Natural Shorelines
Shoreline habitat consists of many natural elements
woven into the lake ecosystem to form a web of life. Native vegetation, bottom
materials, and natural debris play esential roles in the life cycles of a lake's
fish and wildlife. Shoreline alterations that damage or destroy these habitat
components sever essential strands in the web. As a result, the lake ecosystem
is weakened, wildlife moves elsewhere, and fish numbers decline.
Buffer Strip Lakeshore vegetation provides habitat for
many wildlife species. Waterfowl nest in shoreline grasses, while songbirds
build their nests in trees and shrubs. Natural shorelines are wildlife
highways, or travel corridors, for animals such as mink. By leaving a buffer strip of natural vegetation along the shoreline,
property owners can reduce erosion, help maintain water quality, and provide
habitat and travel corridors for wildlife. On a gentle slope, at least a 30 foot strip of natural vegetation between
the water and your lawn will accomodate the needs of wildlife. On steeper
grades, leaving even more natural vegetation in place will stabilize soils and
reduce the need for retaining walls or other erosion prevention. Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers in the buffer strip, because harmful
chemicals can leach into the lake. | Woody debris Because most Minnesota lakes are
surrounded by trees and shrubs, storms and wind often blow dead or dying
branches, limbs, and trees into the water. This woody debris is important to
lake ecosystems. Beneath the water's surface, woody debris is habitat for tiny
aquatic organisms that feed bluegills and other fish. Water insects such as
mayflies graze on algae that grows on decomposing wood. Dragonfly nymphs hunt
for prey among the stems and branches. Largemouth bass find food and shelter
among fallen trees. Above water, a fallen tree is like a dock for wildlife. Ducks and turtles
loaf and sun themselves on the trunk. Muskrats use the the tree as a feeding
platform. Predators such as mink and otter hunt for prey in the vicinity of the
tree. Dead trees that remain along the shoreline are used by ospreys, belted
kingfishers, herons, and songbirds. Many lakeshore owners consider this woody debris unsightly and remove it.
This takes away hiding and feeding areas for many fish and wildlife species.
Unless the fallen tree is a hazard for navigation, consider leaving it in the
water to improve fish and wildlife habitat. |