For the purposes of this program the shoreland property includes both land and aquatic zones. The Shoreland Property has been divided into four (4) different zones: Upland, Buffer, Shoreline and Lake. Each Zone has a key role in the overall health of the lake ecosystem and needs to be wisely managed. Michigan lakes are at a great risk from loss of shoreland habitat due to irresponsible shoreland development. The Michigan Results of the National Lake Assessment indicated that 40% were rated as poor with respect to shoreland habitat. Help protect your lake with best management practices for future generations. Take our survey to see how your Shoreland rates and what you can do to improve it!
The Upland Zone is the part of the lakefront property that sets back from the lake which includes your house, driveway and garage. The size of this Zone will vary greatly depending on your property. Some will have small upland areas and others will have very large upland areas. The majority of storm water runoff is generated here and can create problems for your property and the lake. Stormwater should be captured and allowed to soak into the ground before it reaches the lake. Minimizing building sizes and other hard surfaces and keeping the natural vegetation is important for both stormwater control, reducing pollutants and keeping water cool. Having plenty of native Michigan trees, shrubs and flowers also provides wildlife habitat for the animals that use the edge of lakes for homes, feeding and raising their young.
The Buffer Zone is the area immediately next to the lake and is many times considered part of the Upland Zone. However, this part of the shoreland property is so important in protecting the lake ecosystem and stabilizing the shoreline zone that we have separated it from the Upland Zone. The Buffer Zone begins at the top of the lake bank (edge of the Shoreline Zone) and is the first 35 feet of the lake front property adjacent to the lake. Native plants in this area are important to protect the shoreline and keep it from eroding as well as provide critical habitat for wildlife. Having a lawn up to the shore leads to erosion because grass has shallow roots, whereas native plants have deep roots. Designed properly, you can still have lake access areas and plenty of space for activities!
The Shoreline Zone is a transition zone from water to land and does not have an exact line between the land and aquatic zones. This Zone provides a transfer of water and nutrients from land to water and provides a place for wildlife that move back and forth between the land and water. The Shoreline Zone begins at the top of the bank and extends to the land-water interface. The shape, size and amount of vegetation depend on many factors such as the soils, shape and type of lake. The toe (bottom) of the shoreline is the area that is most affected by wave action. An unstable, eroding toe may allow even well-vegetated upslope areas to slump and erode into the lake. The most common cause of erosion is the lack of native plants in the Buffer, Shoreline and Lake Zones. Seawalls were commonly seen as the only solution for erosion control however, they cause erosion on neighboring properties, scouring of the lake bottom and create barriers for wildlife such as turtles. There are healthier erosion control options. See the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership website. Note: Seawalls installed after December 30th 2018 significantly negatively affect a survey score such that a Shoreland Steward Certificate will not be awarded.
The nearshore area or "littoral zone" is the final piece to having a healthy shoreland. It is the shallow part of the lake where there is enough light reaching the bottom to allow aquatic plants to grow. The size of this area will vary depending on the lake. The size is determined mainly by the shape of the bottom of the lake (bathymetry). Some will have very large littoral zones with a lot of aquatic plants and some will have very small ones with few aquatic plants. A healthy littoral zone provides food, shelter, shade and areas to raise young for fish and wildlife. You can still have a swim area but we ask that you share it with the fish and wildlife that need a healthy littoral zone for survival!
Having a dock surrounded by a vegetated buffer is a great way to gain access to the lake and maintain a natural shoreline.
Having a dock surrounded by a vegetated buffer is a great way to gain access to the lake and maintain a natural shoreline.
Planting a buffer above rip rap helps keep excess nutrients and sediment out of you lake which helps to protect the health of your lake.
Letting trees grow in front of your house helps protect your property from erosion and helps you maintain some privacy.
A natural shoreline helps protect your lake from pollution from stormwater and protects against erosion.
