holding sediments in place against the eroding forces of water runoff and by absorbing excess nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen that can degrade water quality. Maintain a healthy pond or lake is far less costly than trying to fix a degraded one. If you are fortunate enough to have a natural shoreline, maintain or enhance it as a buffer zone and minimize erosion on the areas used for access or recreation. If your property lacks natural areas, plant native vegetation or let areas grow naturally. You will have a positive effect on water quality and be surprised at the aesthetic appeal as well as the time and energy you save. Useful information about shoreline restoration can be found on the following DNR website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/restoreyourshore/index.html, in a book titled Landscaping for Wildlife and Water Quality, and a CD-ROM titled Restore Your Shore that can both be purchased through Minnesota's Bookstore at www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/bookstore.asp.