FOCUS AREA | LAND USE

Effective growth and development around a lake starts with zoning and land use decisions. Here are some common concerns with land use that can impact the health of a lake:

• Water Quality: Runoff from agricultural activities, urban development, and even runoff from yards and pet waste can degrade water quality in lakes. Nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and bacteria can enter the water, causing algal blooms and deterioration of the water quality. 
• Habitat Destruction: Shoreline alterations, wetland drainage, and cutting trees can damage natural habitats around a lake for birds, fish, and other wildlife. 
• Erosion and Sedimentation: Construction activities, damage to vegetation, and improper agricultural practices make the soil vulnerable to erosion. When erosion occurs during rain events or snow melt, sediment is washed into the lake. Sediment runoff can smother aquatic habitats, transfer nutrients and bacteria to the lake, and reduce the storage capacity of the lake.
• Stormwater Management: Stormwater flows faster across paved surfaces than vegetated ones. When stormwater is allowed to soak into the soil, it reduces the chance of erosion and flooding, minimizing the amount of pollution in the lake. Urban development, such as roads, parking lots, and rooftops, decreases the amount of water going back into the soil. The flows into the lake are faster and pick up pollutants like oil, gasoline, or even bacteria from pet waste.

With proper planning, local governments can prepare for the type of growth they want and better manage the potential negative impacts. We will share the Management Plan with the counties to communicate our concerns and recommendations for managing land use around Lake Poinsett.