Opening Camp
A springtime ritual for many families is opening up their lakeside camp or cottage for the summer.
In order to help protect the natural resources that "camp" represents, it is important to ensure that this yearly procedure is conducted in a manner that minimizes harm to these resources. The following are tips you can use to make the opening of your camp safer for the environment:
- When using cleaning agents, use natural products like baking soda and lemon juice when cleaning. Make your own "green" cleaning products (off-site)and save money while protecting your health and natural resources.
- When using paints and stains, consider using earth tone colors so that buildings and other structures will blend better with the natural shoreline.
- Paint or stain docks away from the lake and allow at least 14 days of drying time before putting them in the water. Make sure to clean brushes, etc. away from the water to prevent materials from washing into the lake.
- DO NOT rake up the duff layer of leaves and pine needles that build up under the trees. These leaves act like a sponge and filter, and help prevent pollutants from getting into the lake. As a cottage owner it is one of the best things you can do to protect lake water quality.
- Check the shoreline and other areas of the property for soil erosion. Stabilize these areas with vegetation or rock riprap. If more than minor maintenance and repair is required, or if structural measures are necessary, contact your local code enforcement officer and the DEP to determine if permits will be needed before doing the work.
- Check your septic system's leachfield for any breakouts and consider having the tank pumped if it has not been pumped in the last 3 years. A properly functioning septic system prevents harmful pollutants from getting into the lake.
- When preparing your boat for another season, make sure to dispose of drained lubricating oils at a recycling facility or bring the oil to your local dealer for disposal. Wash the boat away from the water or at a commercial car wash. Check to make sure that the boat, trailer and other equipment are free of any hitchhiking plants. And tune-up that motor.
