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Minnesota’s thin green line: Shoreland buffers

What we do with shorelines affects Minnesota’s waters. Native plant buffers are a thin, green line protecting our rivers, lakes and wetlands from harmful pollutants and sediments. Many species rely on these natural habitats for food, shelter and travel.

Buffering the shore with native plants helps stabilize shorelands and control erosion by slowing runoff. Areas with native plantings have less water runoff than areas with single, nonnative species such as bluegrass. Lawn grasses have roots of four to six inches, while native grasses have roots from two to six feet, or more.

Native grasses, bushes, and trees trap sediments and pollutants that destroy fish spawning areas. This vegetation also absorbs nutrients that can cause excessive aquatic vegetation growth and algae blooms – that green scum on the water.

Mature trees are especially good for the shore. The extensive root networks from mature trees stabilize the slope. The shade from these giants also provides a cooling effect in the shallow near-shore waters, where 90 percent of a lake’s fish and wildlife species live or travel.

Trees that have fallen into the water provide additional shelter and resting areas. Herons, turtles and largemouth bass love these over- and in-water structures. Fallen trees and branches also dampen wave impacts, preventing erosion.

The thin, green line of woods, meadows, and marshes enhances the quality of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. A natural shore provides shelter for fish, waterfowl, songbirds, frogs, turtles, mammals, and butterflies. The nectar, pollen, and seeds from native plants are food for butterflies, birds and other animals.

Some people fear that tall grasses might become a breeding area for mosquitoes, but quite the opposite is true. Native vegetation actually provides cover for insects like dragonflies, which feast on mosquitoes.

When it comes to buffers, wider is better. A buffer of 25 to 35 feet will filter half the phosphorous runoff from a shoreland lot, but even a 10-foot buffer will help. Whether you are building a new shoreland home or restoring your shore, natural landscaping is always best for our lakes, rivers and streams.

Everything we do on the land impacts our waters. Learn how you can help. Visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Website at www.mndnr.gov .

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"Dix" Reunion

The 27th Anniversary

Reunion of Dix Cafe will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday Aug. 5th at Lakeside View Restaurant Barnum.
All former employees and fiends invited. For info call Lou at 218-372-3504

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ALS Bookmobile Schedule

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Our Lady of Fatima

100th Anniversary

August 15, 2010 Our Lady of Fatima in McGrath, MN
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Historical displays available

BHS CLASS OF ‘80

30 YEAR REUNION Aug 13 - 15

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Class of 1950:

Your reunion committee is reminding you of the reunion Friday, August 20, 3:30 p.m. Gamper’s in Moose Lake. Ordering from the menu, so don’t send money, Please RSVP to:
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Moose Lake, MN 55767 or
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Mahtowa Farm Market

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