Shoreline Stewardship
The quality of the Spider Chain of Lakes is a reflection of how we, as property owners, take care of our land. Healthy, diverse shorelands provide some of the most effective protection for our lake. Our SCLA Education Committee is undertaking a multi-year project to educate our membership on the steps we can take to maintain or restore our properties to support a healthy lake. This focus supports a key objective in the recently approved Comprehensive Lake Management Plan.
We can each play a positive role in maintaining and improving our property’s watershed (the land area that drains to our lakes) to maintain the Spider Chain of Lakes’ water quality. In 2023, we will focus our efforts on three zones of our waterfront properties. Management activities in each of these zones affect lake health and we will be learning more about best practices for each zone.
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Graphic reprinted from Shoreline Stabilization Project Outreach Project. Credit: Karen Engelbretson, KJE Design, LLC |
SCLA will provide both digital and in-person learning opportunities including the following:
We are excited to take this learning journey with you! Learn more about Shoreline Stewardship on the Wisconsin Healthy Lakes website. |
Best Practices to Improve Habitat and Water Quality
Wisconsin Healthy Lakes & Rivers suggests five best practices to improve habitat and water quality on shoreland properties. To learn more about each best practice, click on this link.
- Fish Sticks
Create fish and wildlife habitat. Fish sticks are feeding, breeding, and nesting areas for all sorts of critters―from fish to songbirds. They can also prevent bank erosion, protecting lakeshore properties and your lake.
- 350 Ft2 Native Plantings
Native plantings include grasses and wildflowers with shrubs and trees. Choose a template based on your property and interests―from bird/butterfly habitat to a low-growing garden showcasing your lake or river view.
- Diversion
Diversion practices move water to areas where it can soak into the ground instead. Depending on your property, multiple diversions may be necessary.
- Rock Infiltration
Rock infiltration practices fit in nicely along roof drip lines and driveways and provide space for runoff to filter itself. They work best if your soil is sandy or loamy.
- Rain Garden
Rain gardens multi-task. They improve habitat and filter runoff while providing a naturally beautiful view.
