The Lake Book

LAKE PROTECTION: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
STOP EROSION
Any time there is an impervious surface or bare soil,
there is likely soil erosion that needs to be stopped,
reduced, and/or captured. There are many options to
help manage erosion around structures and yards.
For details on these and other ideas, including fact
sheets, visit lakes.me/BMPs.
DRIPLINE TRENCHES (right) are stone-filled
trenches under the roof drip line that collect runoff
from the roof, allowing it to soak into the ground.
These systems also reduce wear on your house by
reducing back splash on the foundation.
RAIN BARRELS
capture rainwater from
the roof by redirecting
the downspout into the
barrel. Save this water
to use another day,
while also reducing
stormwater runoff.
A RAIN GARDEN is a depression in
the ground planted with water-loving
native perennials and shrubs. Water
from a downspout or other source
flows into the rain garden, where it
slowly soaks into the ground. Rain
gardens are beneficial for the lake, for
wildlife, and for pollinators.
TAKE A BREAK,
RETIRE YOUR RAKE!
Don’t rake the duff! This layer of
decomposing leaves, pine needles,
and other organic material acts as a
sponge, absorbing rainfall, slowing
runoff, and reducing erosion.
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