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Shoreline Property Management
Muskegon is home of miles and miles of shoreline properties, many of which have been developed for individual homes. Traditional development ideas, such as the removal of trees and shrubs to provide open lake views, the proliferation of turf grass lawns down to the water’s edge, the removal of shoreline and aquatic vegetation, and bringing in sand to create swimming areas are creating increasing problems for Michigan lakes.
Often times this over-development of shorelines can’t support the fish, wildlife, and clean water that are so appealing to the people attracted to the water’s edge.
Shoreline Maintenance
Creating a buffer of vegetation between your lawn and the lake, revising lawn care practices, and learning about other potential issues such as septic waste and invasive species can help restore your shoreline to a more natural state, enhancing wildlife habitat and preventing erosion and runoff.
Reduce Goose Invasions
Traditional lawns down to the water’s edge attracts geese, which are grazers. In one week, an adult goose can produce 15 pounds of slippery, smelly droppings. Landscaping your property with native plants along the shoreline is the most effective long-term method of reducing goose invasions.
Related Documents
- A Field Guide to Invasive Plants (PDF): Learn how to identify and control invasive plant species commonly found along Michigan lakes, streams, and wetlands.
- Helping Fish and Wildlife on Your Lakeshore Property (PDF): Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guide on helping support fish and wildlife on your lakeshore property.
- Lakescaping for Wildlife (PDF): A brochure outlining the basics of using landscaping practices that enhance shoreline wildlife habitat.
- Living in Harmony with Your Backyard Stream (PDF): A booklet guide to living in harmony with a backyard stream.
- Native Plants (PDF): A brochure listing Michigan native plant species.
- Protecting Michigan's Vanishing Native Lakeshore (PDF): A flyer describing the steps to restore a buffer of vegetation along the shoreline to enhance fish and wildlife habitat.
- Protecting Your Waterfront Investment (PDF): This booklet outlines 10 simple shoreland stewardship practices to protect your waterfront investment.
- State Floodplain Guide (PDF): This guide will help you understand how and why communities in the state of Michigan manage floodplains to protect people and property.
- Turf Tips (PDF): Maintaining Waterfront Turf to Preserve Water Quality (PDF): A flyer providing specific action steps for shoreline property turf care.
Learn more about shoreline property management through photo examples.