Smallmouth bass are commonlyfound in medium to large streamsand in large, clearwater lakesthroughout Wisconsin. Althoughconsidered a “warm water” fish,smallmouth bass actually prefercool water. Unlike largemouth bass,which are found in the shallow,weedy areas of lakes and riverbackwaters, the smallmouth bassprefers moderately swift-flowingwater in the rocky portions ofstreams, and deeper water in lakesover rocky bars and ledges.

In early summer when water temperatures reach about 62º F, the male smallmouthconstruct spawning nests in the shallow waters it normally shuns. Nests arebuilt at depths of 1 foot to nearly 20 feet of water on rock, gravel and sandysurfaces. Shoreland development can limit the availability of nesting sites forsmallmouth bass when soil from construction sites and eroding shores coversthese preferred spawning areas. Nests are constructed next to large rocks orwoody cover, such as fallen logs, to provide protection from predators. A studyconducted in northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan suggests that the woodycover that smallmouth bass and many other fish depend on is decreasing asresidential development along shorelines increases. Another study of northernWisconsin shorelands found that the average tree cover of 57% on undevelopedsites was reduced to 38% on developed sites, which means less woody cover inour lakes and rivers.

Once hatched, the smallmouth’s diet consists of tiny crustaceans such as waterfleas. As it matures, the smallmouth’s diet expands to include other fish, crayfish,and various insect larvae and adults. Since bass depend on sight to find food,good water clarity is essential. Water clarity lessens when soil washes into lakesand rivers and with excessive algae blooms. But natural shorelands can helpprotect water clarity. Native shoreland vegetation can catch sediment andattached nutrients before the soil reaches the water, starving off algae growth. InWisconsin, phosphorus is the key nutrient responsible for algae and weedgrowth in over 80% of the lakes. Testing soil to find correct fertilizer amountsfor lawns and gardens can help reduce excess nutrients in runoff. Using low- or no-phosphorus fertilizer (the middle number on the fertilizer bag refers to phosphoruscontent) will help keep this nutrient out of our waters.

Smallmouth bass are just one of many creatures found along our living shores.You can help to ensure that fish, turtles, loons and other wildlife thrive alongWisconsin’s shorelands by protecting natural shorelands and working to restorethem.

Local, state and federal authoritiesprotect wildlife habitat alongshorelands in several ways. Localordinances often establish minimumsetbacks forstructures,septic systems,and wells.Many communi-ties regulatethe removalof vegetation along the shoreland.Permits may also be needed forland disturbance activities, such asgrading or filling, to ensure thatproper soil erosion control plansare implemented.

The State of Wisconsin regulatesactivities occurring below theordinary high water mark of lakesand rivers.The ordinary highwater mark is the point on thebank or shore where the waterleaves a distinct mark and is oftenlocated above “normal” waterlevels. If you are thinking ofremoving (or planting) any plantsin the water or in a wetland,contact your local DNR aquaticplant specialist for advice and todetermine if a permit is required.Both the state and the UnitedStates Army Corps of Engineerscan be involved in any wetlandprojects. Be certain to get allrequired permits before startingany work in shorelands, floodplains,or wetlands.

Know Local, State &Federal Regulations: It’s the Law

In-Depth Study:Smallmouth Bass

Additional ResourcesLandscaping for Wildlife and Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality—Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1-800-657-3757Life on the Edge: Owning Waterfront Property—(17-minute video) Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, (715) 346-2116Shoreland Restoration: A Growing Solution—(GWQ032, 15-minute video) UW-Extension Publications, 608-262-3346 or 1-877-947-7827 (toll free)The Water’s Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your waterfront property (FH-428-00)—Available from local DNR service centersWisconsin Native Plant Sources: Seeds and plants for prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and shorelands—UW-Extension Basin Educator for Natural

Resources, Milwaukee & Sheboygan River Basins, (414) 290-2434 http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/native/index.htm

Shoreland Stewardship Series:This is the third fact sheet in the shoreland stewardship series. The entire series is available from the county UW-Extension offices, ExtensionPublications (1-877-947-7827), or Wisconsin DNR service centers. It is also available online at http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/shore.

A publication of University of Wisconsin-Extension, Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the WisconsinAssociation of Lakes, and The River Alliance of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources acknowledges the Great LakesProtection Fund and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region V (through Section 319 of the Water Quality Act) for their involvementin the partial funding of this publication.

©2003 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved. Text developed by Carmen Wagner, John Haack, andRobert Korth. Photos courtesy of Jeffery Baylis, Robert Korth, J. Nehls, Robert Queen, Jeff Strobel, Carmen Wagner, and DNR file photos. Editingand design by the Environmental Resources Center, UW-Extension.

UWEX PUB-GWQ039DNR PUB-WT-764 2003I-06-03-5M-25 The Wisconsin

Lakes Partnership

WIS

CON

SIN

ASSOCIATIONof LAKES

Number 3

Something amazing happens when land meets thewater. The life force virtually blossoms into a levelof diversity that is unparalleled on any parcel of

upland. The variety within shorelands can includeuplands, wetlands and water, and supports plants andanimals from all three areas and many plants and animalsonly found in shorelands. In fact, 80% of endangered orthreatened species found in Wisconsin spend all or partof their lives in shoreland areas. You don’t have to be ananimal-lover or botanist to realize the significance ofthis biological panorama. By understanding how fish,waterfowl, and other wildlife depend on shorelands, wecan begin to work to protect Wisconsin’s living shores.

Protecting Our Living Shores

Life in the Water

“ . . .I have become satisfied that the destruction of treesbordering on these streams and the changed conditionsof the banks produced thereby, has resulted in thedestruction of the natural harbours or hiding places ofthe trout . . .” — J. F. Van Cleef, American FisheriesSociety, 1885.

As early as 1885, people were beginning to understandthat fish and other aquatic life do not always adapt tochanges on the land around their home. Replacingnaturally vegetated shorelands with managed landscapessuch as lawns, golf courses, and cropland can harmwater quality when runoff carries soil, pesticides andfertilizers into lakes and rivers.

One of the easiest ways to detect a change in waterquality is to watch for a change in water clarity. Whenyou notice a change, so will the fish. Many species offish rely on sight to find their food, and if the water isdirty, it becomes difficult for some fish to find food. As

water quality decreases, insects and many other delicaciesalso begin to disappear. Among the first to go are caddisflies and mayflies, the favorite food of trout.

Rain water and snow melt can become nutrient-ladenas they run across lawns and gardens, picking up excessfertilizers that have been applied. These nutrients cancause excessive aquatic weed growth that reduces theoxygen supply in lakes and rivers. This change favorspopulations of carp, catfish, suckers and other roughfish that are more tolerant of low oxygen conditions.Oxygen levels can be lowered further as rough fishremove the oxygen-producing plants found on thebeds of lakes and rivers and as people clear shorelandvegetation that shades the water. Cooler water holdsmore oxygen and reduces stress on fish and other aquaticcreatures. A few degrees difference in temperature canhave a major effect on their survival. It’s important tokeep even tiny brooks not big enough to hold fish coolerbecause the cool water, rich in oxygen, eventuallyreaches fish downstream.

(continued on page 2)

One of the easiest ways to maintain the qualityof wildlife habitat is to minimize habitatalteration during and after construction. For

example, the design of structures, trails, androads can blend into the natural landscape tominimize impacts to wildlife habitat. Shorelandsshould also be protected during construction.On developed properties, wildlife habitat can beeasily enhanced with the reintroduction ofnative plants and restoration of shorelands.

If you’re ready to enhance habitat, the first step istake a moment to look around your property.There may already be many natural features onyour property that are valuable to wildlife such as:

• Large, dead standing or cavity trees (wood ducks, hooded mergansers, owls, hawks, osprey and eagles use for nesting and roostingor dens for some animals)

• Large, dying trees (woodpeckers search for insects and bats roost under loose bark)

• Seasonal pools and ephemeral wetlands (used by amphibians for breeding)

• Berry “tangles” (cover for many species of wildlife)

• Logs and branches in the water (basking areasfor turtles and cover for fish)

• Lakeshore and streambank burrows (homes ofweasels, otters and muskrats)

• Sandy soils with good sun exposure (used by turtles for nesting areas)

• Rock piles (cover for snakes and small mammals)

• Large trees overhanging the water (feeding perches for flycatchers, kingfishers, osprey and other birds)

• Fallen logs on the land (preferred habitat for some salamanders)

• High, sandy banks (nesting sites for kingfishers,bank swallows and rough-winged swallows)

By protecting these natural features, you canprovide a strong foundation for wildlife habitaton your property. Unlike native plants, whichcan be reintroduced to your property, it is oftenvery difficult to replicate the habitat providedby the natural features listed above once theyare lost.

Managing for Wildlife

5

2

Insects, the favorite food ofmany fish, are abundant inwaters kept cool by water-front vegetation. Leaves,twigs, and other organic matter from shoreland veg-etation that fall into thewater provide both lunchand breeding grounds foraquatic insects. Theseinsects in turn feed fishand many others up thefood chain. Besides provid-ing insects with the food

and cover they need, trees supply woody cover for lakesand rivers, such as fallen logs and branches. InWisconsin lakes, over 15 different fish species at a timemay inhabit a single downed tree. Birds and turtles canalso be found using woody cover along the shore asresting places and basking spots.

The rich diversity of emergent, floating, and submergedplants located just offshore provide important habitatfor many aquatic animals. Some fish, like bluegills, grazedirectly on the leaves and stems of these aquatic plants,while other fish feed off the bugs and other crittersfound living on or beneath the plants. These shallowplant beds are important spawning areas for a number offish including bass, bluegills, and northern pike.

Besides helping fish, aquatic plants offer food, shelter,and nesting materials for waterfowl, shorebirds andaquatic mammals such as mink and muskrats. Beds ofaquatic plants hide young ducklings from predators andprovide protection from wave action. Loons also dependon these plants to build their mounded nests.

As our shorelands become more developed, theseimportant aquatic plants and the habitat they provideare vanishing. In Minnesota, researchers found thatdeveloped shorelands had on average 66% less floatingand emergent plants than undeveloped shorelands.Researchers in Wisconsin recorded even more dramaticlosses of plant species for developed shorelands— 83% to92% fewer species than undeveloped shorelands. As theaquatic plants disappear, the fish and other animals thatrely on them may not be too far behind.

Life on Land

As roads and houses creep into shoreland areas, thebehavior, reproduction, and survival of animals can beaffected as human activities and structures degrade thesurrounding wildlife habitat. Although researchers haveestimated that animal habitat can be affected up to1,500 feet away from human activities and structures, itmay not be realistic to provide such a wide berth. Butpreserving and restoring shoreland vegetation can helplimit the impact of these disturbances, which mightinclude subtle changes in vegetation and animal travelpatterns. In other words, how you manage your shoreline will determine how attractive it is to birds,frogs, turtles and other wildlife.

Every spring and fall, migrating songbirds and waterfowluse the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers as travel corridors, just as European settlers did when they migratedinto the state. Migrating birds depend on shorelandcorridors for food, cover and nesting areas. Many studieshave confirmed that the key to preserving the diversityand abundance of birds is to preserve plant diversity.Most woodland birds, for instance, require several layersof vegetation, from groundcovers to shrubs to trees.Grassland and wetland birds need a diversity of nativegrasses, wildflowers and shrubs. Simply put, more plantsmean more foraging and nesting sites, thus more birds.

The structure ofthe habitat isimportant, too. Forexample, somebirds prefer treeswith a certaindiameter (24 to 30inches at breastheight for woodducks) for nesting,while birds suchas kingfishers useshrub cover along

the water to conceal their brood. Cavity trees are usedby many kinds of birds for nesting, including woodducks, hooded mergansers, and owls. Osprey, kingfishers,flycatchers and other birds can often be found perchingin dead trees, or snags, along the water watching forfood. Bats roost under the loose bark of dying trees whenthey are not out catching insects. A single bat can eat as

(Protecting Our Living Shores, continued) (Protecting Our Living Shores, continued)

many as 1,200 bugsduring an evening—among them manymosquitoes.

Amphibians andreptiles such assalamanders, frogs,and turtles arecommon along nat-ural shorelands.They often requirewater or dampareas to reproduce,and may move into upland areas for portions of theyear. Salamanders and frogs need unbroken shorelandcorridors because they are often unable to safely crosseven small areas of unsuitable habitat, such as roads andparking lots. To a salamander, whose life revolvesaround water, a cement curb or retaining wall might aswell be the Great Wall of China.

Since so many different types of animals rely onshorelands, it is difficult to select a single width thatcan preserve shoreland habitat for all wildlife.

Recommendations vary depending on the animal and itsneeds. Some animals are more sensitive to humanactivities, and as a result, require more room. Generalrecommendations to preserve wildlife habitat vary from30 feet to over 300 feet wide, with some recommendationsexceeding 1,500 feet.

Muskrats do fine with approximately 30 feet of naturalshorelands but kingfishers, turtles and frogs prefer 100feet to over 300 feet. Some animals, such as herons, scarlettanagers and the American redstart may need over 400 feetto 600 feet of natural shorelands to successfully reproduceand grow.

It is often unrealistic to have widths of 600 feet or moreof shorelands preserved for wildlife. However, narrowercorridors of shorelands surrounding our lakes andrivers will still provide wildlife habitat for some animals.When shoreland development completely rings a lake orfollows the twists and turns of the river, it is importantto restore wildlife travel corridors to and from the water.These travel corridors can provide access to larger tractsof land when the habitat needs of some animals cannotbe met at the water’s edge.

4(continued on page 3) (continued on page 4)

on the soil moisture available. In thefall, the grass turns a burnishedgold, providing color throughout thewinter. It prefers full sun and canhandle dry to moist soil conditions.In their caterpillar stage, manybutterflies, such as the tawny-edgedskipper and the Northern pearly eye,rely on switch grass and other grassesfor food. Switch grass also providesimportant nesting habitat for manygrassland birds.

Blue Joint Grass—Calamagrostis canadensisBlue joint grass grows in clumps withfinely-textured leaves. It can grow 2to 4 feet tall, and prefers full sun. Itis often found in wet areas, but cantolerate occasional dry conditions.Blue joint grass is a cool season grassthat greens up earlier in the springthan most grasses. It is sometimesconfused with reed canary grass, aninvasive exotic plant, which shouldnever be planted in shorelands.

Tussock Sedge—Carex strictaTussock sedge is commonly foundin sedge meadows with its slenderarching leaves. It grows 2 to 3 feet talland prefers full sun with moist soils. Itfavors areas with standing water, butwill withstand occasionally dryingconditions. Many different species ofsedges capture nutrients from runoffto feed their growth, helping toprotect water quality.

WildflowersColumbine—Aquilegia canadensisColumbine has brilliant red andyellow flowers, providing a splashof color in early summer and drawinghummingbirds like a magnet. Itsflower stalks can reach 1 to 3 feettall, preferring medium to dry soils.Columbine is common along woodland edges and in forests.

New England Aster—Aster novae-angliae New England aster provides richmagenta to deep purple blossomsevery fall, growing 1 to 4 feet tall. Itprefers full sun or partial shade, andwill grow in medium to wet soils.In their caterpillar stage and asadults, butterflies use asters forfood. The seeds also provide food formany songbirds in the fall and winter.

Marsh Milkweed—Asclepias incarnataMarsh milkweed has pink to magentaflowers and grows 1 to 4 feet tall.It prefers full sun and wet soils, tolerating an occasional flooding.Marsh milkweed is used by themonarch butterfly in all its life stages.Birds also use milkweeds whenbuilding their nests. Song sparrowsline their nests with the fuzzy white“floss” from seed pods and Baltimoreorioles use it in the construction oftheir hanging nests.

ShrubsRed Osier Dogwood—Cornus stoloniferaRed osier dogwood, a native deciduous shrub, provides excellentshoreland protection. It favors wetsoils and can grow in sun or partialshade. The plant’s striking red stemsare especially attractive in winteragainst the snow. Grouse, turkey,

thrushes, bluebirds, and more favorits distinctive white fruits.

Highbush Cranberry—Viburnum opulus L. subsp.trilobumHighbush cranberry has showywhite flowers that are followed byscarlet fruits that persist into winter,offering food to wildlife. Its leavesturn a deep red to purple in the fall.This very hardy deciduous shrubtolerates wet conditions, and growsin sun to part shade. Grouse,pheasant, and small birds use theplant for cover, and bluebirds, cedarwaxwings, cardinals, and otherseat the fruit. Stay away from thepotentially invasive improved orhorticultural varieties of the highbushcranberry.

TreesSwamp White Oak—Quercus bicolorThe swamp white oak can reachheights of 60 to 70 feet. It is commonin wet soils along streams andswamps, and is tolerant of occasionalflooding. Its acorns provide animportant food source for manyanimals through the winter, includingturkey and white-tailed deer.

Tamarack—Larix laricinaTamarack is a deciduous conifer,which means it produces new needlesevery spring. In the fall the needlesturn a bright golden color before thetree sheds them. Tamarack can growto heights of 90 feet. It preferssunny sites and does not tolerateshade. Tamarack is common in thewet, peaty soils of bogs andswamps, but can also be found indrier upland sites. Sharp-tail grouse,pine siskin and other birds will eattamarack seeds from its cones.Snowshoe hares will also eat thebark and branches of tamarack.

To enhance the wildlife habitatalong a shoreland or anywhere,restore a diverse mix of native

grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.There are many plants to choose frombut several of the easiest to find atlocal nurseries and greenhouses arelisted below. Even if you are unableto restore your shoreland all at once,finding places for these and othernative plants is a good starting pointto help wildlife.

GrassesSwitch Grass—Panicum virgatumSwitch grass has delicate, airy seed-heads that follow any breeze. It canreach a height of 3 to 6 feet depending

Shoreland Plants that Please

3

(Shoreland Plants that Please, continued)

Columbine

Red Osier Dogwood

2

Insects, the favorite food ofmany fish, are abundant inwaters kept cool by water-front vegetation. Leaves,twigs, and other organic matter from shoreland veg-etation that fall into thewater provide both lunchand breeding grounds foraquatic insects. Theseinsects in turn feed fishand many others up thefood chain. Besides provid-ing insects with the food

and cover they need, trees supply woody cover for lakesand rivers, such as fallen logs and branches. InWisconsin lakes, over 15 different fish species at a timemay inhabit a single downed tree. Birds and turtles canalso be found using woody cover along the shore asresting places and basking spots.

The rich diversity of emergent, floating, and submergedplants located just offshore provide important habitatfor many aquatic animals. Some fish, like bluegills, grazedirectly on the leaves and stems of these aquatic plants,while other fish feed off the bugs and other crittersfound living on or beneath the plants. These shallowplant beds are important spawning areas for a number offish including bass, bluegills, and northern pike.

Besides helping fish, aquatic plants offer food, shelter,and nesting materials for waterfowl, shorebirds andaquatic mammals such as mink and muskrats. Beds ofaquatic plants hide young ducklings from predators andprovide protection from wave action. Loons also dependon these plants to build their mounded nests.

As our shorelands become more developed, theseimportant aquatic plants and the habitat they provideare vanishing. In Minnesota, researchers found thatdeveloped shorelands had on average 66% less floatingand emergent plants than undeveloped shorelands.Researchers in Wisconsin recorded even more dramaticlosses of plant species for developed shorelands— 83% to92% fewer species than undeveloped shorelands. As theaquatic plants disappear, the fish and other animals thatrely on them may not be too far behind.

Life on Land

As roads and houses creep into shoreland areas, thebehavior, reproduction, and survival of animals can beaffected as human activities and structures degrade thesurrounding wildlife habitat. Although researchers haveestimated that animal habitat can be affected up to1,500 feet away from human activities and structures, itmay not be realistic to provide such a wide berth. Butpreserving and restoring shoreland vegetation can helplimit the impact of these disturbances, which mightinclude subtle changes in vegetation and animal travelpatterns. In other words, how you manage your shoreline will determine how attractive it is to birds,frogs, turtles and other wildlife.

Every spring and fall, migrating songbirds and waterfowluse the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers as travel corridors, just as European settlers did when they migratedinto the state. Migrating birds depend on shorelandcorridors for food, cover and nesting areas. Many studieshave confirmed that the key to preserving the diversityand abundance of birds is to preserve plant diversity.Most woodland birds, for instance, require several layersof vegetation, from groundcovers to shrubs to trees.Grassland and wetland birds need a diversity of nativegrasses, wildflowers and shrubs. Simply put, more plantsmean more foraging and nesting sites, thus more birds.

The structure ofthe habitat isimportant, too. Forexample, somebirds prefer treeswith a certaindiameter (24 to 30inches at breastheight for woodducks) for nesting,while birds suchas kingfishers useshrub cover along

the water to conceal their brood. Cavity trees are usedby many kinds of birds for nesting, including woodducks, hooded mergansers, and owls. Osprey, kingfishers,flycatchers and other birds can often be found perchingin dead trees, or snags, along the water watching forfood. Bats roost under the loose bark of dying trees whenthey are not out catching insects. A single bat can eat as

(Protecting Our Living Shores, continued) (Protecting Our Living Shores, continued)

many as 1,200 bugsduring an evening—among them manymosquitoes.

Amphibians andreptiles such assalamanders, frogs,and turtles arecommon along nat-ural shorelands.They often requirewater or dampareas to reproduce,and may move into upland areas for portions of theyear. Salamanders and frogs need unbroken shorelandcorridors because they are often unable to safely crosseven small areas of unsuitable habitat, such as roads andparking lots. To a salamander, whose life revolvesaround water, a cement curb or retaining wall might aswell be the Great Wall of China.

Since so many different types of animals rely onshorelands, it is difficult to select a single width thatcan preserve shoreland habitat for all wildlife.

Recommendations vary depending on the animal and itsneeds. Some animals are more sensitive to humanactivities, and as a result, require more room. Generalrecommendations to preserve wildlife habitat vary from30 feet to over 300 feet wide, with some recommendationsexceeding 1,500 feet.

Muskrats do fine with approximately 30 feet of naturalshorelands but kingfishers, turtles and frogs prefer 100feet to over 300 feet. Some animals, such as herons, scarlettanagers and the American redstart may need over 400 feetto 600 feet of natural shorelands to successfully reproduceand grow.

It is often unrealistic to have widths of 600 feet or moreof shorelands preserved for wildlife. However, narrowercorridors of shorelands surrounding our lakes andrivers will still provide wildlife habitat for some animals.When shoreland development completely rings a lake orfollows the twists and turns of the river, it is importantto restore wildlife travel corridors to and from the water.These travel corridors can provide access to larger tractsof land when the habitat needs of some animals cannotbe met at the water’s edge.

4(continued on page 3) (continued on page 4)

on the soil moisture available. In thefall, the grass turns a burnishedgold, providing color throughout thewinter. It prefers full sun and canhandle dry to moist soil conditions.In their caterpillar stage, manybutterflies, such as the tawny-edgedskipper and the Northern pearly eye,rely on switch grass and other grassesfor food. Switch grass also providesimportant nesting habitat for manygrassland birds.

Blue Joint Grass—Calamagrostis canadensisBlue joint grass grows in clumps withfinely-textured leaves. It can grow 2to 4 feet tall, and prefers full sun. Itis often found in wet areas, but cantolerate occasional dry conditions.Blue joint grass is a cool season grassthat greens up earlier in the springthan most grasses. It is sometimesconfused with reed canary grass, aninvasive exotic plant, which shouldnever be planted in shorelands.

Tussock Sedge—Carex strictaTussock sedge is commonly foundin sedge meadows with its slenderarching leaves. It grows 2 to 3 feet talland prefers full sun with moist soils. Itfavors areas with standing water, butwill withstand occasionally dryingconditions. Many different species ofsedges capture nutrients from runoffto feed their growth, helping toprotect water quality.

WildflowersColumbine—Aquilegia canadensisColumbine has brilliant red andyellow flowers, providing a splashof color in early summer and drawinghummingbirds like a magnet. Itsflower stalks can reach 1 to 3 feettall, preferring medium to dry soils.Columbine is common along woodland edges and in forests.

New England Aster—Aster novae-angliae New England aster provides richmagenta to deep purple blossomsevery fall, growing 1 to 4 feet tall. Itprefers full sun or partial shade, andwill grow in medium to wet soils.In their caterpillar stage and asadults, butterflies use asters forfood. The seeds also provide food formany songbirds in the fall and winter.

Marsh Milkweed—Asclepias incarnataMarsh milkweed has pink to magentaflowers and grows 1 to 4 feet tall.It prefers full sun and wet soils, tolerating an occasional flooding.Marsh milkweed is used by themonarch butterfly in all its life stages.Birds also use milkweeds whenbuilding their nests. Song sparrowsline their nests with the fuzzy white“floss” from seed pods and Baltimoreorioles use it in the construction oftheir hanging nests.

ShrubsRed Osier Dogwood—Cornus stoloniferaRed osier dogwood, a native deciduous shrub, provides excellentshoreland protection. It favors wetsoils and can grow in sun or partialshade. The plant’s striking red stemsare especially attractive in winteragainst the snow. Grouse, turkey,

thrushes, bluebirds, and more favorits distinctive white fruits.

Highbush Cranberry—Viburnum opulus L. subsp.trilobumHighbush cranberry has showywhite flowers that are followed byscarlet fruits that persist into winter,offering food to wildlife. Its leavesturn a deep red to purple in the fall.This very hardy deciduous shrubtolerates wet conditions, and growsin sun to part shade. Grouse,pheasant, and small birds use theplant for cover, and bluebirds, cedarwaxwings, cardinals, and otherseat the fruit. Stay away from thepotentially invasive improved orhorticultural varieties of the highbushcranberry.

TreesSwamp White Oak—Quercus bicolorThe swamp white oak can reachheights of 60 to 70 feet. It is commonin wet soils along streams andswamps, and is tolerant of occasionalflooding. Its acorns provide animportant food source for manyanimals through the winter, includingturkey and white-tailed deer.

Tamarack—Larix laricinaTamarack is a deciduous conifer,which means it produces new needlesevery spring. In the fall the needlesturn a bright golden color before thetree sheds them. Tamarack can growto heights of 90 feet. It preferssunny sites and does not tolerateshade. Tamarack is common in thewet, peaty soils of bogs andswamps, but can also be found indrier upland sites. Sharp-tail grouse,pine siskin and other birds will eattamarack seeds from its cones.Snowshoe hares will also eat thebark and branches of tamarack.

To enhance the wildlife habitatalong a shoreland or anywhere,restore a diverse mix of native

grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.There are many plants to choose frombut several of the easiest to find atlocal nurseries and greenhouses arelisted below. Even if you are unableto restore your shoreland all at once,finding places for these and othernative plants is a good starting pointto help wildlife.

GrassesSwitch Grass—Panicum virgatumSwitch grass has delicate, airy seed-heads that follow any breeze. It canreach a height of 3 to 6 feet depending

Shoreland Plants that Please

3

(Shoreland Plants that Please, continued)

Columbine

Red Osier Dogwood

2

Insects, the favorite food ofmany fish, are abundant inwaters kept cool by water-front vegetation. Leaves,twigs, and other organic matter from shoreland veg-etation that fall into thewater provide both lunchand breeding grounds foraquatic insects. Theseinsects in turn feed fishand many others up thefood chain. Besides provid-ing insects with the food

and cover they need, trees supply woody cover for lakesand rivers, such as fallen logs and branches. InWisconsin lakes, over 15 different fish species at a timemay inhabit a single downed tree. Birds and turtles canalso be found using woody cover along the shore asresting places and basking spots.

The rich diversity of emergent, floating, and submergedplants located just offshore provide important habitatfor many aquatic animals. Some fish, like bluegills, grazedirectly on the leaves and stems of these aquatic plants,while other fish feed off the bugs and other crittersfound living on or beneath the plants. These shallowplant beds are important spawning areas for a number offish including bass, bluegills, and northern pike.

Besides helping fish, aquatic plants offer food, shelter,and nesting materials for waterfowl, shorebirds andaquatic mammals such as mink and muskrats. Beds ofaquatic plants hide young ducklings from predators andprovide protection from wave action. Loons also dependon these plants to build their mounded nests.

As our shorelands become more developed, theseimportant aquatic plants and the habitat they provideare vanishing. In Minnesota, researchers found thatdeveloped shorelands had on average 66% less floatingand emergent plants than undeveloped shorelands.Researchers in Wisconsin recorded even more dramaticlosses of plant species for developed shorelands— 83% to92% fewer species than undeveloped shorelands. As theaquatic plants disappear, the fish and other animals thatrely on them may not be too far behind.

Life on Land

As roads and houses creep into shoreland areas, thebehavior, reproduction, and survival of animals can beaffected as human activities and structures degrade thesurrounding wildlife habitat. Although researchers haveestimated that animal habitat can be affected up to1,500 feet away from human activities and structures, itmay not be realistic to provide such a wide berth. Butpreserving and restoring shoreland vegetation can helplimit the impact of these disturbances, which mightinclude subtle changes in vegetation and animal travelpatterns. In other words, how you manage your shoreline will determine how attractive it is to birds,frogs, turtles and other wildlife.

Every spring and fall, migrating songbirds and waterfowluse the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers as travel corridors, just as European settlers did when they migratedinto the state. Migrating birds depend on shorelandcorridors for food, cover and nesting areas. Many studieshave confirmed that the key to preserving the diversityand abundance of birds is to preserve plant diversity.Most woodland birds, for instance, require several layersof vegetation, from groundcovers to shrubs to trees.Grassland and wetland birds need a diversity of nativegrasses, wildflowers and shrubs. Simply put, more plantsmean more foraging and nesting sites, thus more birds.

The structure ofthe habitat isimportant, too. Forexample, somebirds prefer treeswith a certaindiameter (24 to 30inches at breastheight for woodducks) for nesting,while birds suchas kingfishers useshrub cover along

the water to conceal their brood. Cavity trees are usedby many kinds of birds for nesting, including woodducks, hooded mergansers, and owls. Osprey, kingfishers,flycatchers and other birds can often be found perchingin dead trees, or snags, along the water watching forfood. Bats roost under the loose bark of dying trees whenthey are not out catching insects. A single bat can eat as

(Protecting Our Living Shores, continued) (Protecting Our Living Shores, continued)

many as 1,200 bugsduring an evening—among them manymosquitoes.

Amphibians andreptiles such assalamanders, frogs,and turtles arecommon along nat-ural shorelands.They often requirewater or dampareas to reproduce,and may move into upland areas for portions of theyear. Salamanders and frogs need unbroken shorelandcorridors because they are often unable to safely crosseven small areas of unsuitable habitat, such as roads andparking lots. To a salamander, whose life revolvesaround water, a cement curb or retaining wall might aswell be the Great Wall of China.

Since so many different types of animals rely onshorelands, it is difficult to select a single width thatcan preserve shoreland habitat for all wildlife.

Recommendations vary depending on the animal and itsneeds. Some animals are more sensitive to humanactivities, and as a result, require more room. Generalrecommendations to preserve wildlife habitat vary from30 feet to over 300 feet wide, with some recommendationsexceeding 1,500 feet.

Muskrats do fine with approximately 30 feet of naturalshorelands but kingfishers, turtles and frogs prefer 100feet to over 300 feet. Some animals, such as herons, scarlettanagers and the American redstart may need over 400 feetto 600 feet of natural shorelands to successfully reproduceand grow.

It is often unrealistic to have widths of 600 feet or moreof shorelands preserved for wildlife. However, narrowercorridors of shorelands surrounding our lakes andrivers will still provide wildlife habitat for some animals.When shoreland development completely rings a lake orfollows the twists and turns of the river, it is importantto restore wildlife travel corridors to and from the water.These travel corridors can provide access to larger tractsof land when the habitat needs of some animals cannotbe met at the water’s edge.

4(continued on page 3) (continued on page 4)

on the soil moisture available. In thefall, the grass turns a burnishedgold, providing color throughout thewinter. It prefers full sun and canhandle dry to moist soil conditions.In their caterpillar stage, manybutterflies, such as the tawny-edgedskipper and the Northern pearly eye,rely on switch grass and other grassesfor food. Switch grass also providesimportant nesting habitat for manygrassland birds.

Blue Joint Grass—Calamagrostis canadensisBlue joint grass grows in clumps withfinely-textured leaves. It can grow 2to 4 feet tall, and prefers full sun. Itis often found in wet areas, but cantolerate occasional dry conditions.Blue joint grass is a cool season grassthat greens up earlier in the springthan most grasses. It is sometimesconfused with reed canary grass, aninvasive exotic plant, which shouldnever be planted in shorelands.

Tussock Sedge—Carex strictaTussock sedge is commonly foundin sedge meadows with its slenderarching leaves. It grows 2 to 3 feet talland prefers full sun with moist soils. Itfavors areas with standing water, butwill withstand occasionally dryingconditions. Many different species ofsedges capture nutrients from runoffto feed their growth, helping toprotect water quality.

WildflowersColumbine—Aquilegia canadensisColumbine has brilliant red andyellow flowers, providing a splashof color in early summer and drawinghummingbirds like a magnet. Itsflower stalks can reach 1 to 3 feettall, preferring medium to dry soils.Columbine is common along woodland edges and in forests.

New England Aster—Aster novae-angliae New England aster provides richmagenta to deep purple blossomsevery fall, growing 1 to 4 feet tall. Itprefers full sun or partial shade, andwill grow in medium to wet soils.In their caterpillar stage and asadults, butterflies use asters forfood. The seeds also provide food formany songbirds in the fall and winter.

Marsh Milkweed—Asclepias incarnataMarsh milkweed has pink to magentaflowers and grows 1 to 4 feet tall.It prefers full sun and wet soils, tolerating an occasional flooding.Marsh milkweed is used by themonarch butterfly in all its life stages.Birds also use milkweeds whenbuilding their nests. Song sparrowsline their nests with the fuzzy white“floss” from seed pods and Baltimoreorioles use it in the construction oftheir hanging nests.

ShrubsRed Osier Dogwood—Cornus stoloniferaRed osier dogwood, a native deciduous shrub, provides excellentshoreland protection. It favors wetsoils and can grow in sun or partialshade. The plant’s striking red stemsare especially attractive in winteragainst the snow. Grouse, turkey,

thrushes, bluebirds, and more favorits distinctive white fruits.

Highbush Cranberry—Viburnum opulus L. subsp.trilobumHighbush cranberry has showywhite flowers that are followed byscarlet fruits that persist into winter,offering food to wildlife. Its leavesturn a deep red to purple in the fall.This very hardy deciduous shrubtolerates wet conditions, and growsin sun to part shade. Grouse,pheasant, and small birds use theplant for cover, and bluebirds, cedarwaxwings, cardinals, and otherseat the fruit. Stay away from thepotentially invasive improved orhorticultural varieties of the highbushcranberry.

TreesSwamp White Oak—Quercus bicolorThe swamp white oak can reachheights of 60 to 70 feet. It is commonin wet soils along streams andswamps, and is tolerant of occasionalflooding. Its acorns provide animportant food source for manyanimals through the winter, includingturkey and white-tailed deer.

Tamarack—Larix laricinaTamarack is a deciduous conifer,which means it produces new needlesevery spring. In the fall the needlesturn a bright golden color before thetree sheds them. Tamarack can growto heights of 90 feet. It preferssunny sites and does not tolerateshade. Tamarack is common in thewet, peaty soils of bogs andswamps, but can also be found indrier upland sites. Sharp-tail grouse,pine siskin and other birds will eattamarack seeds from its cones.Snowshoe hares will also eat thebark and branches of tamarack.

To enhance the wildlife habitatalong a shoreland or anywhere,restore a diverse mix of native

grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.There are many plants to choose frombut several of the easiest to find atlocal nurseries and greenhouses arelisted below. Even if you are unableto restore your shoreland all at once,finding places for these and othernative plants is a good starting pointto help wildlife.

GrassesSwitch Grass—Panicum virgatumSwitch grass has delicate, airy seed-heads that follow any breeze. It canreach a height of 3 to 6 feet depending

Shoreland Plants that Please

3

(Shoreland Plants that Please, continued)

Columbine

Red Osier Dogwood

Smallmouth bass are commonlyfound in medium to large streamsand in large, clearwater lakesthroughout Wisconsin. Althoughconsidered a “warm water” fish,smallmouth bass actually prefercool water. Unlike largemouth bass,which are found in the shallow,weedy areas of lakes and riverbackwaters, the smallmouth bassprefers moderately swift-flowingwater in the rocky portions ofstreams, and deeper water in lakesover rocky bars and ledges.

In early summer when water temperatures reach about 62º F, the male smallmouthconstruct spawning nests in the shallow waters it normally shuns. Nests arebuilt at depths of 1 foot to nearly 20 feet of water on rock, gravel and sandysurfaces. Shoreland development can limit the availability of nesting sites forsmallmouth bass when soil from construction sites and eroding shores coversthese preferred spawning areas. Nests are constructed next to large rocks orwoody cover, such as fallen logs, to provide protection from predators. A studyconducted in northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan suggests that the woodycover that smallmouth bass and many other fish depend on is decreasing asresidential development along shorelines increases. Another study of northernWisconsin shorelands found that the average tree cover of 57% on undevelopedsites was reduced to 38% on developed sites, which means less woody cover inour lakes and rivers.

Once hatched, the smallmouth’s diet consists of tiny crustaceans such as waterfleas. As it matures, the smallmouth’s diet expands to include other fish, crayfish,and various insect larvae and adults. Since bass depend on sight to find food,good water clarity is essential. Water clarity lessens when soil washes into lakesand rivers and with excessive algae blooms. But natural shorelands can helpprotect water clarity. Native shoreland vegetation can catch sediment andattached nutrients before the soil reaches the water, starving off algae growth. InWisconsin, phosphorus is the key nutrient responsible for algae and weedgrowth in over 80% of the lakes. Testing soil to find correct fertilizer amountsfor lawns and gardens can help reduce excess nutrients in runoff. Using low- or no-phosphorus fertilizer (the middle number on the fertilizer bag refers to phosphoruscontent) will help keep this nutrient out of our waters.

Smallmouth bass are just one of many creatures found along our living shores.You can help to ensure that fish, turtles, loons and other wildlife thrive alongWisconsin’s shorelands by protecting natural shorelands and working to restorethem.

Local, state and federal authoritiesprotect wildlife habitat alongshorelands in several ways. Localordinances often establish minimumsetbacks forstructures,septic systems,and wells.Many communi-ties regulatethe removalof vegetation along the shoreland.Permits may also be needed forland disturbance activities, such asgrading or filling, to ensure thatproper soil erosion control plansare implemented.

The State of Wisconsin regulatesactivities occurring below theordinary high water mark of lakesand rivers.The ordinary highwater mark is the point on thebank or shore where the waterleaves a distinct mark and is oftenlocated above “normal” waterlevels. If you are thinking ofremoving (or planting) any plantsin the water or in a wetland,contact your local DNR aquaticplant specialist for advice and todetermine if a permit is required.Both the state and the UnitedStates Army Corps of Engineerscan be involved in any wetlandprojects. Be certain to get allrequired permits before startingany work in shorelands, floodplains,or wetlands.

Know Local, State &Federal Regulations: It’s the Law

In-Depth Study:Smallmouth Bass

Additional ResourcesLandscaping for Wildlife and Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality—Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1-800-657-3757Life on the Edge: Owning Waterfront Property—(17-minute video) Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, (715) 346-2116Shoreland Restoration: A Growing Solution—(GWQ032, 15-minute video) UW-Extension Publications, 608-262-3346 or 1-877-947-7827 (toll free)The Water’s Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your waterfront property (FH-428-00)—Available from local DNR service centersWisconsin Native Plant Sources: Seeds and plants for prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and shorelands—UW-Extension Basin Educator for Natural

Resources, Milwaukee & Sheboygan River Basins, (414) 290-2434 http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/native/index.htm

Shoreland Stewardship Series:This is the third fact sheet in the shoreland stewardship series. The entire series is available from the county UW-Extension offices, ExtensionPublications (1-877-947-7827), or Wisconsin DNR service centers. It is also available online at http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/shore.

A publication of University of Wisconsin-Extension, Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the WisconsinAssociation of Lakes, and The River Alliance of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources acknowledges the Great LakesProtection Fund and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region V (through Section 319 of the Water Quality Act) for their involvementin the partial funding of this publication.

©2003 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved. Text developed by Carmen Wagner, John Haack, andRobert Korth. Photos courtesy of Jeffery Baylis, Robert Korth, J. Nehls, Robert Queen, Jeff Strobel, Carmen Wagner, and DNR file photos. Editingand design by the Environmental Resources Center, UW-Extension.

UWEX PUB-GWQ039DNR PUB-WT-764 2003I-06-03-5M-25 The Wisconsin

Lakes Partnership

WIS

CON

SIN

ASSOCIATIONof LAKES

Number 3

Something amazing happens when land meets thewater. The life force virtually blossoms into a levelof diversity that is unparalleled on any parcel of

upland. The variety within shorelands can includeuplands, wetlands and water, and supports plants andanimals from all three areas and many plants and animalsonly found in shorelands. In fact, 80% of endangered orthreatened species found in Wisconsin spend all or partof their lives in shoreland areas. You don’t have to be ananimal-lover or botanist to realize the significance ofthis biological panorama. By understanding how fish,waterfowl, and other wildlife depend on shorelands, wecan begin to work to protect Wisconsin’s living shores.

Protecting Our Living Shores

Life in the Water

“ . . .I have become satisfied that the destruction of treesbordering on these streams and the changed conditionsof the banks produced thereby, has resulted in thedestruction of the natural harbours or hiding places ofthe trout . . .” — J. F. Van Cleef, American FisheriesSociety, 1885.

As early as 1885, people were beginning to understandthat fish and other aquatic life do not always adapt tochanges on the land around their home. Replacingnaturally vegetated shorelands with managed landscapessuch as lawns, golf courses, and cropland can harmwater quality when runoff carries soil, pesticides andfertilizers into lakes and rivers.

One of the easiest ways to detect a change in waterquality is to watch for a change in water clarity. Whenyou notice a change, so will the fish. Many species offish rely on sight to find their food, and if the water isdirty, it becomes difficult for some fish to find food. As

water quality decreases, insects and many other delicaciesalso begin to disappear. Among the first to go are caddisflies and mayflies, the favorite food of trout.

Rain water and snow melt can become nutrient-ladenas they run across lawns and gardens, picking up excessfertilizers that have been applied. These nutrients cancause excessive aquatic weed growth that reduces theoxygen supply in lakes and rivers. This change favorspopulations of carp, catfish, suckers and other roughfish that are more tolerant of low oxygen conditions.Oxygen levels can be lowered further as rough fishremove the oxygen-producing plants found on thebeds of lakes and rivers and as people clear shorelandvegetation that shades the water. Cooler water holdsmore oxygen and reduces stress on fish and other aquaticcreatures. A few degrees difference in temperature canhave a major effect on their survival. It’s important tokeep even tiny brooks not big enough to hold fish coolerbecause the cool water, rich in oxygen, eventuallyreaches fish downstream.

(continued on page 2)

One of the easiest ways to maintain the qualityof wildlife habitat is to minimize habitatalteration during and after construction. For

example, the design of structures, trails, androads can blend into the natural landscape tominimize impacts to wildlife habitat. Shorelandsshould also be protected during construction.On developed properties, wildlife habitat can beeasily enhanced with the reintroduction ofnative plants and restoration of shorelands.

If you’re ready to enhance habitat, the first step istake a moment to look around your property.There may already be many natural features onyour property that are valuable to wildlife such as:

• Large, dead standing or cavity trees (wood ducks, hooded mergansers, owls, hawks, osprey and eagles use for nesting and roostingor dens for some animals)

• Large, dying trees (woodpeckers search for insects and bats roost under loose bark)

• Seasonal pools and ephemeral wetlands (used by amphibians for breeding)

• Berry “tangles” (cover for many species of wildlife)

• Logs and branches in the water (basking areasfor turtles and cover for fish)

• Lakeshore and streambank burrows (homes ofweasels, otters and muskrats)

• Sandy soils with good sun exposure (used by turtles for nesting areas)

• Rock piles (cover for snakes and small mammals)

• Large trees overhanging the water (feeding perches for flycatchers, kingfishers, osprey and other birds)

• Fallen logs on the land (preferred habitat for some salamanders)

• High, sandy banks (nesting sites for kingfishers,bank swallows and rough-winged swallows)

By protecting these natural features, you canprovide a strong foundation for wildlife habitaton your property. Unlike native plants, whichcan be reintroduced to your property, it is oftenvery difficult to replicate the habitat providedby the natural features listed above once theyare lost.

Managing for Wildlife

5

Smallmouth bass are commonlyfound in medium to large streamsand in large, clearwater lakesthroughout Wisconsin. Althoughconsidered a “warm water” fish,smallmouth bass actually prefercool water. Unlike largemouth bass,which are found in the shallow,weedy areas of lakes and riverbackwaters, the smallmouth bassprefers moderately swift-flowingwater in the rocky portions ofstreams, and deeper water in lakesover rocky bars and ledges.

In early summer when water temperatures reach about 62º F, the male smallmouthconstruct spawning nests in the shallow waters it normally shuns. Nests arebuilt at depths of 1 foot to nearly 20 feet of water on rock, gravel and sandysurfaces. Shoreland development can limit the availability of nesting sites forsmallmouth bass when soil from construction sites and eroding shores coversthese preferred spawning areas. Nests are constructed next to large rocks orwoody cover, such as fallen logs, to provide protection from predators. A studyconducted in northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan suggests that the woodycover that smallmouth bass and many other fish depend on is decreasing asresidential development along shorelines increases. Another study of northernWisconsin shorelands found that the average tree cover of 57% on undevelopedsites was reduced to 38% on developed sites, which means less woody cover inour lakes and rivers.

Once hatched, the smallmouth’s diet consists of tiny crustaceans such as waterfleas. As it matures, the smallmouth’s diet expands to include other fish, crayfish,and various insect larvae and adults. Since bass depend on sight to find food,good water clarity is essential. Water clarity lessens when soil washes into lakesand rivers and with excessive algae blooms. But natural shorelands can helpprotect water clarity. Native shoreland vegetation can catch sediment andattached nutrients before the soil reaches the water, starving off algae growth. InWisconsin, phosphorus is the key nutrient responsible for algae and weedgrowth in over 80% of the lakes. Testing soil to find correct fertilizer amountsfor lawns and gardens can help reduce excess nutrients in runoff. Using low- or no-phosphorus fertilizer (the middle number on the fertilizer bag refers to phosphoruscontent) will help keep this nutrient out of our waters.

Smallmouth bass are just one of many creatures found along our living shores.You can help to ensure that fish, turtles, loons and other wildlife thrive alongWisconsin’s shorelands by protecting natural shorelands and working to restorethem.

Local, state and federal authoritiesprotect wildlife habitat alongshorelands in several ways. Localordinances often establish minimumsetbacks forstructures,septic systems,and wells.Many communi-ties regulatethe removalof vegetation along the shoreland.Permits may also be needed forland disturbance activities, such asgrading or filling, to ensure thatproper soil erosion control plansare implemented.

The State of Wisconsin regulatesactivities occurring below theordinary high water mark of lakesand rivers.The ordinary highwater mark is the point on thebank or shore where the waterleaves a distinct mark and is oftenlocated above “normal” waterlevels. If you are thinking ofremoving (or planting) any plantsin the water or in a wetland,contact your local DNR aquaticplant specialist for advice and todetermine if a permit is required.Both the state and the UnitedStates Army Corps of Engineerscan be involved in any wetlandprojects. Be certain to get allrequired permits before startingany work in shorelands, floodplains,or wetlands.

Know Local, State &Federal Regulations: It’s the Law

In-Depth Study:Smallmouth Bass

Additional ResourcesLandscaping for Wildlife and Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality—Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1-800-657-3757Life on the Edge: Owning Waterfront Property—(17-minute video) Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, (715) 346-2116Shoreland Restoration: A Growing Solution—(GWQ032, 15-minute video) UW-Extension Publications, 608-262-3346 or 1-877-947-7827 (toll free)The Water’s Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your waterfront property (FH-428-00)—Available from local DNR service centersWisconsin Native Plant Sources: Seeds and plants for prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and shorelands—UW-Extension Basin Educator for Natural

Resources, Milwaukee & Sheboygan River Basins, (414) 290-2434 http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/native/index.htm

Shoreland Stewardship Series:This is the third fact sheet in the shoreland stewardship series. The entire series is available from the county UW-Extension offices, ExtensionPublications (1-877-947-7827), or Wisconsin DNR service centers. It is also available online at http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/shore.

A publication of University of Wisconsin-Extension, Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the WisconsinAssociation of Lakes, and The River Alliance of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources acknowledges the Great LakesProtection Fund and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region V (through Section 319 of the Water Quality Act) for their involvementin the partial funding of this publication.

©2003 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved. Text developed by Carmen Wagner, John Haack, andRobert Korth. Photos courtesy of Jeffery Baylis, Robert Korth, J. Nehls, Robert Queen, Jeff Strobel, Carmen Wagner, and DNR file photos. Editingand design by the Environmental Resources Center, UW-Extension.

UWEX PUB-GWQ039DNR PUB-WT-764 2003I-06-03-5M-25 The Wisconsin

Lakes Partnership

WIS

CON

SIN

ASSOCIATIONof LAKES

Number 3

Something amazing happens when land meets thewater. The life force virtually blossoms into a levelof diversity that is unparalleled on any parcel of

upland. The variety within shorelands can includeuplands, wetlands and water, and supports plants andanimals from all three areas and many plants and animalsonly found in shorelands. In fact, 80% of endangered orthreatened species found in Wisconsin spend all or partof their lives in shoreland areas. You don’t have to be ananimal-lover or botanist to realize the significance ofthis biological panorama. By understanding how fish,waterfowl, and other wildlife depend on shorelands, wecan begin to work to protect Wisconsin’s living shores.

Protecting Our Living Shores

Life in the Water

“ . . .I have become satisfied that the destruction of treesbordering on these streams and the changed conditionsof the banks produced thereby, has resulted in thedestruction of the natural harbours or hiding places ofthe trout . . .” — J. F. Van Cleef, American FisheriesSociety, 1885.

As early as 1885, people were beginning to understandthat fish and other aquatic life do not always adapt tochanges on the land around their home. Replacingnaturally vegetated shorelands with managed landscapessuch as lawns, golf courses, and cropland can harmwater quality when runoff carries soil, pesticides andfertilizers into lakes and rivers.

One of the easiest ways to detect a change in waterquality is to watch for a change in water clarity. Whenyou notice a change, so will the fish. Many species offish rely on sight to find their food, and if the water isdirty, it becomes difficult for some fish to find food. As

water quality decreases, insects and many other delicaciesalso begin to disappear. Among the first to go are caddisflies and mayflies, the favorite food of trout.

Rain water and snow melt can become nutrient-ladenas they run across lawns and gardens, picking up excessfertilizers that have been applied. These nutrients cancause excessive aquatic weed growth that reduces theoxygen supply in lakes and rivers. This change favorspopulations of carp, catfish, suckers and other roughfish that are more tolerant of low oxygen conditions.Oxygen levels can be lowered further as rough fishremove the oxygen-producing plants found on thebeds of lakes and rivers and as people clear shorelandvegetation that shades the water. Cooler water holdsmore oxygen and reduces stress on fish and other aquaticcreatures. A few degrees difference in temperature canhave a major effect on their survival. It’s important tokeep even tiny brooks not big enough to hold fish coolerbecause the cool water, rich in oxygen, eventuallyreaches fish downstream.

(continued on page 2)

One of the easiest ways to maintain the qualityof wildlife habitat is to minimize habitatalteration during and after construction. For

example, the design of structures, trails, androads can blend into the natural landscape tominimize impacts to wildlife habitat. Shorelandsshould also be protected during construction.On developed properties, wildlife habitat can beeasily enhanced with the reintroduction ofnative plants and restoration of shorelands.

If you’re ready to enhance habitat, the first step istake a moment to look around your property.There may already be many natural features onyour property that are valuable to wildlife such as:

• Large, dead standing or cavity trees (wood ducks, hooded mergansers, owls, hawks, osprey and eagles use for nesting and roostingor dens for some animals)

• Large, dying trees (woodpeckers search for insects and bats roost under loose bark)

• Seasonal pools and ephemeral wetlands (used by amphibians for breeding)

• Berry “tangles” (cover for many species of wildlife)

• Logs and branches in the water (basking areasfor turtles and cover for fish)

• Lakeshore and streambank burrows (homes ofweasels, otters and muskrats)

• Sandy soils with good sun exposure (used by turtles for nesting areas)

• Rock piles (cover for snakes and small mammals)

• Large trees overhanging the water (feeding perches for flycatchers, kingfishers, osprey and other birds)

• Fallen logs on the land (preferred habitat for some salamanders)

• High, sandy banks (nesting sites for kingfishers,bank swallows and rough-winged swallows)

By protecting these natural features, you canprovide a strong foundation for wildlife habitaton your property. Unlike native plants, whichcan be reintroduced to your property, it is oftenvery difficult to replicate the habitat providedby the natural features listed above once theyare lost.

Managing for Wildlife

5