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Shoreline Survey Completed on Lake Charlevoix Dan Mishler, John Hoffman, & Tom Darnton
How does your greenbelt rate? Do you have erosion, algae?
As you know, protecting the natural beauty and quality of Lake Charlevoix is the number one goal of the Lake Charlevoix Association. With that in mind, we regularly contract for a survey of our lake shore and work with landowners to lessen their impact on the lake. Lake shorelines are the critical interface between land and water where human activity has the greatest potential for degrading water quality. Maintaining a high quality greenbelt can help. We encourage everyone to learn how your shoreline rates and to work to improve your greenbelt as needed.
The Survey
In 2018, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and ZeroGravity Aerial Drones, funded by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and LCA, surveyed the shoreline on Lake Charlevoix. Each of the properties fronting Lake Charlevoix was carefully analyzed, and Cladophora algae, greenbelts, erosion, and alterations (e.g., seawalls, beach sanding) were documented. At this time, we are focusing on Cladophora and greenbelts. Cladophora, a green filamentous alga, is known to grow only where excess nutrients are present. The presence of Cladophora is therefore a strong indicator that nutrients may be entering the lake in that area. We plan to focus on areas with Cladophora presence as we begin our work in the summer of 2020, looking for leaking septic systems and other nutrient input. United States Geological Survey
Minnesota DNR
A greenbelt or buffer zone is the vegetated area along the shoreline, and our townships require up to 50 feet of native vegetation. A healthy greenbelt, consisting of a mix of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, provides many benefits to the lake ecosystem. Importantly, greenbelts improve shoreline stabilization and erosion control, provide habitat for shoreline-dependent species, filter runoff and contain sediments, pollutants and chemicals. With deep-rooted native plants, the greenbelt will also absorb and utilize nutrients, helping to prevent them from causing excessive plant growth in the lake. Please note that turf grass from door to shore does not function well as a “greenbelt”.
Your Rating
Results from the 2018 survey were tabulated and are available in comprehensive reports online. Please use the following directions to access your results. Greenbelts are rated 1 through 7, with 7 being the best. If you received a 5 or higher, great job, keep utilizing those native plants. If your greenbelt rating was on the lower end, we encourage you to consider adding native plants to help protect the lake. If you would like advice or help with improving your greenbelt, email us at info@lakecharlevoix.org. Native plants and a robust, filtering greenbelt can be a beautiful addition to the shoreline and will help protect the lake forever.
To Access the Confidential Results for Your Property: Find your randomized code on the LCA mailing label included with this newsletter. Go to the website https://www.freshwatercenter.org/lca.html. Enter your random code number as illustrated in the photo on this page.
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Sample Label:
4/21/20 11:15 AM
