Best Practices
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 As fall approaches, it’s tempting to rake leaves and yard debris toward the shoreline but what seems like a harmless shortcut can have an impact on lake water quality.
Leaves, grass clippings, and other organic material contain nutrients. When they wash or are blown into the lake, those nutrients can contribute to excessive plant and algae growth. Decaying organic material can also affect water clarity and oxygen levels. The simple solution? Keep yard waste out of the lake. Instead of raking leaves into the water, collect them for composting, use them as mulch, or dispose of them according to local guidelines. And when possible, leave a natural buffer of native vegetation along the shoreline. It can help slow runoff and capture nutrients before they reach the water. A little extra effort in the yard can make a big difference in the lake. Don’t rake into the lake. Keep those nutrients on land—and help keep our lakes clear. 
Rain gardens are one of the easiest and most attractive ways homeowners can help protect the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes. These shallow landscaped areas are designed to capture rainwater from roofs, driveways, patios, and lawns, allowing it to soak into the ground instead of carrying pollutants directly to our lakes.
As stormwater flows across hard surfaces and lawns, it can pick up fertilizer, pet waste, oil, sediment, and other contaminants. A rain garden acts as a natural filter, helping remove many of these pollutants before they reach nearby waterways. By reducing nutrient runoff, rain gardens can help limit algae growth and support clearer, healthier lakes. Planted with native flowers, grasses, and shrubs, rain gardens provide additional benefits beyond water quality. Their deep roots help absorb water, reduce erosion, and replenish groundwater. They also create habitat for butterflies, bees, and birds while adding beauty and seasonal color to your landscape. Rain gardens can be installed on properties of almost any size and are especially effective near downspouts, driveways, or areas where water tends to collect after storms. Once established, they require relatively little maintenance and can become one of the most attractive features in a yard. Protecting our lakes happens one property at a time. While a single rain garden may seem like a small step, many rain gardens throughout the watershed can make a meaningful difference in reducing runoff and improving water quality. Ready to get your hands dirty? Watch the video to get inspired, and let us know if you're planning a garden of your own this season! Interested in creating your own rain garden? Download our Rain Garden Handbook to learn more about design ideas, native plants, and installation tips.
If Canada geese are frequently visiting your shoreline, the issue is often habitat—not the geese themselves. Large, manicured lawns along the water create ideal conditions that attract geese by providing easy access to food, water, and open visibility to watch for predators. Over time, this can lead to growing resident goose populations and increased environmental impacts on the lake.
Why Geese Are Attracted to Lawns Abundant food source Canada geese are herbivores that prefer short, tender grass. Lawns that are regularly fertilized and mowed produce nutrient-rich grass that geese love. An adult goose can eat up to four pounds of grass each day. Safety from predators Wide, open lawns give geese clear sightlines so they can easily spot potential predators. This sense of safety encourages them to return and remain in the area. Easy access to water When lawns extend directly to the shoreline, geese can move easily between feeding areas and the lake. The water provides a place to drink, bathe, and quickly escape danger. Reduced migration When food and safety are plentiful, many Canada geese stop migrating and instead remain in one location year-round. This has contributed to an increase in resident geese populations around Coldwater Lake and throughout the chain. What You Can Do Create a native shoreline buffer Plant a buffer strip of native grasses, wildflowers, or shrubs along the shoreline at least 20–30 inches tall. Taller vegetation blocks the geese’s line of sight and creates a natural barrier that makes them feel more vulnerable to predators. Limit fertilization and mowing Reducing fertilizer makes grass less nutritious and less attractive to geese. Allowing grass near the shoreline to grow taller than six inches can also discourage grazing. Dispose of droppings properly If goose droppings accumulate on docks or hard surfaces, scrape them into a garbage bag and clean the area with an environmentally friendly solution such as vinegar. Avoid rinsing droppings directly into the lake, as they contain bacteria and nutrients that can harm water quality.
Boaters and anglers are a major source of aquatic invasive species introduction in Michigan. Do your part to prevent their spread by cleaning, draining, drying and disposing every time you leave the water.
Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
CLEAN boats, trailers and equipment and remove all mud, debris and aquatic plant material from trailers and watercraft before launching or retrieving a watercraft. Use a hose or power washer when available.
DRAIN live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and all water from boats before leaving the access site. Consider disinfecting live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water) when possible. Fish diseases and microscopic life stages of aquatic invasive species can be hiding in seemingly clean water, so draining is an important step. DRY all boats and equipment thoroughly before leaving an access area and prior to relaunching in a new waterbody. DISPOSE of bait in the trash. Do not release bait into the water. Release of bait and minnows can lead to the unintended introduction of diseases and aquatic invasive species. DO NOT TRANSFER FISH to water bodies other than where they were caught. This helps prevent the spread of both aquatic invasive species and fish diseases. IT’S THE LAW DO NOT launch or transport watercraft or trailers unless they are free of aquatic organisms, including plants. DO NOT transport a watercraft without removing all drain plugs and draining all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells. DO NOT release bait into the water. Violation of the law is a state civil infraction. Violators may be subject to fines. Learn more on aquatic invasive species in Marble-Coldwater Chain of Lakes here.
Below are helpful resources mentioned in the Septic System Policy in Michigan video.
Wake boats are not the only type of boat that can cause damage. All motorized vessels create wakes and propeller wash that can cause shoreline erosion, impact the lakebed, damage property, and disturb other boaters. Boaters are responsible for the damage and injuries their wake may cause and should follow these Michigan State regulations.
In Michigan, "slow, no wake speed" is defined as the slowest speed at which a vessel can still maintain steering. You must operate at a slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of the following:
Wake Boat activity has increased substantially in recent years. While the challenges and excitement of the sport are undeniable, they do produce large wakes which can have harmful side effects to our lakes.
Large wakes erode the shoreline and stir up bottom sediment which introduces phosphorus back into the water column. Phosphorus can cause algae blooms. Sediment hinders water clarity, can clog fish gills and suffocate fish eggs. View the video revealing adversarial impact from wake boats on lakes below. To adhere to the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources recommendations please stay at least 500’ from shore, and in water more than 15 feet deep. Your help in both upholding these guidelines and spreading the word will go a long way towards maintaining the health of our lake. |
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