Advantages of Greenbelts for Higgins Lake
by Teri D., Higgins Lake Lover

Greenbelts act as a filter for all the debris that would otherwise be washed into the lake.

Greenbelts are important to the water quality of Higgins Lake. The surface water run-off affects the water quality of Higgins Lake. When it rains, the snow melts, or people excessively water their lawns, the water carries soil, sediments, pesticides, fertilizers, and other debris into the lake water. The sediments carry phosphorous, a nutrient of primary concern to the water quality (see my Higgins Lake Report for more information on how this effects water quality). The effects of erosion and run-off can be greatly decreased by establishing a greenbelt along the shoreline.

The Higgins Lake Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization formed in 1989 to educate the public and preserve the quality of Higgins Lake. According to their publication "Higgins Lake: A Maintenance Manual",

Greenbelts act as a filter for all the debris that would otherwise be washed into the lake. The denser the greenbelt, the better filtering action it provides. For example, a forested shoreline will filter out up to 90% of the run-off, whereas, a populated shoreline with grass or dirt will only prevent 10-20% of the run-off from reaching the lake. (A Maintenance Manual). A huge difference! In short, the more vegetation along the shoreline, the increased benefit to the lake.

Some vacationing property owners establish beautiful expansive grass lawns stretching to their shorelines. They pay to have the lawn fertilized and groomed or they maintain it themselves. I do not understand this. Why go to the expense and effort while vacationing? Why destroy the natural beauty? Would they continue this endeavor if they understood the effects? A recent conversation I had with one property owner further puzzled me. He said that he did it at home in the city and it was just something he had to do. Admittedly, a grass lawn is preferable to sand or dirt, but if you have a lawn, it is recommended that you "keep the grass long so it can filter debris". (A Maintenance Manual) Please do not fertilize your lawn! Remember that a portion of whatever you put it on your lawn will end up in Higgins Lake.

The Higgins Lake Foundation encourages the establishment of natural greenbelts. Last year, the Foundation implemented The Margaret Gilbert Award. The award is given to property owners that have created or maintained ideal greenbelts on their property. According to Rob Morley, President of the Higgins Lake Foundation in a recent telephone conversation, the committee visits all the nominees received from property owners or their neighbors. This year, three recipients received plaques, public recognition at the Higgins Lake Property Owners Annual Meeting in July, and they were featured in an article in the local newspaper. Personally, I hope that there are many more recipients next year!

Another source of run-off is the road ends. They are especially harmful because there is an increase in activity making it difficult to establish and maintain a greenbelt. The Higgins Lake Property Owner's Association, Higgins Lake Foundation, and the U.S. Soil & Water Conservation District have implemented the "Adopt A Road End" project to improve the condition of the road ends "by slowing down the sediment and nutrient flow into the lake" (Water Lines 1).

In conclusion, erosion and run-off can be greatly decreased by establishing a greenbelt along the shoreline. Property owners can increase the amount of vegetation along the shoreline. Lawns can be maintained without the use of fertilizers and lengthened to increase the filtering effect. Let’s do our part to preserve the pristine quality of Higgins Lake for the generations that follow.

WORKS CITED

Higgins Lake Foundation. Higgins Lake: A Maintenance Manual. Torkelson and Associates. 1991.

Morley, Rob. Personal telephone interview. 17 September 2000.

Water Lines (Higgins Lake Property Owner's Association, Winter 1995) 1.