Earth Day is the perfect time to give some thought to how you should maintain your property to protect your watershed. For example:- If you live on a lake or pond, plant a buffer strip of dense, native vegetation to stabilize the shore edge and filter pollutants. The Georgia Native Plave Society frequently posts information about local native plant sales. Permitting may be required for buffer zone planting, so check with local authorities before proceeding.
- Seed and mulch any bare soil on your property to minimize erosion.
- If you undertake any significant construction projects (i.e., a room addition), disturb no more ground than is necessary.
- If you are already experiencing erosion issues and/or loss of shoreline stability, consider having your property professionally evaluated.
You can also go a step further by getting engaged on the community level . . .
- Support “best management practices” for development and help local authorities to ensure that construction site soil and erosion control ordinances are enforced by reporting any concerns you have.
- Contact local, state, and national public officials to voice your interest in keeping your lake clean, healthy, and usable. Emphasize the economic, recreational, and ecological value of the lake.
- Support wetland preservation. Wetlands protect lake water quality by acting as natural filters of pollutants and furnishing critical fish and wildlife habitat.
- Participate in groups, projects, and events that promote conservation, lake and watershed protection, and shoreline clean-ups.
