As commercial buildings, suburban neighborhoods and other urban features move further out into areas where waterways, wetlands and preserves are common natural features, the need for erosion control to maintain and protect the environment becomes even more essential. Here at Lake Masters, we offer a variety of lake management solutions that will help maintain the integrity of water features as well as minimize erosion.
Erosion happens through a variety of natural processes such as water, wind and ice that loosen and remove soil and rock. Geological erosion involves soil removal as well as soil formation and distribution. Man-made erosion can heighten natural erosion and includes breakdown of soil aggregates and increased leeching of organic and mineral particles. Soil erosion that occurs at construction sites may be caused by clearing, grading or otherwise altering the land. When these activities occur, ongoing erosion control measures are required to help maintain land in a natural state.
Lake management controls such as buffer zones adjacent to water features can help maintain the quality of water in your immediate area. Sometimes these buffer zones can be riparian or flow-through wetlands that can help increase or maintain water infiltration rates. These areas can also help decrease of maintain runoff and the conveyance of pollutants to water resources in addition to minimizing soil erosion.
Erosion control within your local watershed is important because sediment that accumulates in channels, culverts and other water features can also undermine the ability of these waterways to convey storm water, thus undermining overall environmental stability.
Because every lake management situation is different, we utilize a variety of erosion controls to maintain the integrity of your water features. These controls can include littoral shelves, a type of wetland area located within a lake to improve water quality. Plants chosen for these areas are selected for their ability to reduce nutrient loads and contaminants produced by runoff. They also provide habitats for fish and waterfowl, thereby improving the ecosystem. Similarly, removal of invasive plant species that clog your local water shed will not only improve the aesthetics of the area, but also improve overall environmental health.