Summary
Planting a vegetated buffer between your house and the lake or stream is one very positive step you can take to protect water quality.
The steps you follow to get started are these
(1) Survey your property for storm water runoff, preferably following a rainstorm. The Rainy Day Survey included in this folder will help you to see some of the areas of erosion that exist on site. Take notes.
Tools: survey brochure, pencil, notepad.
(2) Develop a sketch plan of your lot; it is useful in organizing your work. It is helpful to make the drawing to scale. Include cultural features such as your house, outbuildings, driveway, boat launch, utility and recreation areas, swimming access points, and pathways. Also include landscape and topographic details such as areas of slope, existing vegetation, stone walls, ledge outcrops, and wet and dry areas. Make note of your lot's orientation (N-S-E-W) as well as where shadows are cast by buildings.
Tools: graph or drawing paper, pencil, tape measure, ruler, compass, and photographs of your property if you have them.
(3) List your objectives for the project. Examples might be: adding vegetation near the shoreline, stabilizing pathways, directing traffic to a single access point for swimming, catching runoff from roofs and driveways, and degree of maintenance for project. Make a realistic estimate of your time frame and budget for project completion. Select the approach best-suited to your objectives.
(4) Implement your plan! The work you do now will prevent erosion, reduce water quality problems, and enhance the value of your property.
Your efforts are an investment in the future...for you and the generations to follow!
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