Why We Restore

UW-Extension Natural Resources Educator Bill Klase has developed an informational guide detailing the importance and value of naturalized shoreland.  This information was shared with Sustainability Advisory Board members during the development of the Miller's Bay plan.

The following is an exerpt from Klase discussing why we restore:

The vegetated area of land adjacent to lakes and rivers is often referred to as a shoreland or riparian buffer zone. This land serves as a bridge between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and performs many important functions. Studies performed by scientists and conservation groups across the country have shown that these vegetated areas protect water quality, serve as wildlife habitat and corridors and provide valuable social functions. These attributes take on greater importance as lakeshore and riverfront development increases. Increasingly, State and local ordinances are requiring that these vegetated tracts of land be preserved or restored with appropriate native vegetation.    

Water Quality improvement is a main benefit of a restored shoreline.  According to Klase:

In addition to filtering sediments, shoreland buffer zones also serve to stabilize shoreland banks, reducing bank erosion. The roots of the trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants help stabilize shorelines. These roots add structure to soils as well as increase water infiltration. The net result is a reduction in bank erosion and an increase in water quality. The vegetation also aids in slowing down the speed of the runoff water. By slowing down the velocity of runoff water, the coarser sediment particles settle out on land prior to reaching the water.

Improved aquatic wildlife habitit is also an excellent benefit.

Aside from reducing sedimentation that degrades aquatic habitat, shoreland buffer zones enhance this habitat through the deposition of woody debris and leaf litter. For the avid fisherman, shoreland buffer zones extending into the water are great habitat for fish. Aquatic plants not only help stabilize bottom sediments, but along with woody debris they provide structure for insects, snails, and other critters that small fish feed on. Larger game fish, the ones we enjoy catching and eating, feed on the small fish, and seek refuge amongst the underwater structure.

Another important benefit identified is what Klase calls "Social Values".

Shoreland buffer zones also serve several important cultural functions. These areas enhance the aesthetics of the lake environment by providing the natural appearance of lakeshores. Survey after survey shows that aesthetics ranks as one of the top reasons people come to live and visit the northwoods region of Wisconsin.

Menominee Park Shoreland Restoration before and after images

One important benefit that has been experienced by Oshkosh in its efforts to improve the shoreline is the building of community, in which many Oshkosh area residents from throughout the area representing students, elderly, neighbors, community leaders, young children, and others have come together to collaboratively work on creating a better Oshkosh.