What is a shoreland buffer?

A shoreland buffer is a natural strip of vegetation along at least 70% of a property's water frontage, extending both onto the land and into the water.

The goal of creating a buffer is to reestablish native vegetation on the shoreline, both on the shore and in the water.  Ideally, a shoreland buffer zone will include three stories of vegetation on land including trees, shrubs and ground level vegetation such as ferns, wildflowers, grasses and sedges. In addition, a buffer zone will include emergent, floating, and submergent aquatic plants in the water (please check with your local DNR office to determine necessary permits for plantings in the water).

Why should you establish or maintain a buffer?

A buffer zone restores ecological functions that are reduced or eliminated by traditional lawns.  As a waterfront property owner, you should know that a buffer zone would help to:

• Protect water quality
• Provide a natural means of erosion protection
• Filter nutrients that could otherwise enter the water
• Enhance aesthetics by preserving the natural appearance of the waterbody
• Provide privacy from neighbors and recreational users
• Screen development to protect scenic vistas
• Provide an attractive frame for your view of the water
• Provide a travel corridor for many species of birds and small mammals
• Reduce yard maintenance
• Enhance fish habitat through shading of shallow water
• Discourage undesirable, invasive or exotic species from invading your property
• Minimize algal blooms by filtering runoff and shading shallow water
• Diminish noise from motorboats and personal watercraft

What can you do?

In developing waterfront property, you should leave as wide a strip of shoreland vegetation as possible, especially if the slope is steep.  If your property has already been extensively developed, leaving a manicured lawn that extends right down to the water's edge, you can reintroduce native vegetation.  If possible, observe what is growing in the shoreland zone at undeveloped sites in your area.

Whom can you contact for help?

The Revitalization of Shoreland Vegetation Project provides educational workshops for property owners and professionals.  To find out more about the program and what you can do to enhance your shoreline, please call the GLA Executive Director Nancy Hill, 920-229-2679, or the Green Lake Sanitary District, 920-295-4488.

What you should know about Wisconsin's Shoreland Protection Standards?

• Wisconsin laws require counties to adopt and enforce shoreland protection zoning. The state zoning standards serve as a minimum and include provisions to protect vegetation that is within 35 feet of the ordinary high water mark.  No more than 30 feet out of every 100 feet can be clear cut to provide a view or access corridor.
  
  
• Preliminary consultation with the Green Lake County Land Use Planning and Zoning Department is required prior to any land use activity.  For greater detail and/or questions on how Shoreland Standards may impact your project, contact the Green Lake County Land Use Planning and Zoning Department, (920) 294-4026 or the Department of Natural Resources, (920) 787-4686.