Shoreland Landscape Design, Maintenance, and
Management to Protect Water Quality
A citizen survey, entitled “Public Perceptions of the
Impacts, Use, and Future of
This portion of SULIS will explore the relationships between water quality and landscape design, maintenance, and management; provide the information needed to create your own shoreland design; and provide links to additional resources. Discussions are divided into six sections:
1 Watershed
Education
Provides an overview of what watersheds are and how activities in them impact water
quality.
2
Vegetative Buffer Zones
Looks at what vegetative buffer zones are and their function in the
landscape.
3 Shoreland
Design
Addresses design issues specific to waterfront property. Includes site analysis and
creative problem solving.
4 Plant
Identification and Selection
Provides references to guides for the identification and selection of common aquatic
plants and upland native plants appropriate for use in buffer zones.
5 Shoreline Planting and Buffer Zone Installation
Outlines steps to prepare a site for planting, discusses erosion control techniques, and
gives tips on plant establishment.
6 Landscape Maintenance and Management
Discusses low-input lawn care practices including phosphorus-free fertilizers,
aquatic plant
management, and landscape maintenance in urban watersheds.
The term watershed is one we
hear a great deal about these days. Where do you go to find a watershed and how
will you know when you see it? The answer is simple: no matter where you are, you are in a
watershed. A watershed is the land area that drains storm - water and runoff
into a surface body of water such as a lake, river, or wetland. Visualize a
watershed as a funnel.
As you can see, everything that
goes into the top of the funnel
eventually comes out in a surface
body of water. No wonder
discussions about water quality
need to include questions about
activities that are going on in
the entire watershed !
Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus that are found in
fertilizers, leaves, and grass clippings, promote the growth of algae, reduce
water clarity, and diminish water quality.
How a particular watershed
functions depends, in part, on the type of location it is in - rural or urban.
In rural settings, without storm sewers, most water entering lakes and rivers
does so directly as runoff from the surrounding landscape or via streams. In
agricultural areas, there may be additional drainage from farm fields that have
drain tile systems. To learn some techniques to reduce runoff, see Section 2: Vegetative Buffer
Zones.
Urban watersheds work a little
differently. Storm water is drained from the landscape through
storm sewer systems as illustrated below.
Urban watersheds are
comprised of storm sewers
that transfer
stormwater from
impervious surfaces to lakes and rivers.
An impervious surface is any hard surface that doesn’t allow water to soak in, such as
streets and parking lots. The more impervious surfaces in a landscape, the more
runoff water finds its way to lakes and streams. Runoff
incorporates everything in the water’s path including fertilizer, pesticides,
eroded soil, and soapy water from washing cars.
Imagine a raindrop hitting your roof as it
begins its journey to a storm sewer. It runs down the roof, into a rain gutter, across your sidewalk or driveway, into the street, along the curb, and finally down the storm sewer and to the lake. Every curb is connected to a shoreline. To learn more about
protecting urban watersheds see Section 6: Landscape Maintenance and Management.
Resources For Additional Information On Watersheds
Hamline University’s
Center for Global Environmental Education has two Web sites
available for watershed education.
Ø http://cgee.hamline.edu/rivers/index.htm contains K-12 watershed education material with an extensive list of links.
Ø Waters to the Sea CD-ROM interactive program uses several exercises to teach watershed education. One example follows a raindrop’s journey from a rooftop to a surface body of water. The CD was produced in conjunction with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. View a demo of the CD or place an order at: www.cgee.hamline.edu/waters2thesea/index.htm
Ø Streets to Streams video produced in conjunction with the St. Paul Energy Consortium is also available from the above Web site.
Ø
Rivers: Ribbons of Life video
#VH-7542 looks at the importance of land management practices along rivers and
the significance of broader land-use decisions within watersheds. The video is
available from the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Ø
Living
In The Landscape video takes viewers on a tour
of
The Center For Watershed Protection
Ø
This Web site offers an on-line watershed quiz
and a library of articles on topics such as site planning and impervious
surfaces. http://www.cwp.org
Ø
Introduction to the Eight Tools of
Watershed Protection outlines
a watershed protection approach that applies eight tools to protect or restore
aquatic resources in a sub-watershed. It describes the nature and purpose of the
eight watershed protection tools, outlines some specific techniques for applying
the tools, and highlights some key choices a watershed manager should consider
when applying or adapting the tools within a given sub-watershed.
http://www.cwp.org/eight%20tools%20slideshow-web%20version/sld001.htm
Ø Order publications on reducing impervious surfaces and other topics, a video on non-point source pollution, or a CD-ROM at: http://bima.astro.umd.edu/nemo/
In the previous chapter, we learned what watersheds are and
how activities within a watershed can have an impact on water quality. But what about direct
impacts to lakes and streams from shoreland landscapes? Vegetative buffer zones can play a key role in limiting
negative water quality impacts from developed shoreland property.
A
vegetative buffer zone is an
undeveloped area directly adjacent to a body of water. Buffers can be comprised of existing
plants on the site and/or new plantings. Buffer zones include aquatic plants in
shallow water, moisture-loving plants along the shore, and upland plants in dry
soils. The optimal size and design
of buffer zones will be discussed in
Section 3: Shoreland Design. Appropriate plant selection will be
discussed in Section 4: Plant Identification and Selection.
The primary purposes of vegetative buffer zones are to:
Ø
Reduce runoff by
increasing stormwater infiltration into soil. Less
runoff means less nutrients and other pollutants
entering the water – excess nutrients are the primary cause of algal blooms and
increased aquatic plant growth.
Ø
Stabilize soils
with plant root systems.
Ø
Reduce shoreline
erosion due to wave action.
Ø
Purify water with
aquatic vegetation.
Ø
Improve wildlife
and fish habitat by providing food, shelter, and shade.
Carrol Henderson
Native plant buffer zones are invaluable for wildlife
habitat. A study done in northern
Some additional benefits of maintaining a more natural,
vegetated shoreline include:
spending less time doing yard work and
more time relaxing.
Carrol Henderson
Carrol
In addition, a
native plant buffer zone can create a more aesthetically pleasing shoreline for
you and your neighbors to enjoy.
Resources For Additional Information On Vegetative Buffer Zones
Ø
Lakescaping for
Wildlife and Water Quality is a “must
have” manual for shoreline restoration from the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources. Topics include: buffer zones, lake ecosystems, designing lakeshore
landscapes, site preparation, plant installation, and shoreline stabilization.
The book is available from
Ø
Sustainable Shoreland Ecosystems provides good basic
information on why natural vegetative shorelines protect water quality better
than disturbed shorelines. Available at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/shoreland/index.html
Ø
Restore Your
Shore CD-ROM is a companion to the
Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality book. It is a helpful guide for
native plant selection for specific areas of
Ø
The
Ø
Managing Aquatic Plants In
Ø
Shoreland Management
Program web site is a resource for people interested in learning about
the functions, design, and construction of a riparian vegetative buffer zone.
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/shoreland/
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Ø
What Is A Shoreland Buffer Zone?
Ø
Why Protect Shoreland Areas?
Both available from http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/wm/dsfm/shore/title.htm
Ø A resource center that provides vegetative buffer zone fact sheets and on-line articles concerning vegetative buffer zones, site design, and erosion and sediment control - all available at http://www.stormwatercenter.net/
Ø The Value of Vegetated Shoreline Buffer Zones provides a concise answer to the question “why plant a vegetative buffer zone?” See fact sheets/ buffers at: http://www.stormwatercenter.net
In the last
chapter we learned what vegetative buffer zones are and how they play a role in
protecting water quality.
So how can we utilize this knowledge in creating sustainable shoreland designs?
Landscape design and management that creates sustainable shoreland landscapes
is referred to
as lakescaping. Incorporation of a native plant vegetative buffer zone is a
key element in creating successful lakescaping
plans that are good for water quality and
wildlife as well as being beneficial to property owners. Effective buffer zones should be along at least 75% of a
property’s water frontage, extend 25 to 50 feet into the water, and continue 25
to 100 feet or more from the water’s edge onto the land. The wider the
buffer zone the better it will function.
A good place to start any design
project is with the SULIS design sequence at
http://www.sustland.umn.edu/design/index.html. This program will teach you
basic landscape design techniques to create a master plan that will insure that
both the human needs and the environmental concerns of the property are
addressed. A master plan allows work to be done over a period of time and still
achieve an integrated landscape. Click here to view a completed master plan that
includes a shoreline design.
http://www.sustland.umn.edu/design/index.html
The first step in creating any
landscape design plan is to do a site survey. A survey inventories the plants and structures currently on
the site. Draw a base plan indicating where these structures and plants are
located along with drainage areas, attractive and unsightly views, topography,
and accurate site measurements.
A site survey for shoreland
property should also include:
·
water depths along the shore and ice ridges
·
steepness of slope moving inland from the shore
·
soil moisture and type (sand, clay, gravel, muck) for each area
·
areas prone to erosion - both upland and along the shoreline
·
inventories of existing plants should indicate problem plants,
exotics, existing native plants, and dead trees (standing snags and downed logs
are valuable for wildlife)
·
areas where wildlife is observed
·
areas where runoff water flows into the water
·
existing use areas such as beaches, boat dock, picnic area
·
winter storage areas for boats and docks
·
access roads/driveways/paths
In Addition, note if water levels
tend to fluctuate, signify where the ordinary low and high water marks are,
which direction is north, and indicate what the shoreline’s exposure to wave
action is.
The second design step is the site analysis.
North
Purple Strong
Loosestrife
Waves
Log
Low Dock
Eroding
Wet Area
Beach
Slope
Birch
Maple Tree
Trees Path
to Beach
Shed
To Dock
+48”
+45”
+20” Ice Ridge
+8” Low Water
0” +6”
-4” -12”
-24”
Elevation From Water Surface
High Water
Using the information gathered
with the site survey, evaluate the site’s challenges and strengths such as
undercut shore needing stabilization. The resources at the end of this section
should be helpful to formulate solutions for erosion and other problems. Now
the design process can be started to incorporate those solutions into the
landscape plan.
Determine how much area is
actually needed for lake access and recreation and which areas can be left
undeveloped or earmarked for restoration. See the SULIS design section to help
lay out your plan.
Water quality protection
measures should be included in this initial design phase.
Ø
Keep impervious surfaces to a minimum. For example, instead of
using solid paving for walks and parking areas,
incorporate porous surfaces that let water infiltrate the soil such as wood
chips or pea gravel.
Ø
Include vegetated areas at the base of downspouts and adjacent to
paved surfaces to capture water and allow it to infiltrate the soil. This can
be as simple as including a grass swale or low area that holds storm water, allowing it to slowly soak
into the soil. For a more interesting and enjoyable design, add a rain garden in a natural or planned low
area. For more information on rain gardens and plant selection, see the Friends
of Bassett Creek website at: http://www.mninter.net/~stack/bassett/gardens.html 
Ø
Design curved paths and drives to prevent runoff water from being
directed to the lake. This will also create a more attractive design.
The initial design process is
also a good time to consider the types of wildlife you would like to encourage
and determine the type of habitat needed. For example, many birds are ground
nesting and require thick vegetation for protection. Woody debris provides habitat for insects and
amphibians that other species depend on. Logs in the water and along the
shoreline provide attractive perching sites for birds and turtles. Replacing a
natural shoreline with mowed grass creates habitat that is suitable for few
species except geese – lots of geese.
Including a vegetative
buffer zone in your design will discourage geese
while providing food and shelter for more desirable species. A well-designed vegetative buffer zone should not block views.
It is easy to maintain views between the shrub layer and the tree canopy with
careful plant selection and a little pruning. Vegetation can actually be a
means to frame desired views and restrict undesirable views.
Kathryn McFadden
Plantings in a buffer zone can be designed in many
landscape styles,
from more traditional gardens to
naturalized wet meadows.
A final critical component of good shoreland design is erosion control.
Wave breaks and shoreline bioengineering may be needed to protect shorelines
from erosion and allow young plants to become established. See Section 5: Shoreline Planting
and Buffer Zone Implementation for further
details.
Resources For Additional Information
On Shoreland
Design
Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources
Ø
Lakescaping for
Wildlife and Water Quality is a “must
have” manual for shoreline restoration from the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources. Topics include: designing lakeshore landscapes, buffer zones, lake
ecosystems, site preparation and plant installation and shoreline
stabilization. The book is available from Minnesota’s Bookstore
(1-800-657-3757) http://www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/category.asp?category=C&CatID=3,
the University of Minnesota bookstores, most private bookstores and on-line
from
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/information_center/books.html
Ø
Nuisance geese control http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/nuisance_animals/goose/goland.html
Ø
Ø
Shoreland Landscaping Series: A
Guide to Natural Landscaping and Revegetation For
Ø
Native Plants for Sustainable Landscapes: Establishment and
Management of Lakeshores and Gardens: Discusses site considerations for
designing a sustainable landscape. www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG7447.html
Friends of Bassett Creek Web site is an excellent source of
information for rain gardens including why, how-to, and plant selection. http://www.mninter.net/~stack/bassett/gardens.html
Prairie Crossing
Web site has instructions
on how to install rain gardens from an individual lot size to a community size
at: http://prairiecrossing.com/ecopond.htm
Ø
Reducing
Impervious Surfaces
includes planning and site design options at http://nemo.uconn.edu/edu/sustainable.htm
Ø
Clean
Waters includes water
friendly gardening and landscaping practices at http://nemo.uconn.edu/edu/sustainable.htm
Ø
Pictures of different installations of alternative pavements from
various manufacturers, including grass roofs at: http://nemo.uconn.edu/r2/photo_gallery_page.htm
Ø
Use of
vegetation to prevent runoff http://nemo.uconn.edu/r2/demosite_turfmanagement.htm
North
American Prairies Co.
This is a private Web site that provides a well-illustrated plant catalog with color photos of native plants.Their lakescaping kit includes a questionnaire to aid in doing a comprehensive site analysis including pH, soil type, shade, drainage, shore profile, and planting zones at:
http://www.northamericanprairies.com/index.html
Center For Urban Ecology and
Sustainability (CUES)
Ø Web site with four main sections: Implementing the Landscape Plan, Maintenance of the Sustainable Landscape, Sustainable Design Considerations, and Sustainability and Shoreland Landscaping – description and benefits of a sustainable landscape at: http://www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/gervais/gervais2.htm
Center For Watershed Protection
Ø
Better Site Design slide presentation is available to view and
purchase as a CD-ROM. This
presentation outlines 22 model principles for land development that focus on
streets, parking lots, lot design, and conservation of natural areas in new
developments.
http://www.cwp.org/better%20site%20slideshow-web%20version/sld001.htm
Ø
Site offers an on-line watershed quiz and a
library of technique articles on topics such as site planning and impervious
surfaces. http://www.cwp.org
Ø
The
Architecture of Urban Stream Buffers (article number 39) in the
Ø
Shoreland
Restoration: A Growing Solution #GWQ032 is a video showing step-by-step
methods to plan and implement a vegetative buffer zone. Available at: http://www1.uwex.edu/ces/pubs/order.cfm
The final step
in creating a landscape design plan is plant selection. Types of plants used in
buffer zones include trees, shrubs, wildflowers, sedges, grasses, and aquatics. For a list of
guides to plant identification and specific plant selection, see the references
at the end of this section. Plants enable
shoreland buffer zones to be effective at: soil stabilization via extensive
root systems, absorption of nutrients, filtration of pollutants, oxygen production, stabilization of sediments in the water, reduction of shoreline
erosion, and providing wildlife habitat.
When selecting plants for your
design, keep in mind that shoreland is a continuum. That is, there is
generally a gradual change in water depth, soil moisture and elevation as you
move inland from the water’s edge. Use the information gathered in the site
survey to get a feel for the continuum on your site. Then decide where plants
will be placed both in the water and upland. What is the water depth? Will
plants be exposed to waves? At what elevations will upland plants be installed?
How much moisture is in the soil at different elevations? Do water levels and
soil moisture fluctuate during the year? Knowing the answers to these questions
will aid in plant selection. Each soil moisture regiment is host to a separate
plant community as illustrated below.
An
excellent guide to plant communities and plant identification is Wetland
Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin published by the
One
key to a successful buffer zone planting is to use as many different species as
is practical. This will promote the most biodiversity of insects, birds and other
species visiting your buffer. Also, using a wide variety of species will insure
that sufficient numbers of plants will survive to prevent the need for costly
and time intensive replanting.
The first criteria in plant selection should always be suitability to the site. Choose plants that will thrive in a particular location’s soil moisture content and sun/shade regime. Plants not properly suited to a location will not fulfill their function and will always require additional maintenance. The second criteria for plant selection should be function. For most functions listed above, native plants will be the best choice. Generally, native plants develop extensive root systems, will be best suited to a location’s environment, will require less maintenance, and provide more wildlife benefits. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages using only native plants for vegetative buffers and restorations. For example, good native plant selections for shoreline protection from wave action include:
·
Water lilies
·
Bulrushes
·
Pickerelweed
·
Arrowhead
·
Water plantain
·
Sedges
·
Sweet flag
Carrol Henderson
For more information on plant selection by function, refer
to the plant list and Resources for Additional Information at the end of this
section. The
The third criteria for
plant selection is for plants that do no harm. That is, do not choose plants that have the
potential to become invasive and crowd out beneficial native plants. The
Three important invasive plant species
to watch for are:
DNR
Photo
Eurasian Watermilfoil Purple Loostrife Eurasian Watermilfoil
Eurasian Watermilfoil is a submerged aquatic plant. Purple
Loosestrife grows in wet soils and shallow water. Reed canary grass is found in
upland areas, lakeshores and wetlands. For extensive control methods of reed
canary grass see Native Vegetation in Restored and Created Wetlands
listed in reference section. All three species are aggressive and can crowd out
other species to form monocultures or areas of only one species. This type
of growth pattern reduces the abundance and diversity of native plants
necessary for fish and other wildlife habitat. For additional information on
the identification and control of invasive species, call your local DNR office,
visit these
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/pubsexotics.html, or check out the
“Lakescaping For Wildlife and Water Quality” book from
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
In
MN DNR List of Suitable
Plants for Specific Types of Locations
The species identified below are
distributed throughout the state of
Plants indicated by an * are additional plants recommended by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources in Native Vegetation In Restored And Created Wetlands. See reference section on how to purchase a copy of this publication.
Water’s Edge Subject to Erosion & Wave Action
Shrubs Grasses
& Sedges
Alnus spp alder Carex spp sedges
Cornus sericea dogwood Eleocharis spp spike rush
Salix discolor,
S. exigua willow Elymus
canadensis
Spiraea alba meadow-sweet Elymus virginicus wild rye
Leersia oryzoides rice cut grass
Forbs Scirpus
fluviatilis river
bulrush
*Acorus calamus sweet flag Scirpus validus softstem
bulrush
*Alisma plantago-aquatica water plantain Spartina pectinata prairie cord grass
Eupatorium maculatum joe-pye weed
Iris versicolor blue flag iris
Nuphar variegetum yellow pond lily
Nymphaea odorata white water lily
* Pontederia cordata pickerelweed
*Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead
Riprap
Not all rip-rap is conducive to planting; it depends on the size, density, and age of the rock. In some cases, rip-rap can be seeded effectively with a mixture of grasses and forbs (blooming plants). For cover within the first year, seed with early successional species such as black-eyed Susan.
Forbs Grasses, Sedges, & Rushes
Asclepias incarnata marsh milkweed Carex spp sedge
Eupatorium maculatum joe-pye weed Glyceria grandis, manna grass
Euthamia graminifolia grass-leaved goldenrod Juncus nodosus rushes
Physostegia virginiana obedient plant Koeleria macrantha June grass
Verbena hastada blue vervain Schizachyrium scoparium
little bluestem
Zizia aurea golden alexander Scirpus cyperinus woolgrass
Spartina pectinata pairie cord grass
Occasional Flooding and
Fluctuating Water Levels
Transitional & Shallow Water Zones
Trees
& Shrubs Grasses,
Sedges, & Rushes
Alnus spp alder Carex spp sedge
Cornus sericea dogwood Eleocharis spp spike rush
Salix exigua, S. discolor sandbar willow Elymus virginicus wild rye
*Salix nigra black willow Glyceria grandis, manna grass
*Juncus effusus soft rush
Forbs Leersia oryzoides rice cut grass
Alisma plantago-aquatica water plantain Scirpus cyperinus woolgrass
*Aster lucidulus swamp aster Scirpus fluviatilis river bulrush
Eupatorium maculatum joe-pye weed Scirpus validus softstem bulrush
Iris versicolor blue flag iris Spartina pectinata prairie cord grass
Physostegia virginiana obedient plant
Polygonum
spp smartweed
Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead
Verbena hastada blue vervain
Steep Slopes & Rapid
Stabilization
Trees
& Shrubs Grasses,
Sedges, & Rushes
Cornus spp. dogwood Koeleria
macrantha June
grass
Corylus
Forbs Temporary Annual Cover Crops
Aster laevis smooth aster *Chamaecrista fasciculata partridge pea
Campanula rotundifolia harebell Elymus
canadensis
Liatris aspera, L. ligulistylis blazing star
Monarda fistulosa wild bergamot
Sandy
Soil
Forbs Grasses, Sedges, & Rushes
Aster laevis smooth aster Eleocharis spp. spike rush
Campanula rotundifolia harebell Elymus
canadensis
Eupatorium perfoliatum boneset Elymus virginicus wild rye
Liatris aspera, L. ligulistylis blazing star Equisetum fluviatile horsetail
Mimulus ringens monkey flower Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem
Monarda fistulosa wild bergamot Scirpus acutus hardstem bulrush
Physostegia virginiana obedient plant Spartina pectinata prairie
cord grass
Solidago nemoralis old field goldenrod
Ridges Near
Shore Formed By Ice: Typically Higher and Drier Than Surrounding Area With Some
Seasonal Movement
Trees
& Shrubs Grasses,
Sedges, & Rushes
Alnus spp. alder Carex spp. sedge
Cornus spp. dogwood Elymus
canadensis
Rhus glabra sumac Elymus virginicus wild rye
Koeleria macrantha June grass
Forbs Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem
Eupatorium maculatum joe-pye weed Spartina pectinata pairie cord grass
Euthamia
graminifolia grass-leaved
goldenrod
Physostegia virginiana obedient plant
Verbena hastada blue vervain
Shade
Trees
& Shrubs Grasses,
Sedges, & Rushes
Alnus spp. alder Carex spp. sedge
Cornus spp. dogwood Elymus
hystrix bottlebrush grass
Elymus virginicus wild rye
Forbs
Anemone canadensis
Anemone virginiana thimbleweed
Agastache foeniculum giant hyssop
Aquilegia canadensis columbine
Aster laevis smooth aster
Solidago flexicaulis zig zag goldenrod
Resources For Additional Information
On Plant
Selection and Identification
Ø
Through The Looking Glass is a beautifully written and
extensively illustrated field guide to aquatic plants. In addition to plant
identification, there are discussions on plant communities, the relationships
between animals and aquatic plants, and the value of aquatic plants. Available
at:
http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/pubs/index.html
Ø
Wetland Plants
and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin provides a thorough discussion of plant communities and shows examples of
each type. It is illustrated with beautiful photographs and field
characteristics of plants to aid in their identification. Available at: http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/enviro_protection/
or call 651-290-5200. Can be viewed on-line at http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/1998/mnplant/mnplant.htm
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Ø
Restore Your Shore CD-ROM
is a companion to the Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality book.
It is a helpful guide for native plant selection for specific areas of
Ø
Lakescaping for Wildlife
and Water Quality is a “must have”
manual for shoreline restoration. A table of plants indicates the region of the
state that the plant is native to, the amount of soil moisture or water depth
it requires, its sun/shade tolerance, the height it will achieve, flower color
and bloom time, and wildlife that it will benefit. Another table lists nursery
sources for native plants. Finally, the book discusses the control of exotic
invasive plants and native plants that can be substituted for non-native species
in the landscape. The book is available from Minnesota’s Bookstore
(1-800-657-3757) http://www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/category.asp?category=C&CatID=3,
the University of Minnesota bookstores, most private bookstores and on-line at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/information_center/books.html
Ø
Benefits of growing
native plants site has information on
growing native plants, choosing plants, contacts, suppliers, references, and
exotic species at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/backyard/landscape/native_plants.html
Ø
A Guide to Aquatic Plants is an
abbreviated guide of the most common aquatic plants - suitable to take into the
field. It includes a pocket size field guide to aquatic exotic plants and
animals and a flowchart to help determine the appropriate control options for
unwanted plants. Available at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/information_center/publications.html
Ø Good publications to help determine native plant distribution within the state are Minnesota’s St. Croix River Valley and Anoka Sandplain: A Guide to Native Habitats and Minnesota’s Scientific and Natural Areas. Ordering information can be found at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/information_center/books.html
Ø Maps of native vegetation and rare features compiled by the Minnesota County Biological Survey can be ordered or printed from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/mcbs/mcbsmaps.html
Ø Going Native restoration booklet is available as a PDF file at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/pubssna.html
Ø The Harmful Exotic Species Program has several publications available at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/pubsexotics.html
Ø
Biomes of
Ø
Native
Vegetation in Restored and Created Wetlands is an extensive manual for
wetland restoration. Much of the material is also applicable for shoreline
restoration. Topics include: site analysis, making a planting plan, general
plant selection and selection for problem areas such as fluctuating water
levels, planting strategies, and follow-up management. Available at
Ø
Shoreland Landscaping Series: A
Guide to Natural Landscaping and Revegetation For
Ø
Native Plants
for Sustainable Landscapes: Establishment and Management of Lakeshores and Gardens includes an abbreviated native plant list
for buffer zones. This guide is available on-line at: www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG7447.html
Ø Managing Aquatic Plants in Minnesota Lakes is an excellent resource. Topics include “why lakes need aquatic plants”, functions of aquatic plants, identification and management of aquatic vegetation, and when permits are required and how to obtain them. Provides identification of invasive non-native plants. Explains how to determine if plants are problematic, provides control options and discusses proactive preventative approaches. Item number: FO-6955-WRC. $1.50 http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG6955.html
Ø
Find information on how to select
native plant sources plus many links to other native plant sites and the Minnesota
Plant Press at: http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/biology/mnps/
Ø
Center
For Urban Ecology and Sustainability (CUES)
Ø Why Use Native Plants essay http://www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/gervais/why_native.htm
Ø
A Citizen’s Guide for the Identification, Mapping
and Management of the Common Rooted Aquatic Plants of
Friends of Bassett Creek Web site is an excellent source of
information for rain gardens including plant selection and how-to instructions
at: http://www.mninter.net/~stack/bassett/gardens.html
North
American Prairies Co.
This is a private Web site with a plant catalog of color photos. Their “lakescaping kit” includes a site analysis questionnaire to aid with appropriate plant selection for pH, soil type, shade, drainage, shore profile, and planting zones at:
http://www.northamericanprairies.com/index.html
The
Northern
Web site with a detailed listing of many plant and animal families including aquatic and vascular plants. Includes: identification and growth characteristics, native range of species, and color photos. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/1999/vascplnt/vascplnt.htm
The
Botany department Web site of digital plant images available for use for educational purposes at http://www.wisc.edu/botit/links.html
The first step
in plan implementation is site preparation to remove undesirable or competing plants.
Existing sod can be removed in a number of ways: through herbicide application,
removal with a sod cutter, or by smothering sod with
black plastic or other materials. One advantage of using either herbicide or
smothering techniques, is being able to leave grass roots in place to prevent
erosion.
Only specific
types of herbicides can be used near the water’s edge. Check with your local
DNR office to determine if a permit for application is required, if application
personnel need to be licensed, and for assistance in selecting the correct
herbicide. Eradication of some non-native weeds such as smooth brome, Canada
thistle, leafy spurge, and quack grass may take several years. A combination of
burning and herbicides may be needed.
If planting is to be done with transplants rather than seeding, no
additional soil preparation, fertilizer, or soil supplements will be needed.
Plants should be selected to be compatible with existing soil conditions.
One convenient
planting technique on flat areas or shallow slopes, is
to cover the dead grass with a four-inch thick layer of mulch. Wood chips work
well for this. Indicate to the mulch supplier that the site requires a type of
mulch that will not wash away when it rains. Water the soil thoroughly before
planting to make the task easier. Use a hand spade or cordless drill with an
auger bit to make planting holes. Place holes 12” apart, pack
transplants firmly into the holes, and water immediately.
If the planting area is to be seeded, tilling may be
necessary. The nursery that provides your seed should be able to offer advice
on planting techniques. Tilling and seeding near the shoreline may be difficult
due to the need to prevent erosion until plants become established. A cover
crop may be needed during the first year to hold soil in place until permanent
plants can establish, see Section 4: Plant
Identification and Selection.
For more details on landscape installations and site preparation,
including removal of invasive exotics (such as reed canary grass), see Lakescaping For Wildlife and Water Quality from
the Minnesota DNR and the Shoreland
Landscaping Series: A Guide to Natural Landscaping and Revegetation
For Enhancing Lake Quality at
www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD7357.html
Native Vegetation in Restored and Created Wetlands, available from
Installations on
steep slopes or within reach of waves or flooding cannot be mulched and will
require the use of other erosion control materials.
The above
erosion control blankets are composed of straw or coconut fiber layered between
two jute mesh layers. Stake the blanket in place, cut holes through the layers,
then use a drill or hand spade to create planting holes in the soil. The blanket is biodegradable, so it can be
left in place. Erosion control materials can be purchased at many landscape
supply stores.
Views of the above shoreline
one year
and six weeks post-planting
In areas that
are subject to wave action, wave breaks may need to be temporarily installed to
prevent erosion of the shoreline and give new plants time to become
established.
Construction Plan
The above wave
break utilizes concrete highway dividers with plywood extenders on the top. For
more detailed information on wave breaks see www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD7357.html
Some sites may
require additional methods to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion. Bioengineering methods use
organic materials such as coconut fiber rolls and live vegetation, to hold soil
in place. The advantages of bioengineering over rock riprap are lower
installation cost, no need for heavy equipment access, less maintenance costs,
and creation of a natural looking shoreline. Bioengineering practices provide
habitat for wildlife such as amphibians, birds, and the insects they depend on.
If rock riprap is the best choice to stabilize a shoreline, inter-planting can
soften it and provide a better environment for wildlife.
Rock Riprap Stabilization Coconut Fiber Roll
& Erosion Control Blanket
In order to be
sure that your shoreline stabilization project is successful, professional help
may be advised for both design and implementation. Contact your local Soil and
Water Conservation District and/or the Department of Natural Resources for help
in determining which is the best stabilization method for your site and whether any permits are needed to install the stabilization
materials. Work below the ordinary high
water mark may require a permit.
On many sites, protective fencing needs to
be installed before planting.
A series of mesh fences can create enclosed
planting cells to prevent geese and ducks
from disturbing tender young
plants.
Silt fences should be used until
plantings are
established to prevent disturbed soils
from
being washed into the water.
Planting in, or
at, the water level requires some specialized techniques. Even with wave
protection in place, plantings at the water’s edge may need to be anchored in
the soil until well rooted. Four-inch U-shaped stakes work well. Stakes will
need to be located and removed after a few months. When planting in deeper
water, care must be taken to insure that plants are placed firmly in the
sediment and do not float. The best planting time is spring or early summer, so
plants have sufficient time to become anchored and develop strong root systems
before winter.
In general, best results are achieved by overlapping plant
selections from adjacent plant communities in each moisture regiment. The
plants will determine which area they are best suited for. This technique may
also prevent the need to replant if conditions, such as soil moisture or water
levels, change. In
Following are some examples of
vegetative buffer zones. A mature, attractive planted can be achieved in a
relatively short period of time.
Upland site three
months post-planting Same site one year post-planting
Water’s edge three months post-planting Wet meadow one year post-planting
Seeded upland two years
post-planting
Water’s edge four months post-planting
Resources For Additional Information On Shoreline Planting and Buffer
Zone Implementation
Ø
Shoreland Landscaping Series: A
Guide to Natural Landscaping and Revegetation For
Ø
Native Plants
for Sustainable Landscapes: Establishment and Management of Lakeshores and
Gardens includes sections on implementing a landscape
plan and maintaining the sustainable landscape available on-line at: www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG7447.html
Ø
Standing Firm Against Erosion: Best Management Practices for Shoreland
Stabilization video # VH-07130-GO demonstrates several techniques for
stabilizing shorelines. It takes the viewer through the steps needed to find
the best solution for shoreline stabilization, and also to find an experienced
contractor. Shows step-by-step process of constructing a rock riprap barrier.
Also explains the important role vegetation plays in any shoreline
stabilization. Available at www.extension.umn.edu/catalog/item.html?item=7130
Ø
The
Native Vegetation in Restored and Created Wetlands is an extensive manual for wetland
restoration. Much of the material is also applicable for shoreline restoration.
Topics include: planting strategies, site preparation, site analysis, making a
planting plan, general plant selection and selection for problem areas such as
fluctuating water levels, and follow-up management. Available at
Center For Urban Ecology and
Sustainability (CUES)
Ø Web site with four main sections: Implementing the Landscape Plan, Maintenance of the Sustainable Landscape, Sustainable Design Considerations, and Sustainability and Shoreland Landscaping – description and benefits of a sustainable landscape at: http://www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/gervais/gervais2.htm
Ø
Gervais Lake Shoreline Revegetation
Demonstration Site; view before, after, and during implementation photos. http://www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/gervais/gv_links.htm
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Ø
Lakescaping
for Wildlife and Water Quality is a manual for shoreline restoration
and landscape management from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Topics include: shoreline stabilization, plant maintenance, and good watershed
stewardship practices. The book is available from the Minnesota Bookstore
(1-800-657-3757) http://www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/category.asp?category=C&CatID=3,
the University of Minnesota bookstores, most private bookstores or directly
from the Minnesota DNR at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/information_center/books.html
Ø
Riprap Shore
and Streambank Protection information
sheet available from:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/publications/index.html
Ø Shoreland Restoration: A Growing Solution #GWQ032 is a video showing step-by-step methods to plan and implement a vegetative buffer zone. Available at: http://www1.uwex.edu/ces/pubs/order.cfm
The
Center For Watershed Protection
Ø Web site offers an on-line watershed quiz, CD-ROM presentations, and a library of technique articles on topics such as site planning and impervious surfaces. At http://www.cwp.org
Landscape maintenance takes
us back to the discussion on watersheds
in Section 1. When choosing landscape maintenance techniques, we
need to ask ourselves, how will my actions impact the watershed?
Urban 
property owners need to remember to keep leaves, grass
clippings, and fertilizer out of gutters where they will be washed into the
storm sewer system. All property owners, whether in rural, urban, or
lakeshore settings, can benefit by using low-input lawn care methods. In
particular, once grass is established, most soils do not require additional
phosphorus applications to maintain a healthy lawn. For complete
information on sustainable lawn care practices, see the SULIS
maintenance section at: http://www.sustland.umn.edu/design/index.html
Native plant buffer zones
require minimal maintenance. Fertilizer should not be used on native plantings
as it will give an advantage to unwanted weed species and alter the natural
growth habit of the natives. Plants that
were properly selected for a site should thrive without fertilization. Plants
will establish faster if watered during their first season of growth. After
establishment, watering should not be needed except in periods of extreme
drought. Mulch will help to retain soil moisture and prevent weed competition.
If necessary, some hand weeding can be done until the planting has filled in.
After establishment, plantings should be checked once a year for unwanted tree
seedlings and other woody species. Remove these species on a regular basis if
you do not wish to have an herbaceous planting convert to trees and shrubs. For
further information on site maintenance, see Native Vegetation in Restored
and Created Wetlands available at
If invasive exotics, such as
purple loosestrife or reed canary grass, were previously present, it will be
necessary to be on the lookout for their reappearance. They can be kept in
check by carefully sponging on an appropriate herbicide. Do not spray
herbicides after plant installation as drifting herbicide will harm all plants.
Also, herbicide use is limited near water. Check with your local DNR office or http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ for
appropriate use of herbicides.
Aquatic plant management is a
concern for many lakeshore property owners.
This is a complicated issue. Plants
play a vital role in the health of lakes. 
Aquatic plant roots maintain lake bottom
stability to prevent resuspension of sediments.
Plants cycle nutrients needed by other species and add oxygen to water.
Finally, plants provide food and shelter for fish, frogs, turtles and some
mammals.
Controlling some species of
plants may produce unintended consequences. The species removed
may have been playing an unrealized role in keeping an even more troublesome
species in check. A particular plant
species could be playing a crucial role in the food web; if removed, the
existence of a desirable species, that depends on the removed
species, could be put in jeopardy. Excessive aquatic plant growth may be
due to a lake’s trophic state, or the amount of nutrients in the water. If reduced water
quality is causing increased vegetation, watershed issues will need to be
addressed for long-term control.
Michigan State University Extension has produced a book entitled, A Citizen’s Guide For The Identification, Mapping,
and Management Of The Common Rooted Aquatic Plants Of
Department of Natural
Resources regulations apply to the control and removal of aquatic plants.
Lakeshore rules and regulations for
Resources For Additional
Information On
Landscape Maintenance and Management
Ø
Minnesota Shoreland Management Resource Guide
is an extensive Web site that provides
easy access to information about sustainable shoreland practices to improve the
management of
Ø
Protecting Our Waters: Shoreland Best
Management Practices is a series of guidelines for shoreland property
management http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD6946.html
Ø Managing Aquatic Plants In Minnesota Lakes is an excellent resource that discusses why lakes need aquatic plants, the function of aquatic plants, identifies invasive exotic plants, and explains how to determine if they are problematic. Provides control options, discusses proactive, preventative approaches, and provides some info on permits. Available online, item number FO-6955-WRC at http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG6955.html
Ø Turfgrass Management Series publications provide in-depth information on turf management practices to protect water quality. Discusses minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides and using fertilizers and pesticides responsibly. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG5726.html
Ø Lawn Care Practices to Protect Water Quality Set of 15 laminated boards and instruction map discussing: watershed and water quality, practices to improve water quality, benefits and characteristics of healthy lawns, and landscape design impact on water quality. Requires a 4-panel display unit. For use by county educators, Master Gardeners, community organizations, and faculty. http://www.extension.umn.edu/abstracts/nonweb/abstract.html?item=07642
Ø Low Input Lawn Care FO-07552-GO Guidelines and credible options of cultural practices to reduce the use of lawn care products, water, time and labor involved in maintaining a healthy lawn. For the general public and those responsible for lawn care. http://www.extension.umn.edu/units/dc/abstract.html?item=07552
Ø Sustainability in Urban Ecosystems VH-06639-GO provides ecologically sensitive methods for managing home landscapes. Explains how tree and turf care, home composting, biodiversity, and Integrated Pest Management relate to the urban backyard. For home owners, Master Gardeners, landscape professionals, and extension educators. http://www.extension.umn.edu/units/dc/abstract.html?item=06639
Ø Keeping Our Shores video #VH-6947-GO shoreland best management practices, available at http://www.extension.umn.edu/units/dc/abstract.html?item=06947
Ø Standing Firm Against Erosion video #VH-7130, best management practices to prevent shoreline erosion, available at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/units/dc/abstract.html?item=07130
Ø Rivers: Ribbons of Life video #VH-7542 looks at the importance of land management practices along rivers and the significance of broader land-use decisions within watersheds, available at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/units/dc/abstract.html?item=07542
Ø
Native Plants for Sustainable Landscapes: Establishment and
Management of Lakeshores and Gardens includes sections on implementing a landscape plan and
maintaining the sustainable landscape, available on-line at: www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG7447.html
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Ø
Lakescaping for
Wildlife and Water Quality is a manual
for shoreline restoration and landscape management from the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources. Topics include: plant maintenance, shoreline
stabilization, and good watershed stewardship practices. The book is available
from Minnesota’s Bookstore (1-800-657-3757) http://www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/category.asp?category=C&CatID=3,
the University of Minnesota bookstores, most private bookstores or directly
from the Minnesota DNR at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/information_center/books.html
Ø
Restore Your Shore CD-ROM
is a companion to the Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality book.
It is a helpful guide for native plant selection for specific areas of
Ø
Aquatic
plant Management Program has many publications available at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/pubsapm.html
Ø
Native
Vegetation in Restored and Created Wetlands is an extensive manual for
wetland restoration. Much of the material is also applicable for shoreline
restoration. Topics include: follow-up management, site analysis, making a
planting plan, general plant selection and selection for problem areas such as
fluctuating water levels, and planting strategies. Available at: http://www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/category.asp?category=C&CatID=3
Ø Workbook on Sustainable Lakes Model, has a description of the process for lake management planning with instructions on conducting lakeshore property owners’ survey, color watershed maps, pilot lake management plans, and articles on land-use impacts to water quality. Available at http://www.mnlakesassn.org/
Ø A Citizen’s Guide for the Identification, Mapping and Management of the Common Rooted Aquatic Plants of Michigan Lakes, this guide includes a key to aquatic plant identification, a discussion of aquatic plant communities, and a model to develop an aquatic plant management plan. Ordering information is available at: http://www.msue.msu.edu/waterqual/wq-mats.html
Ø Life On The Edge is a lake stewardship guide for waterfront property owners http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/pubs/index.html or call (218) 726-6191
Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources
Ø
Center For Urban Ecology and
Sustainability (CUES)
Ø Web site with four main sections: Maintenance of the Sustainable Landscape, Implementing the Landscape Plan, Sustainable Design Considerations, and Sustainability and Shoreland Landscaping – description and benefits of a sustainable landscape at: http://www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/gervais/gervais2.htm
This is an excellent site to use as a lake ecology, aquatic plant, and watershed primer. Learn how to interpret lake data and access real time data on study lakes.
Water Quality Program is a resource to answer all types of water quality questions at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/water/
Water On The Web
An educational site geared to high school and older students and adults interested in understanding lake data and lake ecology. Covers physical (watershed), chemical (nutrients), and biological (eutrophication) parameters of lakes. The site is easy to navigate and contains a useful glossary of terms. http://wow.nrri.umn.edu/wow/
Minnesota Water Line is a service of the