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Protect our lake - steps we can all take to keep our lake as healthy and beautiful as it is right now
Plants on your shoreline protect our lake
A “shoreland buffer” is an area of native plants along your
waterfront that extends from the waterline inland at least 35
feet. This planted area holds the soil in place to prevent
erosion and absorb and clean runoff water before it flows intothe lake. Buffers provide natural beauty and more habitat for
an amazing variety of wildlife. And fallen trees left in the water
can provide spawning areas for fish and shading for shallow-
water plants and animals.
How we maintain our lakefront properties has a tremendous
impact on the health of our lake. To create the best habitat for
fish and other wildlife, we can take simple steps like
maintaining buffer strips on our shoreline and limiting the
nitrogen input from fertilizer. Less nitrogen from your lawn
fertilizer will help reduce the amount of vegetation growing in
the lake, and is one more line of defense against excess algae
growth and the dreaded Curly Leaf Pondweed. And better
habitat for fish = more fish for you to catch!
The Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department’s
Shoreline Restoration Program offers advice and cost sharing
for people who want to improve their shorelines. Call Heather
Palmquist at 715-561-2234 for all the info.
(reprinted from the Summer, 2022 LOFA newsletter)
A paragraph about our pristine lake, and a link to Healthy Lakes & Rivers website.
Aquatic invasive species
The single biggest threat to the health of Lake of the Falls is the presence of Curly Leaf Pondweed upriver in Rice Lake. For the past three years, volunteers supported by a grant from the DNR have worked tirelessly to hand-pull CLP in Rice Lake and the Turtle River. Unfortunately, this aggressive weed has spread downriver to Pike Lake and was found late last year in the river between Pike and Lake of the Falls. Watch this video to learn more.
More invasives
Lake of the Falls is also home to the invasive Yellow Flag Iris. Even though it’s pretty, it … (info and picture)
Problems to watch for – Eurasian Water Milfoil and Spiny Water Flea
Keeping the water clean begins on land
What if you could flip a switch and help nature? You can! Artificial light can interrupt natural body rhythms in both humans and animals. An increased amount of light at night can lower melatonin production resulting in sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety and other problems. Studies also show that light pollution can influence animal behaviors like migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation. Because of light pollution, sea turtles and birds guided by moonlight can become confused, lose their way and die. Light pollution is just one of the many reasons our insects are on the decline. You can read more about it at this link:
https://www.oclw.org/insect-decline.html. We are in danger of losing our dark skies to light pollution. Please join us by turning off any unnecessary outdoor lights or switching to motion sensor lighting. Use energy-efficient bulbs in warm colors of amber, orange and red that do not confuse insects, frogs, toads, migrating birds, and nocturnal wildlife. Direct any outdoor lighting downward where it is truly needed. By working together, we can protect the night for everyone! Reprinted from the Iron County Miner, April 14, 2023
So turn off all those outdoor lights, set up your recliner, and enjoy the wonders revealed by a dark night sky.”https://www.thelakeguy.net/darkness-at-night-what-a-concept-the-case-against-dusk-to-dawn-outdoor-lighting/
https://www.darksky.org/