5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Lakefront Property

Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine Dec. 29-Jan. 4
Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine Dec. 29-Jan. 4
December 28, 2016
Out and About for the Bangor Lakes Region of Maine Jan. 13-18
Out and About for the Bangor Lakes Region of Maine Jan. 13-18
January 11, 2017

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Lakefront Property

Lake Pennesseewassee, a.k.a. Norway Lake, in the Oxford Hills region of Maine

2017 has officially arrived, and January is a month that is famous for our efforts to better ourselves as individuals over the course of a new year.  While setting personal goals—whether they include sticking to a new exercise regime, spending more time with family, saving money, or eating better—is a traditional and sometimes challenging way to welcome the new year and create a hope for a “new you,” there are also a number of simple, easy-to-keep resolutions that you can make as a means to more effectively protect your lakefront property and the beloved body of water on which it sits.
After all, now that the bitter Maine winter has you dreaming of warm summer afternoons on the lake, this may be the ideal time to start planning ahead—as well as taking some time to consider how your actions as a lakefront property owner can impact the overall health of Maine’s precious waters.
The truth is, the health our lakes is threatened by an increase in lakefront real estate.  The establishment of camp roads and driveways and the clearing of natural vegetation can inadvertently cause erosion and stormwater runoff into lakes and ponds, polluting the beautiful waters that we so value.  Of course, we don’t mean to cause damage to our lakes and the wildlife species that depend on them, and unfortunately, more often than not, our seemingly innocent actions contribute to their degradation over time.
The Maine Lakes Society acknowledges that “one tiny rivulet from one rainstorm may not seem like much, but when multiplied across a lake watershed and added up over decades, eroded soil can turn a lake into a smelly, pea green mess” (mainelakessociety.org).  The good news?  There are plenty of ways that you can protect your lake from reaching this damaged state.  Below is a list of five lake-living “resolutions” that are worth considering as we plunge into 2017.
Prevent soil erosion by either keeping as much natural vegetation as possible on your property, or, if you don’t have much natural vegetation, creating a buffer out of a variety of native plants.  Loose dirt and soil has been identified as the number one pollutant to Maine’s fresh waters, and the root systems of native plants help to keep soil and dirt in place.  Maine.gov provides a thorough, easy-to-follow guidebook for creating a vegetated buffer that is best suited for your property.
Capture as much stormwater runoff as possible.  Stormwater carries a great deal of pollutants into the lake along with it, and, over time, threatens the quality and health of the lake.  Vegetated buffers also act as an effective measure to intercept and infiltrate stormwater in addition to helping slow erosion.  The Lakes Environmental Association suggests observing the water flow on your property during a major rainstorm and keeping track of the path it follows before it runs into the lake.  This pathway should be your main area of concern when it comes to implementing a vegetated buffer.  You can also install a rain barrel to capture rainwater runoff from your rooftop (just make sure to empty it AWAY from the lake!).
Be sure to pump your septic tank regularly. While it is possible to buffer stormwater runoff, it is still important to keep potential pollutants to an absolute minimum, and a septic system that is not properly maintained can leach harmful contaminants into groundwater.  Keep track of your septic tank’s service dates and make sure that they align with its size and frequency of use.
Clean up and properly dispose of pet waste.  It’s generally easier (and legal) for us to let our pets run rampant within the confines of our own property than it is in public places, but it’s just as important that we make sure to clean up after them, even if we’re the only ones who have to face the occasional mess on the lawn.  Pet waste is easily carried by stormwater runoff and will thus contribute to the amount of pollutants entering a lake.  Keep a sufficient stash of doggie bags at hand!
Reduce and monitor the use of fertilizers and pesticides/herbicides, as they can leach harmful chemicals into lake water.  If you are going to fertilize your yard, make sure that you do not over-fertilize, as this creates an excess runoff of chemicals.  Furthermore, try not to use fertilizers that contain phosphorus, as this element intensifies eutrophication in lakes, causing excessive algae growth.  If you use pesticides/herbicides on your property, consider researching and practicing methods of integrated pest management (IPM), which is a safer and more sustainable approach to pest management—and much less threatening to our lakes!
For more thorough information regarding the care and maintenance of your lakefront property, you can visit the Lakes Environmental Association’s website at mainelakes.org and learn more under their “Lake Health” tab.
Here’s to a happy, healthy New Year for you and your lake alike!
 

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