Establishing a Buffer Zone
Creating a buffer zone both along the shoreline and in the upland area can solve many lakeshore problems such as soil erosion, sedimentation, and excessive lake phosphorus levels. Choosing to create a sustainable lakefront is simple and biologically sound. Once a buffer zone is established lawn maintenance will be greatly reduced as mowing will no longer be necessary near the shoreline.

The process is simple: First, identify native vegetation species prevalent in your area. If no native species are prevalent or if you are unsure contact the Minnesota DNR or other human resources (available in the resources page). A shoreline buffer zone should contain native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, sedges, emergent and submergent aquatic plants. It is important to establish a diverse buffer zone of plants as they are all critical to the protection of the lake. There is no good way to control which species proliferates more; the plants should naturally proliferate and diminish as necessary.

A buffer zone is an area that extends from 25 to 100 or more feet from the water�s edge. The deeper the buffer zone the more protective. Narrow zones may be eliminated due to wave action. Your buffer zone needs to be comprised of two components: aquatic plants and upland plants above the water line. Wildflowers and sedges placed at the water�s edge and dry soil flowers, grasses, and shrubs in upland areas.

The goal of a buffer zone is to reduce the amount of soil erosion which can pollute a lake greatly. The roots of the native plants will stabilize soil and take up water from lower soil layers. A canopy of trees and shrubs intercepts rain and reduces the erosive force. Once rainwater advances to the ground level, the structure of grasses and wildflowers slows the flow and soaks the rainwater into the ground. The entire buffer zone will trap fertilizers, chemicals, and potential pollutants before they are able to entire the surface water of a lake.

Do not forget, buffer zones are beautiful! A buffer zone can restore a lakeshore�s natural beauty and aroma. The diverse plants will present a feast for all the senses, whereas a Bluegrass lawn cut short right up to the edge of a lake cannot.