RAIN GARDENS
The GLSD has a wonderful cost share program for not only shoreline restoration, but also rain gardens. A newer conservation practice, rain gardens are becoming popular around Green Lake as many landowners look to limit stormwater runoff on their properties. The GLSD is excited to have been involved with two projects in the Green Lake Terrace area last fall. While these two projects will not solve the runoff issues in the Terrace on their own, we know that as more landowners complete projects like this, we will see less runoff reaching Green Lake carrying things like pet waste and lawn chemicals. We hope to have additional photos and project information in our fall newsletter.
CONSTRUCTION SITE EROSION CONTROL
You may note that much of the watershed protection information we’re highlighting in this newsletter is agriculture based. However, it is critical that we consider the impacts our own property management can have on the lake. One of the biggest impacts we are seeing right now on our shoreline properties is construction. Whether it is new home/addition construction or the addition of a boathouse, these projects can have a cumulative impact on the water quality of the lake.
As part of construction, bare and stockpiled soil is placed in close proximity to the water we are working hard to keep clean and healthy. Many of us assume the necessary steps are being taken by our contractors to protect the lake, but ultimately, this responsibility belongs to the landowner. Please don’t hesitate to question your contractor to see if they are utilizing all possible steps to help protect the lake we all care so deeply for. The photos shown are of poor construction site erosion efforts at one location near Green Lake in 2020. The silt fence was not adequately installed and no additional straw bales, cover crop seeding, etc. measures were utilized to protect the lake. The result was the sediment plume you see in the channel. The city and DNR were immediately notified of the issue. We can and must do better.