Lake vegetation surveys are a common component of long-term lake management plans and are vital in determining broad changes to native plant species composition as well as in detecting nuisance species. We are able to determine the best survey method to perform, whether it be an AVAS survey or a Point Intercept survey.

• An AVAS (Aquatic Vegetation Assessment Sites) survey samples the aquatic plant community throughout the littoral zone of the lake. The presence and density of a species is rated to describe its relative percent cover to other species, and sampling transects are marked using differential GPS technology.

A Point Intercept survey documents the overall species diversitythroughout the lake on a grid of waypoints. Plants are identified at each sampling point and the dominant species is recorded to create a species distribution map. This large number of discrete observations creates aprofile on lake-wide species abundance.

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What is Lakescaping?
The greatest benefits of lakefront properties include the opportunities of recreation, wildlife refuge, and wildlife viewing. In attempts to create a panoramic view and ease of access, vegetation is commonly viewed as an obstacle and removed from the lake’s shoreline. Lakeshore property owners might be surprised to discover that some of the most common lake problems occur as a direct result of lakeshore vegetation removal.

A well groomed lawn provides poor habitat for most wildlife, including birds, mammals, and fish. These open habitat areas become targets for invasive nuisance species such as the Canada goose and purple loosestrife. Once established on the property, the invasive species are difficult to eradicate and contribute to lakeshore degradation. Goose droppings create unhygienic conditions from bacteria outbreaks and nutrient loadings comparable to those which occur from fertilizers and pollution runoff. Exotic plants out compete native species, and eventually decrease native plant diversity and associated wildlife.

Woody and herbaceous trees and shrubs stabilize the sediment along shorelines while their absence allows for severe shoreline erosion. The absence of shoreline buffer zones allows direct sediment and phosphorus runoff into the water. These nutrient loadings create green algae blooms that often cover the water surface. The algal mats deplete the photo-synthesizers in the lake which can result in oxygen reductions that limit healthy fish populations.

Restoration of a natural buffer zone along the lake shoreline is a logical solution to address these shoreline erosion issues. The re-creation of a natural buffer zone can provide seasonal habitat for wildlife, serve as an obstacle for Canada geese, restore root systems for active pollutant filtration, and stabilize eroding shorelines. Through lakescaping, it is possible to restore lake health and stability while maintaining recreational spaces that allow easy access and viewing along lakefront properties.

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