Lynn Crighton points out a stone re-facing shoreline with natural vegetation growing. While some residents abhor this type of shoreline, the presence of spatter dock and lily pads have not hindered the use of the lake by the property owner for swimming or boating and provides for a healthy shoreline. (Photo by Deb Patterson)
Lyn Crighton, executive director of Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation along with Mark Myers, owner of Myers Landscape, Syracuse, presented a program on Healthy Shorelines for Healthy Lakes and native plant discussion at the late Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Lake Talks and Eats on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Crighton noted an Environmental Protection Agency report in 2010 on National Lakes Assessment showed 44 percent of the nation’s lakes are in poor biological condition. Poor lakeshore habitat was the biggest problem. The second biggest stressor was high levels of phosphorus or nitrogen, causing excessive weed and algae growth.
Why? Mowed lawns up to the edge of a concrete seawall. She noted 60 percent of Lake Tippecanoe’s 21 miles of shoreline are concrete seawalls. These concrete seawalls cause erosion of the lake bottom. Her presentation included numerous slides of the various types of shorelines ranging from natural, glacial stone, stone re-facing of existing seawalls, bioengineered seawalls to lakescaping.
Crighton pointed out a healthy shoreline has abundance of plants on land and in the water with glacial stone (or rock) seawalls helping to slow wave action. It was also noted that natural shorelines can be incredibly beautiful and easy to maintain without interfering with recreation. It was noted there are grants available, up to $3,000 per household with a 25 percent cost-share to create a healthy shoreline. She noted 96 shoreline projects in the Tippecanoe Watershed, most on Tippecanoe, Little Tippy and Oswego lakes.
Photographs were included in the presentation of the various healthy shorelines, including those with spatter dock and lily pads growing against the shoreline. This met with some resistance from several present who questioned how someone could swim in such an area or maneuver a boat.
Handouts explaining healthy shoreline types were given to the approximate 30 in attendance. She also presented information on what type of shoreline work requires permits and an explanation of zoning categories: natural shoreline, significant wetland, area of special concern and developed area. These categories, similar to zoning regulations, dictate the type of seawall allowed.
Following a brief question and answer period the morning presentation was turned over to Myers who explained his experiences of lakescaping around area lakes, the desire of a lot of lake residents not to have their view obstructed by large plantings and what actual are native plants. He noted the list of native plants for shoreline use is not extensive and noted that if a non-native plant that does not require fertilization, insect resistant, there would be no harm in its use.
Myers did note that native plants have developed over the years with resistance to insects, disease and has adapted to weather conditions, putting down deep roots.
He stated taking little steps can help accomplish goals in native plantings and pointed out there is ongoing controversy on what are native plants as nature has created hybrids. It was also pointed out that very many of the native plants are not attractive looking Memorial Day through Labor Day, when people want plantings to look good if part of lakescaping.
Joanne Moor, right, and Al Campbell talk with Mark Myers, right, about native plants he brought along to share or ideas he may have. (Photo by Deb Patterson)
Myers brought with him coneflowers, brown-eyed susans, phlox, little blue stem grass, hummingbird summersweet and Christmas fern as possible plantings. He pointed out it takes three years for native plants to look as it is designed to and “we’re not a patient society,” he added.
Various plants were available to view and purchase following the event.
Details about healthy lakeshore are available at www.tippecanoewatershed.org or by contacting Crighton at telwf@kconline.com or (574) 834-3242.