Tools to protect
your lakes and streams while allowing for thoughtful and well planned development.
Plan for growth with protection of the watershed in mind.
Keep hard, impervious surfaces to a minimum. Experts recommend no more than 15% of an area
should have impervious surfaces (like driveways, parking lots and roads).
Establish buffers near lakes and rivers. Make sure
there’s plenty of vegetation to trap runoff, soil and other pollutants.
Detain stormwater runoff through the use of stormwater
detention ponds. These ponds trap pollutants and sediment, and allow water to infiltrate
to ground water.
Protect Sensitive Resources: Land trusts are being used
around the country to purchase sensitive areas and keep them protected. Check to see if
there is a land trust in your area.
Education: Understanding the impacts of stormwater
can be a good first step. You can monitor the water quality in your lake or stream. Learn
and then teach!
Cooperation! Work together with your local conservation groups, governments
and developers to thoughtfully plan and develop your community.
Find out more at: www.lambcom.net/kiaptuwish or e-mail us at kiaptuwish@hotmail.com
Created by Andy Lamberson and Kent Johnson and the Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter of Trout Unlimited.