Shoreline Landscaping: Preserving Your Properties Value

1. Shoreline Landscaping:Preserving Your Properties Value Lakescape Solutions LLC Nick Homan

2. How old is thisplanting? • 1 yr. • 3 yrs. • 5 yrs. • Planted end of July Before After

3. Value of Lake Property

4. Property Value Info • 10% of value is in large trees • 10-20% may be in the overall landscape • 40-100% is based directly on quality of your lake Source: Eco Building and Forestry

5. Cost Sharing Value WI-DNR sees enough value in shoreline buffers to offer up to 75% cost reimbursement through grant programs • When was the last time a government agency gave you $$$ for making an improvement to your property Logo source: Wisconsin Dept of natural Resources

6. Benefits of Natural a Shoreline

7. Natural Beauty Benefits Vibrant Colors and Textures

8. Natural Beauty Benefits Attract Wildlife

9. 90% of all lake life is born, raised and fed in the area where land and water meet. 80% of the plants and animals listed as endangered species live all or part of their lives in this littoral (near shore) zone. Importance and Value to Wildlife Source: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

10. More Natural Beauty Benefits Keep the Cabin a Getaway from Urban Environment

11. Environmental Benefits • Increased biodiversity and better plant adaptation • Help keep invasive exotics at bay • Decreased storm water runoff and reduced erosion • Better flood control

12. Environmental Benefits cont. • No need for additional fertilizers • Enhanced water quality protection • Increased fish and wildlife habitat Photos: UW Lakes Extension

13. Satisfaction and Maintenance Benefits • Less maintenance (after establishment) • Increased privacy and noise reduction • Enhanced natural insect control • Discourages Canada Geese from #*%!ing on your recreation space • Provides a space to teach children about nature and conservancy

14. Water Quality Benefits • Reduced nutrient and sediment introduction into lake • 1 lb of Phosphorus = 500 lbs of plants or algae • Increased sediment = decreased water clarity • Clean lakes = Higher property values$$$ • Value can increase up to $75/ ft. of water clarity depth Source:MaryJo Gingras, Iron County Land Conservation Photo: UW lakes extension

15. Executing Your Shoreline Restoration

16. Planning Process • Site location • Dimensions • Lake access and viewing • Other uses • Site problems and characteristics • Erosion • Ponding • Maintenance concerns • Develop design and implement plan

17. 1. Remove or kill off turf 2. Mulch and plant area 3. Water and enjoy! Installation Process • Three basic steps Start Finish Step 1: Use herbicides or black plastic to kill existing vegetation, remove dead material depending on planting method Step 2: Place mulch over area and plant with native plant materials Step 3: WATER, WATER, WATER! Most important to being successful in establishing a strong buffer. Enjoy your new landscape investment!!!

18. Cost of Investment • Plant Plugs (Aggressive) • $1.50-$3.50 /Sq. Ft. • Seed (Less Aggressive) • $1.00 -$2.50 /Sq. Ft. • Combination Seed and Plugs (Least Aggressive) • Average property with 100 feet of shoreline, plug planting • $4,000 - $6,000

19. Cost Variables • Plant Size, age and rarity • Plant quantities needed& planting method(seed vs. plugs) • Minimum plant densities are regulated by DNR • Erosion control • Mulch and other materials • Erosion control materials • Landscape path stone… • Equipment needs to complete work • Access to site/ time involved • Homeowner sweat equity/ DIY

20. Natural Shoreline and Landscape Options • Complete shoreline restoration • Shoreline editing • Rain gardens • Storm water management techniques • Native prairies • Native plant landscaping • Edible Gardening • Bird sanctuaries • Designated recreational lawn areas • Firewise landscaping

21. What to Expect of Your Planting • 1-3 growing seasons of establishment • Weeding/ watering • Possible re-establishment needed • Reduced maintenance with time • Possible need to control nuisance animals during establishment period • Usually can be done with temporary fencing

22. What to Look for in a Contractor • Experience with your situation • Design style approach • Flexibility with homeowner input an DIY • Knowledge of governing ordinances • Relationship with regulating agencies • County Land and Water Conservation Dept. • Planning and Zoning • Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources • Customer references • Examples of previous work • Designs • Photos • Payment and contract terms • Materials sources • Locally sourced when possible • Plant guarantees

23. What You Can Have Prepared For Your Contractor • How do you want to use the space? • Relaxation/ entertainment • Site seeing • Photography • What is your lifestyle/ hobbies? • Recreation • Travel • Kids, grandkids, pets Photos: UW lakes extension

24. For Your Contractor • Types of plants you like or dislike • Colors • Textures • Wild edibles • Size • Ideas for your landscape • Pathways • Structures (were allowable) • Viewing areas

25. More For Your Contractor • Budget Restrictions $$$? • Sweat Equity/ DIY? • Site problems and limitations • Septic systems • Wells • Electrical (private lines) • Drain tiles…

26. Thoughts to Remember • A natural shoreline is an investment in your property and it will help preserve and increase your property value. • The main objective is to protect our waterways from negative impact. • There are a variety of choices to tailor your landscape to your needs and lifestyle and still meet ordinance requirements.

27. And The Answer Is…A. 1yr. July 2007 July 2008

28. “Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children’s future. The health of our lakes is the principal measure of how we live on the land.” -Luna Leopold

29. Question and Answers Lakescape Solutions LLC Stevens Point, WI Nick Homan 715-340-6674