On Your Property No matter where you live, you live in a watershed. Whether you live next to a stream, river, or lake, or live miles away from the nearest waterbody, what you do on your property could harm the health of waterbodies near or far. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce the amount of runoff water, phosphorus, soil (which contains nutrients), and other pollutants that flow off of your property. By taking these simple actions, you will help keep lakes clean and healthy. Minimize and identify driveway and parking areas. • Drive
and park vehicles on your property only in areas specifically designated for these uses. Soils compacted by vehicle travel do not absorb water. By parking and driving in only certain places, the amount of runoff water generated on your property will be minimized. • Convert unused driveways and parking areas into areas planted with native plants to help soak up runoff water.
Can you see this house along this lake? One way to minimize your impact on the lake and the surrounding watershed is to blend structures into the landscape.
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