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Picture an idyllic lake setting. The sun glimmering on
clear, clean water. Children wading along the shore. A fisherman
casting for elusive bass. Chances are this view also includes
lushly vegetated shorelines blending into the surrounding
landscape.
The interrelationship between a lake and its shoreline
is important. The shoreline zone is the last line of defense
against forces that may otherwise destroy a healthy lake.
A naturally-vegetated shoreline filters runoff generated
by surrounding land uses, removing harmful chemicals and
nutrients. At the same time, shoreline vegetation protects
lake edges from the onslaught of waves and ice generated
by our harsh Midwestern climate. The shoreline zone also
provides critical habitat for aquatic insects, microorganisms,
fish, and other animals, thereby helping to maintain a balance
in sensitive aquatic ecosystems.
Unfortunately, as lake landscapes are developed, natural
shorelines often are damaged or destroyed. Beneficial natural
vegetation is cut, mowed, or replaced. In urban and rural
environments alike, this often leads to eroded shorelines,
degraded water quality and aquatic habitat, impaired aesthetics,
and a reduction in property values.
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