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Healthy Shorelines <br /> ZnM60111:11111!) <br /> What is a Healthy Shoreline? <br /> A healthy shoreline supports a diverse community of fish and wildlife by411 <br /> providing native vegetation that fulfills their habitat needs where land and j,;'�' ; `7�'=•� <br /> water meet.Native vegetation provides important water quality functions S�+rctu�e setback <br /> by slowing and filtering water runoff as it moves to the lake or stream:'- <br /> :. sJ.t <br /> Shorelines with a diverse mixture of native plants extending inland as • `+ , r• <br /> well as offshore of the bank are more resilient to wave and <br /> ice erosion. Our lakes, streams and wetlands need healthy _y! ___ {"';,^ , <br /> shorelines to reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and provide = : ; x • . ''shore <br /> • <br /> important habitat functions that benefit fish and wildlife. ,,� "� , f impact <br /> • r • zone <br /> Vegetation Management in Shoreland Areas <br /> The protection of natural vegetation in shoreland areas, especially along lakes and streambanks, is critical to <br /> maintaining water quality and wildlife habitat. Good shoreland management requires the protection of natural <br /> vegetation in shore impact zones, steep slopes and bluff areas. <br /> Shoreland vegetation (native trees, shrubs, forbs, grasses) provides numerous ecological benefits including: <br /> • Minimizes the erosive impact of raindrops <br /> • Holds soils and limits soil erosion from surface runoff,which is important since high velocity or concentrated <br /> runoff volumes can readily erode soils <br /> • Removes nutrients in runoff which would degrade water quality <br /> • Binds and strengthens the soil column with deep, dense roots which prevent and reduce the likelihood of <br /> bank or slope failure <br /> • Provides diverse fish and wildlife habitat <br /> • Provides privacy and helps screen shoreland development <br /> • Provides natural and aesthetic views <br /> • Reduces erosion by protecting the banks against wave energy <br /> What is a Shore Impact Zone? <br /> The shore impact zone is land located between the waterbody and one-half of the structure setback. <br /> This concept was created in the 1989 shoreland standards to maintain existing buffers, limit the number of buildings <br /> placed in close proximity to the water, reduce soil erosion caused by construction or vegetation removal, and <br /> preserve aesthetic values. It serves to buffer the water from more intensive land uses. <br /> A proliferation of accessory structures (boathouses, fish houses, sheds, etc.) clutters shores and displaces natural <br /> vegetation. Moreover, construction near the shoreline brings grading and filling activities and increases erosion. <br /> In order to protect shoreland soils,vegetation and aesthetics,the Shore Impact Zone was designated to protect <br /> important amenities of the lake while still allowing for access to the waterbody. <br /> Healthy Shorelines, February 2012 Page 1 of 2 <br />