dissolved oxygen and create vital habitat for beneficial fish and organisms. Typically, the littoral zone reflects the health of the entire aquatic ecosystem. When managing the littoral zone, aquatic experts focus on several priorities. Cultivating a healthy littoral ecosystem means nurturing beneficial species while managing undesirable weeds and algae. z Regular water quality testing can identify imbalances in the ecosystem and help inform management practices that support healthy littoral areas. z Nutrient remediation products can help remove the excess phosphorus and pollutants to improve water quality and reduce cloudiness and odors.
Beyond the Water: Effectively Managing Lake and Pond Shorelines Imagine taking an evening walk as the sun sets across the beautiful lake or pond in your community. The sky is pink and orange, crickets are chirping, and a warm breeze blows across the water. Now, imagine looking down at the steep shoreline in front of you, finding that it’s bare, crumbling, and so unstable that you’re weary to venture to the edge. Not only is this an unsightly and even dangerous distraction, it can make residents question the management priorities of their association and deter new homeowners from settling down in the community. Even the most well cared for lakes and ponds are incomplete without regular shoreline maintenance. Preventative management is necessary to support the health and longevity of the overall ecosystem, and management efforts can vary for each part of the shoreline. However, before jumping into implementing proactive and ongoing strategies, existing erosion issues must be addressed. The most effective solution for severe erosion is installing a bioengineered living shoreline. This is a specialized soil containment system composed of a knitted mesh material that reshapes and anchors the shore in place. This solution has two-fold benefits;
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in addition to enhancing the aesthetics of any property, professionals can also restore pond volume by repurposing bottom muck during the installation process.
The most effective solution for severe erosion is installing a bioengineered living shoreline. Once erosion is corrected, community managers can turn their attention to proactive management strategies that support multiple areas: the littoral zone, the buffer zone, and the landscaped zones that surround it. They all have a significant impact on the overall health of a lake or pond, but each is unique and benefits from tailored management approaches.
Littoral Zone The littoral zone is the sloped “shelf ” that connects water to land. Sunlight penetrates through the entire water column in this shallow area. When healthy, the littoral zone can resemble a miniature wetland consisting of native plants that increase
z Beneficial microorganisms and bacteria can be introduced to help maintain ecological balance and sustain aquatic life—like probiotics for your pond. z Sometimes, the littoral zone can become stagnant and oxygen deprived under the hot sun. A floating fountain can help circulate and oxygenate this shallow area while creating beauty and movement on the surface.
Vegetative Buffer Zone The buffer zone refers to the area directly on the shoreline above the littoral shelf, extending several feet in elevation. A healthy buffer zone contains native grasses and flowering plants with complex root systems that hold soil in place. These beneficial buffer plants not only prevent erosion, they help filter out the debris and pollutants contained in stormwater runoff. Professionals utilize many strategies to help enhance the buffer zone and maintain a healthy living shoreline. z An ideal buffer should extend 3-5 ft. from the shoreline and grow at least 18 in. tall. Limit mowing in this area to prevent stunted growth and shoreline instability. z Vegetative buffers are susceptible to the growth of invasive weeds. EPA-registered herbicides are sometimes necessary to target this growth. Professional drones have made monitoring and applications safer and more efficient. z Establish designated paths and docks for residents to enjoy the water without trampling the buffer zone.
