It is important to recognize that re-planting of a shoreland area is only necessary if native plants have been depleted or bare soils are exposed. If you are developing or building on a lot that has not yet been cleared, consider making the smallest possible 'footprint' on the landscape. This can be done by minimizing the size of the area to be cleared, using 'green building techniques', and by removing only single trees or branches to allow views of the lake. If native plants are missing from your shoreland you can begin to restore your shoreland, or portions of it, by planting appropriate native species for your particular site.

Strategies for Restoration
Passive Restoration

The easiest approach to restoring your shoreland is the “no-mow” approach. Simply allow the existing plants to grow in a strip along the shore. Seeds of native plants often lie dormant in the soil for years. By not mowing, you allow these seeds to germinate and grow. Removal of undesirable, aggressive plants in this zone will speed the process. A list of non-native invasive species is available in this site. Plants growing in this undisturbed buffer area will trap nutrients and other run-off from the upland and provide wildlife habitat.

Active Restoration

The second strategy for promoting a native shoreland buffer strip is to actively plant species that are appropriate to one’s particular shoreland site. Prior to planting, it is important to consider the following 5 general steps. These will take you through the planning phase and into planting and maintenance.

This site administered by:
Bill Klase, UW-Extension Natural Resources Educator
william.klase@ces.uwex.edu

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